What do I do with sharp drive ends?

Finish, fold, trim, or protect sharp drive ends per shop practice before leaving the joint. Sharp ends cut hands, tear insulation/vapor barrier, and create punchlist issues.

Finish the drive ends so they cannot back out, cut someone, or snag insulation. Sharp tails are a punch-list and safety problem.

Rectangular Duct & Fittings 3rd Year BLUE

Stop if

Ask if you are not sure whether to fold, trim, replace, or protect the drive end.

Watch out

Do not leave razor drive tails sticking out.

Check

Fold/tab per shop practice
Check exposed edges
Look where hands, insulation, or ceiling work will hit

Steps

Inspect both drive ends after installation.
Remove burrs or mangled edges if allowed.
Fold/tab/finish the end the way your crew requires.
Check nearby insulation, access path, and finished surfaces.
Replace the drive if it is too damaged to make safe.

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In Rectangular Duct Assembly: S-and-Drive, I'm looking at: What do I do with sharp drive ends? What should I verify before I cut, drill, seal, cover, move, or install?