How to Cut Aluminum Awnings with Metal Shears

Light-duty metal-cutting shears are necessary to cut aluminum awnings. Heavy-duty shears are designed to be used on stronger metals and could cause aluminum awnings to warp during the cutting process. Wearing the appropriate safety equipment is imperative when using metal-cutting shears. Failure to do so could result in serious injury. If you're properly equipped, the cutting process is relatively safe and straightforward.

Cloth
Detergent
Box cutter (optional)
Light-duty metal-cutting shears
New metal-cutting shears blade
Protective goggles
Leather gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the aluminum awning with a cloth, warm water and detergent. If you plan to cut only part of the awning, then you may clean only that part. Ensure it's completely free of all dirt and debris.
- 2
  Mark the point at which you want to cut the aluminum awning with a pen. Alternatively, use a box cutter to scribe a line where you want to cut.
- 3
  Fit a new blade onto light-duty metal-cutting shears. Using an old or worn blade can result in an uneven cut. The method for putting a new blade in place depends on the metal-cutting shears' make and model. Follow the blade installation instructions in your shears' user's manual.
- 4
  Put on a pair of protective goggles and leather gloves. Shards of metal can be projected from the awning during the cutting process, and the goggles and gloves will help to protect you from the shards as well as the blade and sharp aluminum.
- 5
  Plug the shears into an electrical outlet, and position the blade at the edge of the mark you made on your awning.
- 6
  Press the shears' trigger, and push the shears along the mark on your awning. Take your time going around corners. Cutting them can take a little longer because they are thicker than the sides of the awning.
- 7
  Unplug and pack away the shears as soon as you finish cutting.

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