Most shipping container customization plans will involve adding windows, doors, vents, or even opening a side wall. Cutting Cor-Ten steel, while not as easy as cutting wood, can be done with a number of different tools that you may have available in a typical handyman toolbox.

The first and foremost thing is to protect yourself while working with cutting tools. Regardless of which tool you select, cut steel will have very sharp edges; Wear a pair of thick leather gloves like those designed for welding. Cutting operation involves sparks and metal shavings, wear eye protection. The tools are noisy and the steel shipping container will increase the noise, wear good hearing protection! Also wear a thick long-sleeved shirt and long pants. I know it may not always be pleasant, however it is better than hot metal shavings falling on you. Speaking of landing on you, shipping containers are constructed of 12-gauge steel, approximately 1/8 “thick. A large piece of this material, such as a door opening, will be heavy, be careful. when finishing your cut to ensure that A heavy piece of metal with razor-sharp jagged edges will not fall towards you and injure you.

To get started, use a sharpie-type marker to clearly draw the edge of your opening on the steel of the container. If cutting an opening in the shipping container is not or will not become common practice for you, you can use an all-round saw or a reciprocating saw with a heavy steel cutting blade. Save yourself some frustration here, don’t buy cheap blades, they are cheap for a reason, this is heavy duty and you want several sturdy blades available. Drill a hole on the inside of the marked opening line large enough for the saw blade, place the blade in the hole, and begin cutting along your line.

You can also use a dexterity saw with a good blade to cut flour. To start your cut, first place the blade on top of your mark to align it. Raise the rear of the dexterity saw high enough so that the blade is clear of the container surface and turn the saw blade on, slowly lower the saw blade to its mark until the blade cuts through the steel, then continue your line. You will have to repeat this process when you get to the corners, as a dexterity saw does not turn. Don’t panic in case you get a little out of line with any of these cutting methods, any mistakes can be easily fixed.

Those who cut this type of steel more regularly should have a torch readily available, or the latest field cutting instrument, a plasma cutter in their arsenal of tools. These will be a lot quicker and simpler than saws and a lot less nonsense when rounding corners. You can rent these tools from most equipment rental locations, but practice with a little scrap before you start cutting into your dumpster.

While it is heavy work, cutting openings in shipping containers is not difficult and can be accomplished with any number of tools – just do it, carefully, and you have the easiest method for you.