The wire shelves can be cut to accommodate virtually any needed width forstorage.
If you’re purchasing locally, some stores may have on-site pneumatic shelf-cutting machines.
If you have the right tools, it’s possible for you to cut wire shelving quickly and safely.
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If used improperly, a bolt cutter can deform the end of the wire.
But most problems can be fixed by filing the metal.
Tip
Only a true bolt cutter with 14-inch minimum length handles will cut the wire splines.
Tin snips, aviation snips, wire cutters, orlineman’s plierswill not work.
Hacksaw
A hacksaw is a convenient, reliable way to cut wire.
Many homeowners already have a hacksaw on hand, and the bi-metal blade is sufficient to cutwire shelves’splines.
Cuts are not fasteach cut takes 30 seconds to a minute.
Due to the shape of the tool, it cuts the metal at an angle.
But the angled ends can be covered with plastic shelf end caps.
Safety Considerations
Wear eye and ear protection when cutting metal, especially with electric tools.
Be careful of sharp ends during and after the cut.
If so, choose the smallest measurement and use that.
Finally, subtract 1 inch from the measurement to give yourself ample working room.
A closet measures 82 inches wide at top, 81-1/2 inches at middle, and 82 inches at bottom.
Choose 81-1/2 inches as the measurement since it is the smallest.
Subtract 1 inch to arrive at a total of 80-1/2 inches.
Mark each spline individually.
All cut points on the splines must be centered between the thin perpendicular wires.
Use a metal file to lightly file ragged or twisted cut ends.
Repair Nicked Coating
Vinyl-coated or epoxy/polyester powder-coated wire shelving may become scratched or nicked during the cutting.
Use white appliance touch-up paint to fix these blemishes.
Add Shelf End Caps
Fit the shelf end caps onto every cut spline wire end.
It’s usually not worth the cost to purchase a bolt cutter just to cut a few wire shelves.
Instead, it’s more economical to use a hacksaw.
You must leave 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch of spline protruding.
Cutting too close may weaken the weld between the spline and the cross piece.
Not only that but flush-cut ends cannot be covered with the shelf end caps.
Over-filing the end can reduce the wire’s diameter, causing the end cap to fall off.
File the end gently a couple of times with the file held at a 90-degree angle to the spline.
This creates small burrs that grab onto the inside of the end cap and help it stay on.
Or use a tiny ball of white removable poster putty at the end of the spline.
Wire shelving that has been cut too short cannot be extended.
But extra wire shelving, along with new wall brackets, can be added to extend wire shelving.
