Due to a leak in the tank's bottom I will need to cut out the small (14gallon) diesel tank in my sailboat. The tank is made of steel sheet metal, probably about 1/16" thick. Can members suggest the best tool for this process? I own a Milwaukee sawsall and a die grinder and a jig saw. Jig saws are not great when cutting sheet metal since it is so flexible. Richard

Having cut up my share of basement oil tanks in my HVAC business, I can say with some degree of expertise that the sawzall is the tool of choice. It's NOISY, messy, and you'll go through a blade (pack) or two, don't use too fine tooth a blade, we actually used Lenox 618 blades most of the time, they seem to go through the material the fastest. Blade life is of secondary importance. Grinders throw material EVERYWHERE and make sparks and smoke, I wouldn't recommend it. If you have access to a nibbler, that would be the best choice, but it's a specialized tool that isn't too common. Nibble to the corners, then saw across the corners with a sawzall or porta-band. Man, I envy you and the fun you'll be having. <G> Cheers! On 12/30/2014 6:01 PM, Richard E Packard via Trawlers-and-Trawlering wrote: > Due to a leak in the tank's bottom I will need to cut out the small > (14gallon) diesel tank in my sailboat. The tank is made of steel sheet > metal, probably about 1/16" thick. Can members suggest the best tool for > this process? I own a Milwaukee sawsall and a die grinder and a jig saw. > Jig saws are not great when cutting sheet metal since it is so flexible. > > Richard > > > -- > Steve Sipe > Solo 4303 "Maerin" > Brunswick,. GA