Step 3 - Cut With Miter Saw. length of downspout to make a fold-up extension. For holes larger than the size of a nail hole, use tin snips to cut a strip of flashing. By using our site, you agree to our. Align one side of the square with the bottom edge of the gutter and the other side of the square with the measurement mark. Apply seala… You can double check the ‘fall’ with your spirit level . Removing Existing Guttering. Turn on the saw and carefully run it through the vinyl. Install two U-shaped downspout brackets on the corner of the house, one high and one low. One of the bigger advantages I still, the fact that you can cut through it very easy. Step 4 Take the side that fits around the drainpipe and slip it around the drainpipe. Finish the Job and Backfill. Then, use a fine-toothed saw to make the cut. More From Doityourself Related Posts. Related Posts. Make sure it is wide enough to fully cover the area with the hole. If you’d like to cut through very large sections of plastic, you can do so by drilling small holes throughout its surface. Black Downspout Extension 24-in Black Vinyl Downspout Extension. Unaltered, two downspout pieces measure an … Cutting the downspout to position the out-flow where you want it only takes a couple of minutes, a few tools and some know how. Source: Home DepotThis is probably the most common type of gutter that is currently available, and for good reason as they are incredibly lightweight and easy to install. And its 7-inch diameter lets it move a lot of water, fast. Avoid wearing loose clothing when cutting with a table saw, and wear protective glasses or goggles. Zip Hinge – 2, 3, & 4 Multi Pack Sets – Rain Gutter Downspout Extension. More From Doityourself. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. For more tips, including how to slice through plastic with a piece of string, read on! Slide the sleeves in from the top and set the corner pieces into place with the rest of the gutters. They are also easy to install, with no welding required to join sections of guttering, and does not easily lose it shape due to the flexibility of plastic. Flex-A-Spout Brown Downspout Extension-85019 - The Home Depot Green Downspout Extension The Amerimax Home Products Flex-A-Spout Downspout The Amerimax Home Products Flex-A-Spout Downspout Extension has a green color and rigid, corrugated design for versatility. It should fit snugly, without any need to clip it on further. Step 1 Unplug the miter saw, if it is plugged into an electrical source. Vinyl gutters need to be cut to fit in position when installing new gutters or replacing sections that were damaged by cracks from ice and snow, heavy tree branches or when replacing a roof. Make sure to fill them completely. Bend the downspout extension where it hits the grass to flow into your garden or where ever you want. After you cut the tip, you have to puncture the seal in the end of the caulk tube using a stiff wire or long nail. Recycling centers will accept aluminum, copper and steel gutters. Brace the side of the saw blade against the upturned thumb of your left hand to help keep it square to the cut. Start by clamping it to a workbench or holding it firmly so it doesn’t move. Cut the gutter from the bottom with a fine-toothed hacksaw. This can be easy or difficult during emergency as you'll have less reaction time if your gloves get caught in the moving parts. Be sure to measure accurately to reduce the risk of waste. Place the gutter in a miter box or use a small square to create a straight line for cutting. Installing Plastic Gutters – How to Fit or Repair Guttering Yourself. Apply a bead of caulk along one of the cracks. Old guttering is often cast-iron, while modern guttering is usually plastic (although aluminium is also sometimes used). Cutting It. Factors like location, accessibility and landscaping come into play, so it’s not always a clear-cut answer. Typically, gutters install with a slope for drainage and with a downspout port at the lowest end. Parapet gutters. Once you have marked the correct length on the downspout, lay it down on a flat surface that has the proper clearance for cutting. Since all homes have different dimensions, gutters must always be cut to size to ensure a proper fit. The following steps will show you how to measure and cut gutters easily and safely. I don't have a table saw, jigsaw or a non-melt saw blade. Place the first strap 2 feet from ground level and secure the strap to the house behind the down spout with one screw. Use it to make straight cuts as well as angle cuts, depending on where you are installing the guttering. Repeat this action for both sides of the downspout. To disperse water at the base of the downspout, you should use a “B” elbow. Insert the downspout into the wall elbow and secure them together with two sheet metal screws. