# Best way to cut 1-3/8 in. Zinc Steel Flat Bar 1/16 in. Thick? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 27, 2015, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926 "2015-05-27T00:39:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Surreal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/21 "2015-05-27T14:34:53Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > It may be obvious, but bear in mind that the cut edge will no longer be galvanised and therefore subject to rust. The OP said the material is solid zinc, not galvanized steel. In either case, the appropriate tool would be a bench shear. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/22 "2015-05-27T15:50:13Z")
The most economical way is almost certainly a hacksaw. If you already have power tools like an angle grinder, miter saw, circular saw, jig saw, it’s probably easier to just get yourself a metal cutting blade for that tool (whichever one you’re most comfortable with) and go for it. Unless “several” means 25 of the things, any of those power tools will make quick work of the job, and even a hacksaw isn’t too hard, as long as you can firmly clamp the piece for cutting. ---
**Author:** ![Precambrianmollusc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/precambrianmollusc/32/63_2.png) [@Precambrianmollusc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Precambrianmollusc)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/23 "2015-05-27T16:09:57Z")
> [@Surreal](#): > > The OP said the material is solid zinc, not galvanized steel. > > In either case, the appropriate tool would be a bench shear. He said it was Zinc Steel Flat Bar , no where did he say it was solid zinc. If someone is saying Zinc and steel in the same description, galvanized would be a pretty reasonable interpretation over a pure zinc bar. ---
**Author:** ![Surreal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/24 "2015-05-27T16:38:11Z")
> [@Precambrianmollusc](#): > > He said it was Zinc Steel Flat Bar , no where did he say it was solid zinc. > If someone is saying Zinc and steel in the same description, galvanized would be a pretty reasonable interpretation over a pure zinc bar. If it’s galvanized then it sounds like we’re talking about 16 gage sheet metal, not flat bar. Using hacksaw to cut light gage sheet metal would be silly. A pair of tin snips would be far less labor-intensive. ---
**Author:** ![jasg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@jasg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jasg)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/25 "2015-05-27T16:46:25Z")
The OP said 1/16 inch not 16 gauge. ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/26 "2015-05-27T16:48:12Z")
The reading comprehension in this thread is… interesting to say the least. :eek: ---
**Author:** ![Surreal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/27 "2015-05-27T16:51:37Z")
> [@jasg](#): > > The OP said 1/16 inch not 16 gauge. 16 gage galvanized steel is 0.0635" thick, which is quite close to 1/16" thick (0.0625"). [https://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/scales/sheetmetal.html](https://www.unc.edu/~rowlett/units/scales/sheetmetal.html) ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/28 "2015-05-27T16:54:35Z")
Home depot describes zinc plated steel bar as ‘zinc steel’. Zinc plated steel bar is galvanised as far as I am concerned. Curiously the punched bars in this advert are “_1-3/8 in. x 36 in. Zinc Steel Punched Flat Bar with 1/16 in. Thick_” which is remarkably similar to the metal described by the OP. > **[Everbilt 1-3/8 in. x 36 in. Zinc Steel Punched Flat Bar with 1/16 in. Thick...](https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-3-8-in-x-36-in-Zinc-Steel-Punched-Flat-Bar-with-1-16-in-Thick-802037/204225755)** > > Generally used as support braces, ladder hangers and gate latches, this steel flat bar is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. Featuring punched and slotted holes, you can use it for bracing, ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/29 "2015-05-27T20:02:23Z")
Most stores will cut that narrow, small stuff for free. If you are using that material to try to make something ‘pretty’ the old saw about silk purse with sow’s ear comes to mind. YMMV 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Mangosteen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Mangosteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangosteen)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2015, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/30 "2015-05-27T23:58:56Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > It may be obvious, but bear in mind that the cut edge will no longer be galvanised and therefore subject to rust. That is a good point, Bob. It just doesn’t seem like they make 18 inch punched flats. ---
**Author:** ![Surreal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eada6e/32.png) [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/31 "2015-05-28T00:17:39Z")
> [@bob\_2](#): > > Home depot describes zinc plated steel bar as ‘zinc steel’. Zinc plated steel bar is galvanised as far as I am concerned. Subtle differences exist. Hot-dip galvanized steel per ASTM A123 has a thickness of 2.0-8.0 mils and a bond strength of 3,600 psi. Zinc plating per ASTM B633 has a thickness of 0.2-1.0 mils and a bond strength of 300-500 psi. > **[Zinc Coatings for Steel Corrosion Protection](https://galvanizeit.org/corrosion/corrosion-protection/zinc-coatings)** > > Zinc coatings protect steel from corrosion due to its anodic properties where it will sacrificially corrode before the underlying steel. ---
**Author:** ![Randolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Randolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randolph)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/32 "2015-05-28T01:26:31Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > You could probably also use a jigsaw with a metal-cutting blade, as 1/16" is not all that thick. Thank you! Couldn’t believe we made it that far without the correct answer. ---
**Author:** ![OldOlds](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a3d4f5/32.png) [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/33 "2015-05-28T01:32:49Z")
A good set of dog ear tin snips won’t cost too much, should do fine, and will come in handy to have. Barring that, I’d clamp them all together and use a sawzall on the collective side (cutting the long way). I have found that with a little care I can get pretty good cuts with a sawzall. ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [May 28, 2015, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926/34 "2015-05-28T03:47:30Z")
Depending on the amount of warping and bending that is acceptable, sawing or hand shears should be fine. If you need neat clean cuts, borrow or buy a [throatless shear.](http://www.harborfreight.com/throatless-shear-38413.html) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-way-to-cut-1-3-8-in-zinc-steel-flat-bar-1-16-in-thick/720926.md?page=1)