How to Cut an Aluminum Gutter

aluminum gutter on roof
  • 1 hours
  • Beginner
  • 20-30
What You'll Need
Gutter
Workbench or flat surface
Metal shears
Carpenter square
Pencil
Tape measure
What You'll Need
Gutter
Workbench or flat surface
Metal shears
Carpenter square
Pencil
Tape measure

Installing aluminum gutters is not a difficult task, but when it comes to cutting one to size, you need to be extra careful.

You could waste time and money by attempting to cut a gutter without knowing what you're doing, or worse, you could injure yourself or others nearby. The following steps will show you how to measure and cut gutters easily and safely.

Measure the Cut

Laying your gutter on the workbench, measure off the amount of gutter you want to cut, and mark it with a pencil. Use the old adage, "Measure twice and cut once.” Then, turn the gutter upside down on the table, and mark it all the way around. Use a carpenter’s square to get around to the bottom.

Make the Cut

Warning: Metal shears can be dangerous if not used properly. Always wear proper safety gear, such as protective goggles and gloves, when working with metal shears.

Flip the gutter over again to have the open side facing up. Beginning where you marked, cut all the way down to the bottom side with metal shears. You can bend the gutter slightly to easily make the rest of the cut all the way around to the other side; or, you can cut around to the bottom side, stop, flip the gutter over, and continue cutting from the other side until you meet the other cut in the middle.

Be careful when using metal shears to not cut yourself, and hold the gutter steady. If you want a smooth finish on the ends, you can use a fine-tooth file to even out the edges. Now, you're ready to install your aluminum gutters.