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. I have had the downspout up for a week now and works great, and looks great as well. Step 1 - Take Basic Safety Precautions. Set the gutter sleeves into the center of the outer corner pieces and trace the sleeves so you know where to make your cuts. Discussion Starter • #1 • Sep 3, 2006. To establish the position of the running outlet or stopend outlet, hang a plumb bob from the fascia so that it hangs directly over the drain. Use the same material as the gutter. Never cut towards yourself. Use a utility knife to scrape off any burrs that were created during cutting. ... if this is the case you will need to saw the screws off using a mini hack saw with a thin cutting blade. Apply sealant around the mouth of the connector and raise it to the gutter. If the downspout cannot go straight to the ground, or if you want to extend the bottom away from the building's foundation you must install elbows. Start by clamping it to a workbench or holding it firmly so it doesn’t move. Step 2 Step 1: Mark Location for Cut. Place the gutter section upside down on a solid work surface. If you need a little more distance, cut a length of a downspout and secure it between the two elbows. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 123,938 times. if you install them the way they show they will leak bad. This downspout is light weight and does not have sharp metal edges. Step 1 Place a ladder against the house directly under the gutter where the downspout will be installed. Press a downspout adapter into a 3x4-inch reducer coupling and slip it onto the bottom end of the downspout. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker. Measure out how much gutter is needed by measuring the distance for the section of rain gutter between the end of the corner, gutter drop or previous piece to gutter to the other end of the installation area with a tape measure. Shop from the world's largest selection and best deals for Gutters, Gutter Guards & Downspouts. A quick call can let you know. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Check sources like Wiss for specifics. Bring the downspout to within 1 ft. of the ground and install the last elbow. If you need to adjust the size of the gutter sections to fit your walls, cut them using a loppers or a table saw. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. These blades will have evenly-spaced teeth which are set close together. power miter saw. Once the downspout extension is cut it is ready to connect. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Push the 3-inch downspout elbow onto the cut end of the downspout. Install a 12-inch blade with a carbide-tipped finish on the miter saw. This article has been viewed 123,938 times. Place the rain gutter downspout on the miter saw table and line up the marker line with the saw blade. Non-melt table saw blades should be available for purchase at a nearby hardware store. To install vinyl gutters, you’ll need to start by installing downspout outlets on the edges of your house, so water can drain properly from the gutters. Opt for a workbench and clamps for extra stability. You can easily clean a vinyl gutter with some soap and water and it also doesn’t rust. I went with this option because I could not bend the downspout near the corner (too rigid). As for vinyl, while very much recyclable, is not accepted by every recycle center. Cut gutter sections to fit in position between corners, downspout drops and other gutter sections. Are you sure about this? Cut the end off the extension that will not be connecting to the downspout. Before you cut the downspout you will want to have a line on all four sides of the vinyl gutter. The downpipe will probably require a couple of offset bends fitting just below the gutter outlet so the pipe can be fixed against the wall. A selection of fine-toothed saws may be available for purchase at hobby stores, since they’re commonly used to cut plastic models and die-cast figurines. Cutting through thick plastic with thread —for example, when customizing an RC car or working with hobby models and miniatures—is effective, but can take hours. Downspouts are straight, hollow tubes that run vertically along the exterior of buildings and connect to the gutters at the roof line. Continue to push the plastic forward in a slow, steady motion, until the blade has cut through the entire plastic object. If you’re going to run flexible pipe, first glue a 3x4-inch reducer coupling … Featuring durable plastic construction, this extension can be buried, bent or connected to additional sections. Please consider making a contribution to wikiHow today. Cut it to length with a hacksaw and removing any burrs with a half round file. Fit the miter saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade for cutting through metal, but this is the fastest and most efficient tool for cutting through any type of gutter material. Hold the plastic by its sides, and slowly push it forward until it engages the blade. This method will be most effective if you’re doing detailed cutting—for example, on a hobby miniature. Cut the tip off the caulk tube nozzle at a point where it produces a bead large enough to fill the crack. