How to Connect Dryer Metal Ducts

Warm air exhausted from clothes dryers flows more freely through rigid metal dryer ducts than ribbed, flexible vinyl ducts. While assembling metal dryer ducts is a more labor-intensive job, the advantages merit the effort. Metal ducts are permanent in terms of installation where ribbed vinyl can tear easily, requiring replacement. You can connect metal dryer ducts between the dryer and the outside vent with a few tools and basic home improvement skills.

Measuring tape
Marker
Metal cutting shears
Duct tape

Instructions

- 1
  Install a 90 degree metal duct elbow onto the dryer exhaust port and the vent leading to the outdoors. The smooth end of the dryer elbow is placed over the dryer port and the ribbed end of the vent elbow is inserted into the vent opening.
- 2
  Measure the distance between the two elbow ends using a measuring tape. Be sure to include the inserted distance of the ducts in your measurement.
- 3
  Bend a flat metal duct into a cylinder shape by hand until the two interlocking seams meet. Lock the seams together on the total number of whole lengths of metal ducts you need. Leave the last required length of duct flat for cutting.
- 4
  Measure the last piece of metal duct to fit into the assembly. Mark a line at the point the cut is to be made using a marker.
- 5
  Cut the metal duct along the line using metal cutting shears.
- 6
  Bend the trimmed duct into shape and lock the seams together.
- 7
  Connect the straight dryer ducts together by inserting the crimped ends into the smooth ends.
- 8
  Install the smooth open end of the assembled ducts over the crimped end of the dryer port elbow until the crimps are fully inserted.
- 9
  Connect the crimped end of the duct assembly into the smooth end of the vent elbow.
- 10
  Wrap duct tape around each joint to prevent the ducts from separating.

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