Best tool to cut rubber mats?

[sallyg]

As title really. I want to trim one of the rubber mats in my stable so it fits tight. At the moment it overlaps slightly and gets dirty bedding underneath it and is a trip hazard. What is the best tool to use? I need to do it in the stable. Thanks

 

[ponydi]

I use a stanley knife (?craft knife) with a very sharp blade. Cut a bit more off than you think to allow for the rubber spreading a bit over time...

 

[FfionWinnie]

Stanley knife dipped regularly in water as you cut.

 

[Chiffy]

My rubber was laid using a Jigsaw saw. A stanley knife was not man enough for thick rubber.

 

[paddy555]

A jig saw

 

[Traveller59]

I used a Stanley knife on the underside and ran it along the groove, so it was cutting through only half the width of rubber and it seemed to cut it fine.

 

[PorkChop]

I use a Stanley knife too

 

[popsdosh]

A sharp blade on a stanly knife cuts thick mats easily but rather than water use washing up liquid as a lubricant

 

[ILuvCowparsely]

I use a stanley knife (?craft knife) with a very sharp blade. Cut a bit more off than you think to allow for the rubber spreading a bit over time...

ditto this a stanley knife and a lot of patience

 

[Bearsmum]

Which tool? - My husband, he's a carpet fitter!
Seriously, a Stanley knife cut through even the very heavy thick rubber mats bear currently has, you might have to run it over a couple of times to get right the way through, but did the job.

 

[popsdosh]

Just a thought for those using Jigsaws it will knacker them in a very short time

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

A sharp blade on a stanly knife cuts thick mats easily but rather than water use washing up liquid as a lubricant

This ^ works a treat

 

[JanetGeorge]

The only thing I'd add is mark the cutting route beforehand - and put a piece of 2x4 underneath - just to the edge of the cut. With thick mats just start the cut - and the 2x4 will help it open up (meaning less grip on the knife.)

 

[sallyg]

Thanks everyone!

 

[Cinnamontoast]

Lift up mat, use Stanley knife, dead easy if you've lifted the mat, was the trick that works for me.

 

[SpottyMare]

Just a thought for those using Jigsaws it will knacker them in a very short time

That's why I bought a £15 cheapy from screwfix specifically for the job... It's done 3 stables worth of rubber and EVA mats now, and still fine.

 

[Toby_Zaphod]

Definitely a Stanley Knife with plenty of spare blades, a steel ruler for getting a straight cut & a length of 2" x1" timber to put under the mate when you cut. Running the blade through the mat & onto concrete will blunt it pronto.

 

[chillipup]

As title really. I want to trim one of the rubber mats in my stable so it fits tight. At the moment it overlaps slightly and gets dirty bedding underneath it and is a trip hazard. What is the best tool to use? I need to do it in the stable. Thanks

Someone else?

 

[popsdosh]

That's why I bought a £15 cheapy from screwfix specifically for the job... It's done 3 stables worth of rubber and EVA mats now, and still fine.

How much is a stanley knife blade ? usually do 2 stables to a blade as long as you use lubricant.

 

[SpottyMare]

How much is a stanley knife blade ? usually do 2 stables to a blade as long as you use lubricant.

Time more of a consideration than cost for me - the jigsaw did the job much faster. And it was more fun - I like playing with power tools!

 

[Makemineacob]

Stanley knife, score it using a straight edge and then use a piece of wood under the mat at the side of the cut and bend the mat over the wood while you score it again, makes it a heck of a lot easier as the weight of the mat bending over the wood helps you cut through it with a lot less effort.

 

[paddy555]

Time more of a consideration than cost for me - the jigsaw did the job much faster. And it was more fun - I like playing with power tools!

time and effort are my considerations. The jig saw did several stables and lived to tell the tale for several years afterwards. A stanley knife is fine for a few cuts but it gets to be hard work for much more.

 

[paddy555]

the person I bought some of my mats from also sold and fitted them as part of his business. He used a jigsaw.