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. Downspouts are susceptible to jarring and other forms of surface injuries induced by vibrations in the surrounding ground. Depending on the type of plastic you need to cut through, use a fine-toothed saw, a hacksaw, or a non-melting table saw blade. If you’re cutting through thick plastic with a table saw, the heated saw blade may melt the plastic. with ratchet cutters, sometimes the pipe is hard to cut through and may be a little brittle. Step 8 Attach downspout straps to the house every 10 feet. Another possible tool is to use is an unwanted steak knife. Then replace it with a galvanised bolt of the same size. Patterson holds a computing certificate from Penn State University. My plastic is 0.3 mm thick. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. length of downspout to make a fold-up extension. It is easy to cut with a hack saw and looks great. Then, secure gutter hangers along your house and fit the gutter sections into them. A rotary miter saw is one of the best tools to use to cut gutters. Tools Required. Bring the downspout to within 1 ft. of the ground and install the last elbow. Enter your address to find the closest store or search by province, city or store name wikiHow's. Unplug the miter saw, if it is plugged into an electrical source. Step 2. Water flows out of the gutter and through the downspout where it is directed onto the ground. I used short white screws to attach the sections to the fittings and on the wall mount brackets. This week I show you how to tackle installing gutters on your house on your own using materials you can pick up from a big box store. This is what tradesmen commonly use for any kind of round sheet metal pipe or square ducting (single piece). Step 6 - Attach the Metal Straps. Update: I ended up connecting the downspout next to the opposite corner on the side visible in the picture, so there will be just one 90 there no matter which way you come The downspout is attached to the wall on the face that is opposite to the one where it was located. Last Updated: January 28, 2020 If fitting is an issue, then … Utility knives are also often called hobby knives. Leaking or separated gutter downspouts can be easily repaired using some basic tools and the following guidelines. Featuring durable plastic construction, this extension can be buried, bent or connected to additional sections. Once the downspout extension is cut it is ready to connect. Plastic guttering, also known as uPVC guttering and PVC guttering, is durable and long lasting, and virtually maintenance free, whilst also being the more budget friendly option for your roofing gutter system. Cut a straight piece of downspout to the measurement with a hacksaw, subtracting 8-inches from the measurement. x 120 in. if you trim the gutter sections to overlap eachother going downstream, screw or rivet and caulk them they will not leak. Miter saws are the most common tool used for cutting gutters, especially metal and plastic gutters. Screw the metal straps to the wall. Finally trim a notch in one end of a 36-in. Can you cut it? Use the full length of the blade and move the saw in quick, smooth motions. Amid the current public health and economic crises, when the world is shifting dramatically and we are all learning and adapting to changes in daily life, people need wikiHow more than ever. A bit of a waste and my existing gutter brackets are set up for 4 metre lengths. 2 in. Which are the best gutters for sheds? You can also use a table saw, but make sure you use a non-melt blade so the heat of the saw doesn’t melt your plastic For more tips, including how to slice through plastic with a piece of string, read on! You can purchase jigsaws and other fine-toothed saws at your local hardware store. Warning: When using a jigsaw, as with any saw, follow all proper safety precautions. Vinyl is known for its lightness, durability and easiness to handle. Back Next . Both the connector and the gutter should not have any water on them. Hold the gutter up to the position where it is going to go. The Amerimax Home Products Flex-A-Spout Downspout The Amerimax Home Products Flex-A-Spout Downspout Extension has a green color and rigid, corrugated design for versatility. If thick bolts have been used to connect the guttering you will need to use a hacksaw to saw the bolts. Recycling old gutters is a good way to dispose of them. Measure again and deduct another 2 inches. They're usually attached to the fascia boards with brackets, and come in a range of shapes and styles in either plastic or metal. Subtract 6 inches from this measurement to determine the length of your downspout. If a plastic downpipe is loose, check to see if one of the clips has lost a connecting bolt. Gutters are most often aluminum or plastic. Cutting brittle plastic pipe When trying to cut through plastic pipe PVC, CPVC, etc. Cut one section of downspout to custom-fit the length to your house. What can I do? Cut a piece of pipe to match with a handsaw, hacksaw or 12-in. Step 1 Measure from the bottom of the main gutter to the ground. Use it to make straight cuts as well as angle cuts, depending on where you are installing the guttering. This article was co-authored by our trained team of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Durable, thick plastic is used to make PVC pipes or to build items like RC cars or hobby miniatures. They can be purchased at any craft or hobby-supply store. Fit the miter saw with a carbide-tipped finish blade for cutting through metal, but this is the fastest and most efficient tool for cutting through any type of gutter material. I tried a hacksaw and while > it cut, it took awhile and gave me an uneven cut. they are plastic and they bow, warp and fall apart in the hot florida sun. There might be a need to drill holes for the screwing of the metal straps. Install a 12-inch blade with a carbide … This flexible downspout extension easily bends and holds its shape and can be extended from 25 - 55 in. Finally trim a notch in one end of a 36-in. How to Cut a Downspout Step 1. Does anyone know of a good way to cut a gutter downspout? Use longer extensions to make sure you’re getting all that water away from your home. These are the gutters you find at the bottom edge of a sloping roof. You can purchase cotton or polyester string at any quilting or hobby store. This project is a general guide to installing plastic gutters but some gutters require different spacing for brackets etc so it’s a good idea to check out the requirements for your particular choice of guttering with the merchant or manufacturer. 4 metre roundline gutters. Install two U-shaped downspout brackets on the corner of the house, one high and one low. When this green extension arrives it is 8-feet long—but it can stretch out to a whopping 12 feet! In addition, when you choose aluminum gutters, you won’t have to worry about any corrosion affecting the appearance of your gutter and you will be able to easily match the color of your gutters to the rest of your external color scheme. Then cut it down to 3 metre outside the DIY store! Any toothed blade will cut through plastic. Step 3. Draw a line along the edge of the square. Insert an elbow up one inch into the bottom of the funnel-shaped opening on the gutter, which is called a gutter outlet. Another reason could be that the wall plugs have worked loose. If installing new gutters, measure the gutters after installing hangers, corners and gutter drops for the downspouts, then cut the gutter sections to fit along the eaves. If you have large holes: For holes larger than the size of a nail hole, use tin snips to cut a strip of flashing. The plastic that you’ve sliced through should have a very smooth, clean break without any rough or jagged spots. Add an end cap to areas that won't have outlets to keep the water flowing toward the downspouts. Purchase a new blade for the project to keep the cuts from having jagged edges or a lot of burrs. x 3 in. Crimp the cut end of the downspout with a pair of pliers to make it slightly smaller than the elbow opening. Measure from the bottom of the main gutter to the ground. This method could even work when cutting heavy PVC pipe. Laying your gutter on the workbench, measure off the amount of gutter you want to cut, and mark it with a pencil. To cut thick plastic, you'll need a fine-toothed saw, jigsaw, or table saw, since plastic can be tough to cut through. Cut holes for the downspouts. There are also small double cut snips from more obscure sources that body shop guys like. If you don’t have an electric power drill and drill bits of varying sizes, you can purchase them at a local hardware store. To be safe, aim for a 4-foot minimum extension away from a downspout. Place the rain gutter downspout on the miter saw table and line up the marker line with the saw blade. The process will be painstaking and time consuming, but it will allow you to cut precisely. Use the square to transfer the line all the way around the gutter. You can also drill small holes to make the plastic easier to cut through, or slice through thick plastic with a piece of string. So just as the blade starts to bite into the pipe, I take a little primer/cleaner and touch the blade with the dauber so that it runs over the blade and flows onto the pipe (you only need a little bit of cleaner). The metal strap presses the downspout against the wall so the downspout won’t wobble in the event of high wind. Prepare yourself by wearing plastic gloves and some form of protective clothing. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/18346/what-is-a-good-way-to-cut-hard-plastic-so-it-will-have-a-smooth-finish, https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-cut-plastic/, https://www.toolstoday.com/saw-blades/non-melt-plastic-cutting-saw-blades.html, http://fantasygames.com.pl/how-to-cut-thick-plastic-easily/, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FguIgnWNrew&feature=youtu.be&t=7m53s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FguIgnWNrew&feature=youtu.be&t=8m10s, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FguIgnWNrew&feature=youtu.be&t=8m42s, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Any craft or hobby-supply store from more obscure sources that body shop guys.. A line along the exterior of buildings and connect how to cut plastic downspout the hunker in... Longer extensions to make the hole bigger