From: "JoeSpareBedroom" 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house alt.home.repair
Subject: Re: Cutting bottom of heating register panel
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:58:59 GMT
Bytes: 3261

"DerbyDad03"  wrote in message 
news:1194828860.445835.286770@d55g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> On Nov 5, 10:42 am, Wally  wrote:
>> My home has forced hot water through baseboard heating units in each
>> room.  The heating units (radiators) have a steel/metal front cover
>> that can be lifted up/out and removed to either vacuum the fins or
>> bleed the unit.
>>
>> Looks like the previous owner's, when they had a ceramic tile floor
>> put in, the installers tiled around the bottom of the metal cover
>> making it impossible to lift up and remove the cover.  Mainly because
>> the tiles and backing added probably 3/8" to the floor height.  I need
>> to bleed these radiators now because we had a new heating system
>> installed.
>>
>> I need a means to cut away the bottoms of these radiator covers where
>> they meet the top of the ceramic tile.  I don't have to remove too
>> much because the bottoms to be cut are not one continuous amount -
>> instead they are about 2 1/2" wide "feet" on either side of the cover.
>>
>> I was thinking of just using a hacksaw blade but am looking for some
>> easier way.  I don't mind buying some electric tool to do the job
>> because I could always use the tool on other home jobs.  Any thoughts
>> on what I can use to get the job done, whether it a hand tool or an
>> electric tool?  I was looking at the MultiMaster tool but I don't
>> think the saw blades could handle the metal thickness to cut.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> Walter
>
> Would a reciprocating saw work? Get a long blade so it can flex and be
> flat/flush with the top of the tile. Put a piece of luan or other thin
> material on the tile to protect and rev 'er up.
>

It probably would, but when finished, there'll be a sharp edge at the bottom 
of the metal, and it doesn't matter how you file, sand or otherwise try and 
smooth it. The only way to make it correct for use around humans would be to 
roll the edge. That ain't gonna happen.