Ventilated wire shelving can be affordable and versatile. It is also available in many options.
Yet another benefit is its ease of installation. It is easy to install in a garage or closet in its original condition.
Sometimes the standard lengths of the wire shelving don’t work in the space you are installing it.
Even though it might seem intimidating and difficult to cut, with just a basic idea of the process and the right tools its actually very easy.
Heres how to cut wire shelving to your desired length.
What Youll Need
Like most home DIY projects, there are a lot of different ways to go about cutting wire shelving.
But Im going to focus on the method most accessible for the majority of homeowners out there.
Most homeowners have a basic toolkit, unlike professionals who can access a larger range of tools. And its typically not worth it to invest in a specialized tool since youll likely only cut wire shelving a handful of times in your life.
That said, its possible to easily cut wire shelving with simple hand tools (that you might already have at home! ).
Heres what youll need:
Step 1: Get Ready For The Cut
Measure the width of your closet or room before you buy your wire shelving.
You will often find wire shelving that fits in the space without the need to cut it. It comes in many sizes.
These measurements can be used to mark and measure the wire shelving to determine where you need to cut it.
Step II: Make The Cut
Next, hold the wire shelving firmly between your feet, so it doesnt move during the cut.
Take your cutting tool in this case, a pair of bolt cutters and gently cut through the cut line.
You will likely need to make small cuts to cut through the wires.
Step III: Smooth The Edges
Bolt cutters, and most alternative cutting methods, will leave sharp, possibly dangerous edges on the shelving.
While this might not be an issue if the ends of the shelving will be flush with a wall, its so easy to smooth out the edges that theres almost no reason not to.
A small drum sander or even a piece of sandpaper will smooth out the edges enough for our purposes.
Step IV: Install
You are now ready to place your wire shelving.
You might need to make small adjustments if your measurements or cuts are slightly off.
Many wire shelving sets come with wall clips and other parts that make installation simple.
I always recommend buying more of these than you think youll actually need as youll typically go through more than the standard amount.
To install your wire shelving, simply attach the wall clips and retaining clips to the wall and then attach the shelving unit to them.
Alternative Options
A bolt cutter is my favorite tool for cutting wire shelving.
It is the preferred choice for most professionals and makes quick cuts. It also works with a variety of diameter of wires.
However, you might not own a bolt cutter. You can also use the following tools to make these cuts:
You can also use a circular saw, reciprocating saw or hacksaw to cut wire shelving.
- Hacksaw This is a cheaper option but takes more effort. A hacksaw must have the right blade.
- Reciprocating Saw Makes very clean cuts, although slightly more dangerous. Also requires a specific blade.
- Circular Saw Youll get clean cuts with the right blade, but can be slightly difficult without adequate measuring and preparation beforehand.
Another option is to bring your wire shelving unit into a home improvement shop. Most home improvement stores, especially big-box stores like Lowes and Home Depot, have air operated cutters to cut wire shelving and similar objects.
If you purchase the wire shelving at one of these stores, and already know your needed measurements (measure beforehand! They’ll even cut the wire for you!
These stores offer rental of reciprocating saws and circular saws as well as bolt cutters for DIY projects at home.
Last Thoughts
Learning how to cut wire shelving is incredibly easy.
When you use a bolt cutter, the job is quick and simple. You only need to sand the edges of the bolt cutter for clean cuts.
Dont own bolt cutters? Then one of the alternative methods on our list will help you cut and install your wire shelving in no time.
