How to Cut a 4-Inch Galvanized Dryer Duct

Your clothes dryer and the dryer vent on the outside of your home are probably connected by a 4-inch-diameter galvanized tube that carries lint and moisture out of the living space. The metal duct is thin enough that it is fairly easy to work with, yet strong enough that it cannot be crushed easily, which could create a blockage. Dryer ducts of this type usually come as flat pieces of metal that must be assembled before installation.

Heavy gloves
Measuring tape
Tin snips

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the seam of the dryer duct. Lay the duct on a firm surface, such as the floor, with the seam facing upwards. Push down with your fingers on the seam so that the duct bends down slightly. Note that this action should release the hooked end of one edge of the seam from the grooved end of the other edge. Let up on the duct when the seam comes apart. Skip this step if your duct has not been assembled yet or the seam has already been disassembled.
- 2
  Measure the length of duct needed for your application. Transfer this measurement to the duct and make a perpendicular line across the piece.
- 3
  Cut across the line with a pair of tin snips.
- 4
  Bring the ends of the cut piece of duct back together to form a tube. Lay the duct on a flat surface, with the ends of the seam facing up. Push down on the top of the duct while pushing the two ends of the seam together. Release the pressure on the top of the duct when the hooked edge of one side of the seam is inserted into the grooved edge of the other side. Note that this may take a few tries to get the seam hooked back together.

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