Cutting batt insulation

Alan K · Apr 7, 2015

Going to be insulating a building I have and was wondering if anyone has a good way to cut batt insulation? I have used a utility knife but was wondering about a larger garden shear (scissors type). Has anyone used anything similar? Just trying to "disturb" it the least amount possible.

RESLLS · Apr 7, 2015

Lay a board across it, stand on the board to compress it. Run your knife along the edge of the board. Best way I have found.

37ar · Apr 7, 2015

use a straight edge or better yet a framing square to compress flat them cut with a razor knife.

C. Amick · Apr 7, 2015

I usually cut it as described below, but I have used sheep shears.

David G · Apr 7, 2015

I completely compress it with a metal square or measure, then cut with knife.

JayinNY · Apr 7, 2015

As others have said compress it with a framing square or piece of wood, be sure to wear a nose and mouth mask, maybe even goggles.

blue water massey · Apr 7, 2015

use an insulation cutting knife
looks like a cheap bread knife

JD Farmer · Apr 7, 2015

Paper side down on wood, use a framing square or a T-square and a utility knife with a new blade.

farmer boy · Apr 7, 2015

Just cut it? Buy the OLFA LBB(or HBB) blades. They're a black blade(instead of silver) that are sharper and last longer. I've never had a problem cutting insulation with a good sharp blade. It's normally quite effortless.

Bob Harvey · Apr 7, 2015

Ditto. One of my pals (retired now) was an insulator for 30 yrs. He used a slightly sharpened dinner knife. Used the same one for a looong time. (didn't tell the wife were it went). HTH

GordoSD · Apr 7, 2015

There is a wide plastic holder made for utility knife that flattens the batt as you cut. Ask your insulation sales guy for it. Costs about three dollars.

JK2 · Apr 7, 2015

We use a paper cutter like used in schools.

JMS/.MN · Apr 7, 2015

I use my Army machete...works very well. Compresses the insulation and cuts smooth, right though the paper backing.

Eldon (WA) · Apr 7, 2015

(quoted from post at 17:44:09 04/07/15) Going to be insulating a building I have and was wondering if anyone has a good way to cut batt insulation? I have used a utility knife but was wondering about a larger garden shear (scissors type). Has anyone used anything similar? Just trying to "disturb" it the least amount possible.

I screw a scrap piece of osb to the floor the correct distance from a wall. I then mark a line on the board the length of the most common piece and use the wall as a stop....saves a lot of time measuring. Then I unroll the insulation paper down and compress with a framing square and cut with a utility knife.

David G · Apr 8, 2015

I have started using my breathing air hood and compressor with it, I come out clean as a whistle.

Switchflicker · Apr 8, 2015

I use a long filleting knife ( like what you use to do a fish) and like the others say, use a square to hold the batt down and straight.

Cutting batt insulation

Alan K

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RESLLS

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37ar

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C. Amick

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David G

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JayinNY

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blue water massey

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JD Farmer

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farmer boy

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Bob Harvey

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GordoSD

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JK2

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JMS/.MN

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Eldon (WA)

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David G

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Switchflicker

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