Best Way To Cut Stall Mats (Best Tools To Cut Thick Rubber)
Rubber has many uses. One of those uses is being turned into nice thick rubber mats. These mats are so heavy that you know they are not going to go anywhere when you put them down. However, cutting them to size is another story. You may not have the strength to get it done.
The best way to cut a thick rubber mat is to go slowly. You need to make many cuts and not try to cut the whole mat the first time. If you try that, you may give up as it can’t be done. Or you can save energy and use a skill saw with the right blade installed.
To learn more about this topic, just continue to read our article. It has the information you want to know about just in case you are thinking of doing the same thing. Take a few minutes to see how this information can save you time and energy
Can Rubber Mats Be Cut?
Yes, these products can be cut. However, it may be tough going as they are very thick, tough, and made not to cut or tear. You have to be careful when making your cuts, as your hand can slip, and the knife or saw you use can come back at you.
When you try this task, make sure to stand off to one side a little bit. Also, you need to keep your knife at a 90-degree angle to the mat to make it easier and keep the line straight. Make sure to use a thin straight edge to get that angle.
If you are not using a power tool to make the cut, you may have to make several passes before you finally sheer off the piece of rubber you want to use. These mats are made to last and they won’t get cut without a fight.
What Cuts Thick Rubber?
Most people use a utility knife and a straight edge. The blade on the knife has to be very sharp and you may have to remove pieces to keep that sharp edge as you cut. The straight edge could be a square, ruler, or something else that is thin.
A 2 x 4 would be too thick and it may throw the angle of your knife off and you will ruin your cut. If you are using a power tool, a good skill saw will work. It has the power and the sharp teeth on its blade to handle thick rubber.
Just set the skill saw to the right depth and you should be fine. Make sure to draw straight and clear lines before you start cutting. A jigsaw may be too slow and have not enough power to handle this material. Some people have tried it and have given up.
What Can I use To Cut Horse Stall Mats?
These mats are roughly 3/4 of an inch thick. You may think that is not very thick but when it comes to rubber, it is thick enough to cause you cutting problems. There are several different tools you can use. Two we have already talked about- the utility knife and the skill saw.
But there are other hand and power tools you can choose. The first would be a hack saw. Those blades come with some very sharp teeth and they can handle rubber just like they handle metal.
Then if you are in a bit of a hurry, instead of reaching for your skill saw, you should reach for your saws-all. This tool is like a powered hacksaw and can cut just about any material with the right blade.
In any case, no matter the tool, you should have someone holding one end of the mat to make the best cut.
The Best Tool To Cut Rubber Mats
We like the saws-all as it is built to tackle tough materials. Using one of these tools may save you time, but you need a second person to hold one end of the mat. They are powerful, quick, and accurate. more accurate than a skill saw.
Just make sure to change the blade when you are done. Next would be the hacksaw or utility knife. If you are working alone you can make some very accurate cuts with these two tools.
It just takes longer. The hacksaw edges out the utility knife as you may only need to make one cut while the utility knife will need 3 or 4 passes. Most likely, you will have to change the blades on either tool while you are still making your cut.
Make sure to have a supply of blades on hand when you take up this project.
Heavy-Duty Rubber Cutter
There are some shears that are said to be heavy-duty rubber cutters. It is hard to say if they will work or not. They act like and are shaped like pruning shears but with stronger metal blades.
The spring-loaded handles help reduce cutting stress. Then there is a manual rubber sheet cutter. It handles 14-inch widths and has a raised edge to make sure your mat is aligned just right.
The cost of this tool is just over $1000. That means you need to have a lot of rubber mats to cut to get your money’s worth out of it. There are different types of cutters on the market, but most are advertised as foam rubber cutters. It does not look like they can handle the tough rubber stall mats used for horses.
Sheffield makes one for under $20 but it has no spring-loaded handle to help relieve any cutting stress.
How do You Cut a Rubber Stall Mat?
If you are using a utility knife, then you will want to use a thin straight edge to guide your knife. Make two marks, one on each end, and line up the straight edge. Then start making your cuts.
Don’t go too deep or you may give up before you are done. It is slow going but it is an accurate way to cut to size. If you are using a hacksaw, skill saw or a saws-all, you still have to make your two marks.
Then connect those marks with an easy-to-see line. Once that is done, just start cutting away. You will need someone to hold up the one side as you cut or you could make a big mistake halfway through.
The weight of the rubber is such, that if you did not have help, it could tear and ruin your pieces.
Best Way To Cut Stall Mats
The operative word here is ‘carefully’. No matter which tool you use, you have to be careful One reason many people do not recommend a skill saw is that the no-slip rubber could keep binding the blade.
You need to keep pulling the rubber away so that doe snot take place. Also, a skill saw is the least accurate of all 4 tools you can use. The best way to make this cut is to have a second person helping you and taking your time.
The utility knife is the slowest method but it is very accurate and you may be able to do it by yourself. The drawback to this option is that the knife or your hand can slip and you get a knife in the leg or stomach.
How To Cut 3/4 inch Rubber Stall Mats
The first step would be to set up your cutting area. You want it in such a way that the mat’s weight won’t ruin your cut or the mat pieces. Then make sure the mat will be secure while you make your cut.
The second step would be to decide on which tool you will use. You can set up your cutting area to accommodate all 4 styles if you want. No matter which tool you use, make sure the blades are nice and sharp.
Have extra blades on hand to make sure you can complete the cutting task without any delays. Then make your cuts. Also, don’t forget to have a long enough extension cord if you are going with power tools. You will want the room to maneuver and enough length to keep the cord out of your way.
Some Final Words
Some people do not complete these tasks the same day they start them. The reason for that behavior is that these mats are very tough to cut. You have to be careful and patient as one mistake can ruin at least one of the pieces.
Make sure you mark your cut lines clearly and if you use a utility knife, be prepared to be there for a little while. This is the hardest cut option you can use. But it is also the cheapest method.
