Wire shelving offers a great way of creating functional storage space. You can use it to repair/ build your closet, pantry, garage storage from scratch, or hanging units at home. However, in most instances, the standard sizes of the wire shelving don’t match the size and shape of the installation spaces, necessitating the need to cut them into desired designs.
So, what can you use to cut wire shelving? There are various tools you can use to cut wire shelving, including a miter, saw, angle grinder, bolt cutters, hacksaw, router, Dremel, jigsaw, and table saw.
Whatever cutting tool you intend to use, you need to measure the installation area, transfer the measurements to the wire shelving, and mark the cut points with a permanent marker.
Additionally, you should wear safety gear and mount the wire shelving securely to make the cutting as efficient as possible. To avoid being too general, I have discussed using the tools above in the following sections.
Can You Cut Wire Shelving With a Miter Saw?
A miter saw is ideal for making accurate bevel and miter cuts on pieces of wood.
However, with the right blade, you can also use a miter saw for making light cuts on wire shelving. The wire shelving features thin industrial-grade steel construction and an epoxy finish, allowing easy cuts with a miter saw.
Since the wire shelving is made from a ferrous material, I recommend you use a blade specifically for cutting ferrous metals like diamond blades.
To cut, measure the installation space, then transfer the measurements to the wire shelving. Use a permanent marker to mark the cutting areas. Check to ensure that your miter saw has a ferrous blade installed.
Then, place the wire shelf on the workbench with a cloth or any other cushioning material beneath the wire shelving. Align the miter blade to the cut mark and power it to cut. Repeat the process to cut the remaining cut points.
The cushioning between the cutting board and the wire shelf prevents the cutting surface from marring the coating on the final product.
When transferring the measurements, you should reduce the contact edges of the shelf by at least an inch to allow for an easy installation.
Finally, remember to wear safety gear to avoid potential injury from sharp metal edges, flying sparks, shards, and metal chips.
Can You Cut Wire Shelving With Angle Grinder?
You want to install wire shelving in your garage but have misplaced your hacksaw or bolt cutter. You try locating them to no avail but manage to find an angle grinder. You start wondering whether using the angle grinder would give you the same precise cuts on your wire shelving.
The short answer is yes.
You can cut wire shelving using an angle grinder and achieve precise cuts. The angle grinder boasts an abrasive disk that you can use for cutting, polishing, or grinding metal surfaces to attain the desired designs.
To cut, measure the installation space and reduce the width (attachment) edges by at least an inch. Transfer the measurements to the wire shelving using a permanent marker. Place the wire shelving on the working board with a cushioning underneath and secure it with at least two clamps. Align the grinder’s cutting wheel with the cut lines and cut as required.
Be sure to use the grinder blade that is fit for cutting through metals.
Can You Cut Wire Shelving With Bolt Cutters?
A bolt cutter is a manually operated tool for cutting bolts, rebar, padlocks, chains, and wire mesh, among other metallic materials.
You can cut wire shelving with bolt cutters. For best results, use a bolt cutter whose length of handles matches the thickness of the shelf you are working on. More specifically, thicker pieces of wire shelving require bolt cutters with long handles for effortless cutting.
To cut, measure and mark the cut areas described in the above sections. Then, place the wire shelf on a working board with a cushion underneath. Align the jaws of your bolt cutter with the cut areas and press the handles to cut. Repeat the last step until you’re done cutting all the cut points.
Can You Cut Wire Shelving With Hacksaw?
If your chop saw has developed some issues and are looking for an alternative tool to cut through wire shelving, you can always go for a hacksaw.
A hacksaw is a fine-toothed saw traditionally used for cutting hard materials, especially metals. That said, you can use a hacksaw to cut wire shelving to your liking. However, the tool is hand-powered, hence not ideal for large-scale applications.
To cut, mark and lay the wire shelving on a cushioned working board as the case for bolt cutters. Hold the shelving with at least two soft clamps, and then use a hacksaw to cut marked sections. Remember to use a short hacksaw blade in areas where a long blade cannot suffice.
Can You Cut Wire Shelving With A Router?
A router is a special machine for cutting and carving plastics, wood, and acrylic sheets. However, many craftsmen have been asking whether they can use the router for cutting wire shelving.
The short answer to this question is yes.
You can cut wire shelving with a router. However, the machine may overheat and spoil if it runs for a long time. You can prevent the router from overheating by refilling the cutting fluid with a cooling liquid, using a vortex cold air gun to blow cold air on the tool end, etc.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 2, 2022.
Can You Cut Wire Shelving With Dremel?
A Dremel is ideal for routing, cleaning, polishing, cutting, engraving, sanding, and carving wood and light metals.
You can use dremel to make cuts on wire shelving. It allows you tailor your perfect power and torque combinations. To Cut, measure, mark, and place the wire on a cushioned working bench. Then use Dremel to cut through the marked sections.
Be sure to sand the cut sections to reduce the risk of injury.
Can You Cut Wire Shelving With Jigsaw?
Jigsaw is a special power tool with a reciprocating blade to allow you to make straight and bevel cuts on wood, plastic and acrylic sheets. However, some DIYers have asked whether they can cut wire shelving with a jig saw.
You can cut wire shelving with a jigsaw, using the right blade. To cut, measure and transfer the dimensions of the installation space onto the wire shelving. Place the wire shelving on a working table, with a cloth underneath. Align the jigsaw blade with marked spots and cut as needed.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 2, 2022.
Be sure to install the right blade in your jigsaw before you start making the cuts.
Can You Cut Wire Shelving With Table Saw?
Are you looking for a power tool to help you make rip and cross cuts on wood pieces? If yes, then a table saw can suffice your needs.
You can cut wire shelving, and other light metals with a table saw. To cut, mark the cut areas with a permanent marker. Start the table saw, then align the cut sections with the table saw blade before pushing it towards the blade.
You can use a push stick to avoid hurting your hands. Remember to wear safety gear to protect your eyes and other body parts from free metal elements.
How To Cut Wire Shelving The Right Way?
The method you use for cutting the wire shelving depends on the tools at your disposal. And the only way to ensure you cut wire shelving the right way is to follow the instructions of use to the letter.
That could entail things like:
- Assembling the right materials
- Wearing safety gear like goggles, safety boots, etc. to minimize the risk of injury
- Using the right blades (rated for cutting metals)
- Cleaning the workspace after installing the wire shelving to avoid posing a threat to other people
Related Articles
What Can You Use To Cut Insulation? (How To)
What Can You Use To Cut Mirror? (How To)
What Can You Use To Cut Metal Door? (How To)
What Can You Use to Cut EMT Conduit Pipe? (How To)
ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 2, 2022.