Malco REDLINE ½” J Channel Cutters -2/3” knockout – for drain tabs, downstream notch cutouts and miter trim cuts JCC50R – Ergonomic Handle

Excellent tool for dressing the edges of J-Channel to be used to box around windows or other obstructions. Very solid feel to the "single click" to create a tab with little danger of squeezing too hard and removing the tab completely. With slightly more pressure, it is easy to completely remove the tab piece. It does not feel bulky or awkward to hold and use. Takes a tad of getting used to the gradations on the punch piece, but, hey, aren't we all teachable? I've never had any problems with Malco tools in the past and this device is no exception to that record. I would highly recommend it as an addition to your siding tool kit.

I have a 7/8" J-cutter that is about 20 years old. love it but needed a 1" cutterI like the new lock mechanism and the etched gauge is nice but my oldie has an adjustable stop that was nice so I didnt have to even look at the cutter when working my miters.overall its made well and functions great.

No sure what some people are talking about when they say this doesn’t work on 5/8” j. 5/8” j is 7/8” on the insideIt fits nice and snug inside the j and makes a perfect cut. I don’t think the people making those comments are carpenters. Tool is very sturdy I think it will last a long time with every day use 👍

These are very well built, easy to lock, easy to use. My only real issue is that the notches on the unit are not marked, as one might expect to make the correct cut depths desired. I located the notch mark I wanted using trial and error, and then colored it in with a Sharpie.I understand that there are variations of vinyl formulations and quality and that the tool needs to work with all permutations to be a success. If your J channel is breaking the tab completely out or putting stress cracks between the end of the cutting end points when you are attempting to just notch the J channel like me, here is how I solved it.Insert the tool into the J channel to the depth you want, slightly clamp down on the J channel, release the vinyl from your hands so the vinyls weight is only held by the tool. Squeeze the handles until it completes the first notching action. This seemed to be the only way I could get it operate for me. I was using 3/4 J channel from Certainteed.When the tool works, it saves you a lot of hassle trying to make clean cut or notch in of J channel with snips.

I called Malco customer service before buying this cutter. My question was "what is the width of the notch this cutter makes?". Surprisingly, they couldn't answer the question and obviously had no specifications on the tool. Their answer was "we make our cutters to fit the industry standard size j-channel." So, if you purchase 1/2" j-channel, you should get the 1/2" cutter (JCCR50). JCCR50 makes a 5/8" wide notch. My 1/2" J-channel (Certainteed brand) needs a 3/4" notch. I also have Certainteed 3/4" j-channel and the "ideal" notch would be 15/16". Since this cutter (JCCR50) makes a 5/8" notch, I'm returning it for the JCCR.The tool itself feels heavy duty in hand, so I'm giving the tool 5-stars, but I think Malco could save a lot of money (on return shipping and handling) and customer frustration by just listing the actual notch size each model makes.

Work good for the most part. I'm thinking bo to cold weather j channel shrink which make these just slightly to big to fit in 5/8 j. Can't wait to see if they work better once it warms up. I'd still recommend these because I'm pretty sure I'm correct about the temperature making the j channel harder to work with.

These WILL NOT WORK on metal J-channel for pole barn siding, when all my other Malco tools do work

It's supposed to only cut the sides to create a flap if you don't press too hard but it keeps just cutting through. If it's supposed to work a certain way then I don't know because there are no instructions.