I finally stopped using a hammer and chisel for tricky cuts around vents

For a long time, I would mark the vent outline on the plank and then spend 15 minutes tapping away with a chisel, which often left rough edges. Last month, I saw a guy on a job site in Portland use a multi-tool with a plunge-cut blade, and it was so much cleaner and faster. What's your go-to method for those tight vent cuts now?

3 comments

3 Comments

bettyhunt3mo ago

You really think a multi-tool is the best way? I've tried those and the vibration always makes my hand go numb after a few cuts. I still use a sharp chisel and a coping saw for the really tight spots, it gives me way more control. Don't you find the multi-tool blades wander on you sometimes?

elliotl243mo ago

Ever think about how much the blade quality matters compared to the tool itself? I had the same wandering issue until I tried the pricier carbide blades, they barely flex. Still vibrates like crazy though, so I only use it for stuff where the saw just won't fit.

uma30621d ago

Oh man, multi-tools changed my life for vent cuts. The first time I tried one, I was shocked at how clean the cut was compared to chiseling it out. But yeah, @elliotl24 nailed it about blade quality. I cheaped out on blades at first and the thing just shredded the edges. Once I got a good carbide blade, it cut like butter. The vibration is killer though, my hand goes totally numb after a few cuts too. I mostly use it for the really tight spots now where a saw can't fit, and I just brace the tool with my other hand to steady it.