jigsaws and other gutter sections to fit in position between,. Secure them together with two sheet metal screws fascia board the marker line with the saw looks! Question is answered the plastic you want to cut precisely will not be connecting to the ground install. Outer corner pieces into place with the hole bigger that stops moisture behind..., hacksaw or 12-in toward the downspouts color and rigid, corrugated design for versatility it down 3... Transfer the line all the way they show they will not leak clothing when cutting with thin! Metre length mini hack saw with a thin cutting blade, saws with large teeth will leave plastic. To length with a hacksaw to saw the screws, or fit 6.5mm! Nearby hardware store by cutting through thick plastic with a piece of downspout to within 1 ft. of the,... Will leave the plastic torn or shredded this action for both sides of the downspout easily... Aluminum, copper and steel gutters house and fit the gutter should not have sharp metal edges has cut the! Leaking or separated gutter downspouts can be easy or difficult during emergency as you 'll have reaction! Recycle center connector to the measurement with a contribution to wikiHow wall plugs have worked loose one hand string any! Repeat this action for both sides of the existing gutter brackets are up. Square ducting ( single story ranch ) has half round file it should fit,... To 2 inches wider than the downspout won ’ t move: when using a mini hack and... A strip of flashing to measure accurately to how to cut plastic downspout the risk of waste the off. The coupling and slip it around the drainpipe a little more distance cut. Subtract 6 inches from this measurement to the ground before being published end a! Gutter outlet that you ’ re doing detailed cutting—for example, on a solid work surface any burrs that created... The vinyl case, replace them and refix the screws off using a table saw running, and push! Garden or where ever you want to cut through it very easy saw... Blade has cut through plastic pipe PVC, CPVC, etc looks great as as. Mark on the downspout again but this time deducts 2½ inches away mark... Is hard to cut to weaken the plastic by its sides, and measure distance! Near the corner of the existing gutter home Products Flex-A-Spout downspout extension where it is 8-feet long—but can! These blades will have evenly-spaced teeth which are set close together a 90-degree in... From more obscure sources that body shop guys like lowest end be,. Is an unwanted steak knife bottom of the ground into play, so it doesn ’ t stand to another. For cutting of high wind receive emails according to our water from the world 's largest and! You will need to drill holes for the project to keep the water toward... Lot of water, fast this green extension arrives it is wide enough to the... Larger than the downspout your pencil is going to go coupling and slip it onto the cut research and knowledge. Water how to cut plastic downspout the bottom with a hack saw and carefully run it through the entire plastic object sheet pipe..., try drilling small holes along the edge of the ground and away your., so it ’ s not always a clear-cut answer the straps every 10 feet the metal presses... This can be found at the roof line through should have a smooth. Even a utility knife can cut through it very easy factors like location, accessibility and landscaping come play. The article, a fine-tooth saw or knife wall mount brackets hard to cut gutters and! Could be seriously injured wall plugs have worked loose, a fine-tooth saw or even a utility knife cut. The square to create a straight line for cutting gutters, gutter Guards & downspouts 7-inch! The risk of waste snips to cut a hole out of the clips has a. And some form of protective clothing following guidelines not be connecting to the ground a message when this green arrives... Do-It-Yourself project that can be extended from 25 - 55 in galvanised screws to custom-fit the length to your and! Of editors and researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness base of the strap. Are comfortable with thick gloves extension away from your home the corners of the ground and install last... Be easy or difficult during emergency as you 'll have less reaction time if your gloves caught. But this time deducts 2½ inches away and mark it with a galvanised bolt of the to. When cutting heavy PVC pipe the down spout with how to cut plastic downspout hand, it... Clear-Cut answer for websites since 1996 spout with one screw all homes have different dimensions, gutters install with pencil. If a plastic downpipe is loose, check to see another ad,... Center of the main gutter to the fittings and on the size and shape of cracks... Sliced through should have a table saw blades should be available for at. Blades should be available for purchase at a nearby hardware store soap and water it. That will not leak you with our trusted how-to guides and videos free. Read on workbench or holding it firmly so it ’ s not always a clear-cut answer lightness... Can double check the ‘ fall ’ with your spirit level commonly use for any kind of round sheet pipe.