Need help cutting metal

[pomprocker]

I bought one of these and i need to figure out how to cut it to length:

http://www.drillspot.com/products/376896/Approved_Vendor_5MY72_Low_Carbon_Steel_Threaded_Rod

I have access to a hand held jig saw, a hand held drill, and a dremel.

[JonHylands]

You need a hack saw to cut something that size. You might do it with a dremel, but you'll probably completely mess up the threads.

The best thing to do is thread on a couple nuts, and then cut it to length. When you unscrew the nuts past the cut, they will help clean up the threads where you cut it. You may also want to touch up with a file once you've cut it off.

- Jon

[pomprocker]

Thanks Jon. Any special blade on the hand held hack saw required?

[Scheda]

You might want to surround the spot where you plan on cutting with the nuts. That way you've got a nice and solid guide to go straight down and you don't really risk a crooked cut.

[pomprocker]

Yes..very good idea



edit: ok i got a hacksaw blade that says it can cut threaded rod. i couldn't find any nuts this type it seems 3/8-16 is more popular than 3/8-24.

[Cotowar]

another option, however retarded it might be, is to sand it off.

is it bad that that is what I thought of first?

[Admin]

You need a hack saw to cut something that size. You might do it with a dremel, but you'll probably completely mess up the threads.

after messing up the threads, i've used a hacksaw to *fix* the threads . . . just run the blade along the threading . . .


edit: I also use a metal file occasionally for this. Kitsune's idea below is really good too.

[Kitsune]

1. Put a nut about 10 threads up from the cut point.
2. Make the cut.
3. Take the nut off the over the cut part.
   (this realigns the threads and takes off any burs made bu cutting.)

[Trumpkin]

A sawz all would get the job done too.