Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 13 of 13
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Greystanes
    Posts
    19

    Default How to cut a rectangular hole in a gutter

    I want to put an additional down pipe in my gutter

    the gutter , unfortunately drains away from the current down pipe

    How to I cut a rectangular hole in a gutter to fit a rectangular down pipe

    I would like to make the hole so that leaves will not be obstructed from flowing
    down the drain pipe , which will flow onto the grass

    I also was thinking of just making a square hole and running a plastic chain to the ground . I could run a rectangular pipe , but as it goes to the grass the chain idea looked good ( saw some out in the bush)

    ps did a search , but too many variables
    Last edited by ratchet; 5th Sep 2011 at 02:05 PM. Reason: additional info

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    melbourne, laverton
    Posts
    1,910

    Default

    hi i would just use a angle grinder with a 1mm cut of wheel.

  3. #3
    Dave J Guest

    Default

    When I worked as a builder, one guy wanted us to just mark the square out and cut diagonals with a grinder from corner to corner and then fold the flaps down and pop rivet the down pipe on, then run some sealastic (spelling) around it.

    The way I do my own is to buy the down pipe flange from a hardware store and pop rivet that in after I cut the square with the grinder, I also add sealastic before fitting it.

    The first one give a better flow for water in theory, but I find I don't have any trouble with the flange.

    Dave

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
    Location
    Southern Highlands NSW
    Posts
    1,894

    Default

    Small sharp cold chisel and a block of hardwood.
    I mount the spout on the outside, under the gutter, to avoid water pooling. It's marginally less neat than putting in from the inside, but you don't notice it.

    Jordan

  5. #5
    Dave J Guest

    Default

    A old sharp wood chisel works better and distorts less, if you go that way.

    Dave

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Adelaide, SA
    Posts
    1

    Default

    I traced a template of the square spout on my gutter, then drilled a lot of 4mm holes close together and it pretty much popped out. I couldn't get a grinder into my gutter due to space & I didn't think of cutting it from underneath

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Location
    Victoria, Australia
    Age
    74
    Posts
    5,080

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave J View Post
    The way I do my own is to buy the down pipe flange from a hardware store and pop rivet that in after I cut the square with the grinder, I also add sealastic before fitting it.

    Dave
    I did it the same way as Dave, get the correct downpipe flange from Bunnings to suit your plastic square downpipe and make the cut out to suit the flange, pop rivets and silastic to seal it. I used an angle grinder with a 1mm cutoff wheel from underneath, but make sure there's no water in the spouting first...

    When you fit the plastic downpipe to the flange, Just put a couple of stainless screws either side so you can get at them easily to remove the downpipe for cleaning.

    Regards
    Ray

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Greystanes
    Posts
    19

    Default

    looks like the angle grinder is the way to go

    thanks

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Location
    Chapel Hill (Brisbane)
    Age
    53
    Posts
    59

    Default

    Last time I added a downpipe for the same reason, I did it with a nibbler - Nibbler - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - air powered one for quick rough shaping then finished off with hand nibbler.
    --
    The IEEE has monitored this posting and affirms that no energy was created or destroyed during its composition or transmission.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Adelaide
    Posts
    3

    Default

    Hi,

    When I replaced our gutters, I marked out a rectangle the size if the downpipe on the bottom of the gutter.
    Then drew a cross between the corners of the rectangle.
    Then drilled a 8mm hole in the centre of the cross. Then used a jigsaw with a fine toothed metal cutting blade to cut from the centre hole to the four corners.
    Then bend the four triangle shaped flaps 90 degrees with pliers to make 4 flaps that fit inside the downpipe.
    With tin-snips cut off the points of the triangle flaps leaving about 25mm deep flaps. Fit the downpipe over the flaps, drill 1/8 inch holes through the downpipe and through the internal flaps for 1/8 inch pop rivets. (front and both sides, no need for a hole in the rear of the downpipe)
    Before pop riveting, coat the inside of the downpipe and all 4 flaps with silicon sealant (neutral cure gutter/roofing silicon) to make a water proof joint.

    Regards Steve.
    Last edited by steve-37; 6th Sep 2011 at 01:08 AM. Reason: grammer

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Melbourne
    Age
    79
    Posts
    31

    Default Nrb

    If you have to do it while mounted to the facia a jig saw with small tooth metal blade as mentioned before is the way to go, trying to cut with a cold chisel up there becomes a bit hard to hold tight,if on the ground cutting with a cold chisel backed up with a block of wood cutting into end grain works well.
    Good luck

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Narellan, NSW
    Posts
    48

    Default

    I'd use a plasma cutter, but if you had one of those on hand then you probably wouldn't be asking this question

    I'd try drilling a decent sized hole in the middle then using aviation snips to cut diagonals to the corners before resorting to a jigsaw or grinder.
    I must be getting old, suggesting using a hand tool over power tools

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Location
    Toorloo Arm, VIC
    Age
    39
    Posts
    1,270

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by festy_ View Post
    I'd use a plasma cutter, but if you had one of those on hand then you probably wouldn't be asking this question
    LMAO - that was my first thought too. Once you have one, everything looks like a good job for it.

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •