Description
Malco 1" Cut-Off Duct Board Cutting Tool (Red)
The Malco DT1C is a hand-pushed duct board cutter built for 1-inch fiberglass duct board. It is the red tool in Malco's duct board system, made to cut clean straight edges and shiplap-style joints, and it is the tool you reach for on the final end cut of a section so the closing seam lines up and seals tight.
The tool rides on a heavy-duty steel sled frame with a thicker base, so it tracks straight along a guide and holds up to daily shop and jobsite use. The blades are heat-treated stainless steel, chosen for corrosion resistance and edge retention, and they are replaceable, so a dull edge never means buying a new tool. When it is time for fresh blades, the matching set is the Malco DT1CRP.
Key Features
Sized for 1-inch board. The cut depth and blade geometry are set for 1-inch duct board, so every pass is consistent without adjusting anything.
Straight edge and shiplap cuts. Made for end cuts and closing seams, giving a square edge or a shiplap joint that overlaps and seals.
Heavy-duty steel sled. A thicker steel base keeps the tool tracking true along a straightedge and stands up to repeated use.
Replaceable stainless blades. Heat-treated stainless steel blades resist corrosion, hold an edge, and swap out with the DT1CRP replacement set.
Layout and Offsets
Each tool comes with an offset chart for laying out duct board, and the fasteners are included. For 1-inch board, the chart works from the inside dimension of the finished duct: the first location sits 1-1/8 inches inside that dimension, the second and third sit 1-1/2 inches past it, and the fourth sits 2 inches past it. Malco calls these offsets a starting point, because board thickness varies and the downward pressure you put on the tool changes the result, so a test cut on scrap is a good habit.
Most shops pair the DT1C with the black Malco DT1V V-cut tool of the same size, which cuts the folding V-grooves while the DT1C handles the end cuts and shiplap edges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness of duct board does the Malco DT1C cut?
It is made for 1-inch fiberglass duct board. Malco makes the same tool for 1-inch, 1-1/2-inch and 2-inch board, so match the tool to the board you are fabricating.
What is the difference between the red and black Malco duct board tools?
The red cut-off tools make straight edge cuts and shiplap joints for end cuts. The black V-cut tools make V-groove cuts that let the board fold into corners. A full duct section usually needs both.
Can the blades be replaced?
Yes. The blades are replaceable, and the matching replacement set for this tool is the Malco DT1CRP. Those blades are made only for the DT1C.
Is anything else included?
The tool ships with its blades installed, the fasteners, and an offset chart for layout.
