best way to cut vented soffit for light

[blackdart66]

Trying to figure out how to cut metal vented soffit for some recessed lights.

I should mention the soffit is installed so it would make it a little tough to replace if I screw this up. I know this stuff is thin and I am afraid a hole saw will "catch" and just rip/wrinkel up the piece.

Any suggestions ? would a hole saw work ? sure would be fast and easy.....

Thanks

 

[OccupantRJ]

Make a starter hole, then cut out with aviation snips. You may have to use both right and left cut, depending on how close the hole location is to any wall.

 

[deter]

if you use a hole saw, run it in reverse the entire time to keep it from snagging

 

[dartsportsteve]

if you use a hole saw, run it in reverse the entire time to keep it from snagging

X2

Drill the pilot/center hole, then run the hole saw in reverse. You'll have a tough time cutting it with a tin snips without bending the **** out of the whole panel.

 

[rlitman]

Make a starter hole, then cut out with aviation snips. You may have to use both right and left cut, depending on how close the hole location is to any wall.

And you'll probably want offset snips, or maybe even "upright" snips, if you're cutting this "in place".

 

[mayday0017]

x3 running in reverse... I have cut through many of leather pannels in cars installing speakers in my younger years and I could cut through the leather in reverse then put it in forward to cut through the backing. Never caught or tore, could of ran in reverse the whole time but was just slower and well... Time is Money!

 

[BD1]

Sounds like you are gonna use round lights. If you don't mind buying another tool, get this Malco hole cutter . This is the fastest and easiest way as far as I am concerned. We use them for round duct install. It has a center guide and a type of drill bit for cutting .Easier then using snips.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000289542/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=malco+hole+cutter

 

[csp]

x2 on the Malco cutter. I borrow a friend's who is in the HVAC business regularly.

 

[blackdart66]

I like the idea of the malco cutter. That soffit material is somewhat "ribbed" can it handle that ? or is it for flat stock only.

 

[csp]

It can handle it.

 

[OccupantRJ]

X2

Drill the pilot/center hole, then run the hole saw in reverse. You'll have a tough time cutting it with a tin snips without bending the **** out of the whole panel.

The trick to doing this is to start near the center, and cut outward in a spiral fashion. Big difference in results, as this provides relief for the waste piece.

 

[dartsportsteve]

The trick to doing this is to start near the center, and cut outward in a spiral fashion. Big difference in results, as this provides relief for the waste piece.

Makes sense. I've probably never had the perfect snips for jobs like this either.

 

[mbatarga]

Makes sense. I've probably never had the perfect snips for jobs like this either.

Hey - A perfect opportunity to justify a new tool!

 

[dartsportsteve]

Hey - A perfect opportunity to justify a new tool!