Best tool for cutting of running boards

[sled_wrangler]

I am replacing my running boards on my 2014 cat and just wondering what's the best tool to cut the old ones off ... I have a lot of small angles and short cuts and want a clean cut ? ????

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[teeroy]

I used a zip cut. actually, I made my buddy cut the first side off....couldn't bring myself to hack off the running board

 

[skidplate]

I don't have access to air tools so I used an angle grinder with a small disk and a rip saw with a fine metal blade - this was for the small cuts. Slow and steady. Then you can round out any rough edges after the fact with the grinder. Just wear safety glasses and be prepared to tip the sled on it's side every now and then to get a better angle at the cuts. I'm sure that there are more refined ways of doing it out there but this worked for me. Depending on what replacement boards you put on they can hide some of the imperfections from the cuts.

 

[bayman]

I tried a mini grinder and sawsall. I found I had more control with the sawsall.

 

[sledneck_03]

i used a good set of tin snips. i have strong hands tho.

 

[Lund]

I am replacing my running boards on my 2014 cat and just wondering what's the best tool to cut the old ones off ... I have a lot of small angles and short cuts and want a clean cut ? ????

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These are what we use in our shop for almost all running board mods. Easy to use and they do clean work. But you do need a compressor.
The Nibbler actually does a cleaner job and easier to control, while the saw can easily wonder off. Eigther one will do it, i use both sometime one is easier to get into certain places.
All depending if your wanting to buy the tools i guess.
Eastwood Air Nibbler

 

[Beels]

When I put the Burandt Boards on my Pro, what worked best was an electric jigsaw with a metal blade.

 

[sled obsessed]

i used a little oscillating tool like a dremel or whatever, with a metal blade that came in the kit. a little slower but awesome control. much less nerve racking

 

[sled_wrangler]

I ended up using a Dremel with a very tiny zip disc worked awesome now going to grab a flapper to clean up the ruff edges .... but now I'm stumped on how im suppose to cut the front by the foot well ... the boards are racewerx has anyone had any dealings with these boards

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[TROLLCAT]

plasma cutter but watch where the sparks go they will weld themselves to everything I use a piece of plywood for a shield

 

[summit1974]

isn't there video on this sight of guys doing this?

 

[zal]

I used a 5" grinder with a zip cut. Plenty of power unlike an air tool. We have plasmas too, but if you have layers, it won't cut very nice. Also, if depth is an issue, like around the rear suspension bracket, a zip cut is manageable. I have cut the running boards off of three nytros.

 

[QuintinG]

Angle grinder with zip disc for the large cuts. Air body saw for the foot well and detailed cuts. Clean up with die grinder with flapper wheel

 

[moyiesledhead]

I used a 5" grinder with a zip cut. Plenty of power unlike an air tool. We have plasmas too, but if you have layers, it won't cut very nice. Also, if depth is an issue, like around the rear suspension bracket, a zip cut is manageable. I have cut the running boards off of three nytros.

I can't think of a more dangerous tool to be cutting aluminum with.

 

[zal]

I can't think of a more dangerous tool to be cutting aluminum with.

You're kidding me, right? I guess if you're a hack, then any tool is dangerous. A zip cut on a grinder cutting any material is dangerous, if you're a tool...IMHO!

 

[crossfire879]

I put a set of airframes on my M8. I used a cordless dremel with a zip disc. Had an extra battery on charge while I used it. It worked awesome. Had to go a little slower than I would have with an air powered zip disc but that probably wasnt a bad thing. Then used one of the little flapper discs that comes in the kit to clean up some of the edges.

 

[gotboost]

I used my plasma cutter worked great and nice and clean

 

[QuintinG]

I can't think of a more dangerous tool to be cutting aluminum with.

Are you aware that there are zip disc's made for cutting all different materials?

 

[SledHeadRyan]

search "powermodz" on youtube he has done it on a few sleds and shows you how to also. just search for it on his chanel.

Ryan Gibson

 

[neilsleder]

Zip disk works well I installed 1/2 dozen set of boards and used Zip disk every time. Zip disk are safe when used properly but dangerous when not used properly.