Vinyl siding is one of the most popular exterior covers used in the industry today. This material is durable, colorfast and can be installed in a short period of time by skilled craftsmen. Do-it-yourself types can install vinyl with just a bit of study and practice. But, there are areas of the house that vinyl does not cover. Fascia boards and porch posts must be wrapped with vinyl covered trim metal to make the job complete. Beginners should start with the larger porch post to learn how to bend trim with a metal brake.

A properly wrapped porch post is protected from the elements and matches your trim and siding.

Step 1

Measure the length of the post with your tape measure. Unroll the trim metal on a flat surface. Stretch your tape measure along the metal and make a mark on the metal to match the post measurement.

Step 2

Lay the T square across the width of the sheet metal. Move the square so that it is in line with your mark. Cut the metal off by scoring it as you drag the tip of your razor knife along the edge of the T square. Score the metal several times then bend it back and forth to break it cleanly away from the main roll.

Step 3

Lay the metal onto the metal brake. Make a mark on each end of the metal that is 7-1/2 inches from the side facing away from you.

Step 4

Slide the metal into the jaws of the brake. Line up the marks on both ends with the lip of the brake. Pull the lock lever to hold the metal firmly in place. Run your razor knife along the lip of the brake to cut the metal. Discard the larger piece of metal.

Step 5

Open the jaws of the brake. Make a mark on each side of the metal at 2 inches and 5-1/2 inches. Clamp the metal in the brake at the 2 inch marks and pull the bending lever to fold the metal to a 90 degree angle. Open the brake, slide the other side of the metal into the jaws and lock it at the remaining set of marks. Pull the handle to make a second 90-degree bend in the metal.

Step 6

Slide the U shaped piece of metal around the back side of the porch post. Drive a row of 4d nails through the metal and into the wood 1/2 inch from each side of the metal. Space the nails 6 inches apart.

Step 7

Mark, cut and bend a second piece of metal to fit the first. Fasten this piece on the front of the post with 4d nails up both sides. Fill the seams with silicone from your caulk gun. Wipe the caulk smooth with a wet rag.