We’ve cut a lot of cans for can art upcycle projects and have finally developed the best way of how to cut tin cans! If you love to craft with cans, you’ll want to build our innovative tool for yourself too!
Laser Craft Fest
Before we get into the tutorial, if you love to craft, I’ll be teaching a beginner class on laser cut felt at the upcoming Laser Craft Fest September 10 – 12th. If you’re interested in learning more, the Laser Craft Fest is absolutely FREE (and there’s even an opportunity to win your own laser). 👉 Grab your free ticket here.
How to Cut Tin Cans for Crafts
Lately, DIY safety is top of mind with us these days because I have to be on blood thinners. I really can’t afford to injure myself (like I did when we made this cabinet door art). So when I explained to Hubs the kind of tool I wanted to cut tin cans for crafts, he didn’t disappoint. His first prototype worked so well, I couldn’t wait to share it with you! It not only keeps me safe from cutting myself, but it’s easy to use and also a faster way to cut aluminum cans!
The beauty of this tool is that you probably have pieces of scrap wood lying around your house right now that you can easily throw together. Here’s what you need:
Materials for Cutting Tool
[If you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered (disclosure): Clicking on the affiliate links below means we may receive a commission. We earn from qualifying purchases which we proudly donate to Alzheimer’s research. But don’t worry, you don’t pay a cent more! Thanks for helping to support our fundraiser!]
- Olfa Utility Knife
- Olfa 18 mm blades
- 2 1/8″ hole saw
- 1/8″ MDF Board for Crafts
- Titanium Scissors
- Aluminum cans
- Microplane cut resistant glove
- Rubber coated glove
- Uvex Safety Googles
- Plastic report cover spine (to protect blade when not in use)
- Sandpaper
- Scraps of wood and wood screws (see template in our Birdz on the Fly Freebie Library for dimensions)
How do you cut tin cans easily?
First, build our tool. Watch this video or continue below for the written tutorial.
Free Template
We have a template with the dimensions you need to make your own can cutting tool. If you’re already a subscriber, go grab it at our Birdz on the Fly Freebie Library.
The best tool for aluminum cans
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All you need are two screws, a blade, and two scrap pieces of wood cut to size. We also suggest you sand the pieces of wood after they are cut for a smooth finish. For our prototype, we didn’t sand it yet.
Be sure to countersink the screw holes so nothing sticks out on the top piece of wood, giving you a comfortable grip. Also, drill these holes larger than in the bottom piece so the screws slips right through. That might seem counterintuitive, but trust us. Since the upper hole is larger, the screw will better grab the wood in the bottom piece and hold the blade tighter when it’s assembled. Otherwise, you will get resistance and a potential gap between the two pieces, which won’t hold the blade in place.
Place the top piece over the bottom piece and mark the holes. As you see below, the bottom piece is drilled the same size, or a little small than the width of the screw.
Place the blade at about at 45 degree angle, as shown above. We like to tape it along the bottom. The one improvement I’d make here is to chisel out a channel in the wood for the blade to further lock it in place. I think over time, the screw holes may loosen resulting in shifting. If we do that, I’ll update it here.
Most importantly, cut a piece a plastic report holder spine to cover the blade that will be sticking out the side when not in use. You don’t want to accidentally grab it and cut yourself!
Now you can screw the top to the bottom locking the blade in place.
Lastly, the secret to making this tool work is the circle template. Without it, it will be difficult to keep the can steady so the cutting tool can cut at exactly the same level. That’s important because if the beginning and end of the score doesn’t line up, it will be impossible to get a clean cut.
You can use a 1/8″ piece of MDF to drill the hole to accommodate the rim of the drink can (as shown below), or a piece of plastic (like above) if you have it.
So, what is the best tool to cut aluminum cans with? Build your own using our template and try this Birdz of a Feather innovation for yourself.
The Best Way to Cut Cans for Crafts
Watch our video to see how to cut tin cans for crafts using our easy to use tool. Or continue below for the written tutorial.
What is the best way to cut through tin?
- Score the side of the aluminum can with a utility knife.
2. Turn the can upside down and insert into the circle cut-out.
3. Position blade of cutting tool against the side of the can where the ingredient list is.
Score Top of Can
4. Rotate can to score. The beauty of the circle template is that it holds the can so the score is at the exact same level all the way around.
Best tool to cut aluminum can
5. Once back to the beginning, go a little bit past the starting point to score twice. That will be where your starter hole is. However, if you put more pressure you could even break through the can which makes the next step easier.
6. Now, rock the utility knife back and forth where you scored twice.
You want to cleanly punch through on the line you scored.
7. Putting pressure on the score, push your gloved thumb along the score to the right to break through the aluminum can. 
8. Then, change direction and move to the right. Rotate the can around as you break through until back to the beginning again.
9. Wiggle the top back and forth until it is released from the drink can.
10. Locate the score on the side.
11. Crease along the side of the can and pinch together.
12. Tear along the score. Once at the bottom, gentle pull it apart until it pops opens all the way.
13. Now you can get a pair of scissors in.
14. Slide to the very bottom and cut around the perimeter of the can. Recycle both the top and bottom of the can.
15. With a rubber glove on your left hand and cut resistant glove on the right (for flexibility), turn the can upside down. Run it along the edge of a table to uncurl it and flatten the can.
16. Turn the can around the do the same on the other side. Do this until the can is perfectly flat.
Now, go have fun and make stuff!
Can Craft Projects
Interested in seeing what you can do with your flattened pieces of aluminum? Check out our newest projects; this soda can craft, geometric wall art or this can craft. They’ll all bring a unique decor esthetic to your space.
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You are amazing. I love your detailed videos and your calm presentation. The results are stunning and unique.
Right back at you Alys; I think you are amazing too! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friend!
Sara, you are a master teacher, so detailed in your tutorials…and you have the prettiest soda cans I’ve ever seen! No wonder you can create such pretty art!
Thank you for that lovely compliment Kim! I love to teach and share our techniques – especially if we can make it easier for just one crafter, it’s all worth the effort :). I have an original new can craft design in the works and can’t wait to share that too!
Great post
Thanks!