How to Cut Aluminum Railings

Aluminum rails are hollow circular tubes that are commonly used as supports on outdoor decks or as posts on fences. If you find the need to trim down one of these rails during the process of assembling your deck or fence, you will need the proper tools. High end electric powered metal saws can do the job, but they are often expensive and require a good deal of skill to use. Fortunately, a special kind of handsaw, which can be purchased at any hardware store, also works.

Learn how to cut through aluminum poles.

Step 1

Place the aluminum rail you want to cut on a hard, flat surface. Pick a surface that you don't mind cutting up a bit with the saw. You can even cut the aluminum on the ground outside while installing a deck or fence.

Step 2

Place something heavy or sturdy on either end of the aluminum rail (e.g., a sandbag or bag of dirt) so that the rail does not roll while you are cutting it.

Step 3

Put on your safety goggles.

Step 4

Take your miter saw and place it on the spot you would like to cut. The saw should be perpendicular to the aluminum rail.

Step 5

Move the saw back and forth a few times to make a small groove. Do not press too hard yet. This makes the next step easier.

Step 6

As the groove gets deeper, begin to move the saw back and forth more vigorously. The saw should not be slipping out of the groove at this point.

Step 7

Continue moving the saw back and forth and applying pressure until you have cut the rail into two pieces.

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