Cutting wire shelfs

[Curly Qsawn]

I am re-doing a lot of the closets to better organize and using some wire shelves. It is easier to cut shelves to length as my wife designs than to try to plan out in advance to have the store cut the shelves. The first couple I've used a hacksaw. Is there a better tool for cutting these shelves quickly and with a nice clean cut?

[maxparot]

2 choices an angle grinder with a metal cutting chop blade or nice sized bolt cutters.

[DaveStL]

Dremel Quick-Release Cutoff Wheel

I am re-doing a lot of the closets to better organize and using some wire shelves. It is easier to cut shelves to length as my wife designs than to try to plan out in advance to have the store cut the shelves. The first couple I've used a hacksaw. Is there a better tool for cutting these shelves quickly and with a nice clean cut?

We've been using a Dremel w/ the new quick-release reinforced cutoff wheel in my son's HS robotics club. For example, we've had to cut down a number of screws and bolts, and it cuts very well-- quick, clean, easy to control, and the wheel is sturdy.

Wear eye protection, of course. We haven't had a problem, but...

Dave

[whitecobra]

We use a $20 bolt cutter
Looks like a funky pliers but the double action cutters will cut a padlock

Dr D

[LinuxRandal]

Did a commercial building with bolt cutters. So much easier to do their, then hope they have measured it right.

[os1kne]

I've cut them using a cutting wheel on a Dremel and using a metal cutting blade in a jigsaw. The jigsaw did a much better and faster job and didn't burn through cutting wheels (with major spark showers) like the Dremel.
I can't comment on the other methods.

Good luck!

[cwsmith]

When I put wire shelves in the pantry, I used my Dremel, with the larger diameter reinforced cutting wheels. The smaller wheels break too easily and seem harder to control. As previously mentioned, wear I protection. Also, watch those fingers.

After cutting, the edges were easily dressed with a file. Also, I cut all the shelves out on the deck (during the summer), no problem with clean-up that way.

CWS

[Curly Qsawn]

Thanks all. I was hoping for more votes on the angle grinder than bolt cutters to justify the new tool. Maybe I need both to see which one works for me. My Dremel is over 20 years old and the mandrel just broke so that will be a chore finding a new one.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Thanks all. I was hoping for more votes on the angle grinder than bolt cutters to justify the new tool. Maybe I need both to see which one works for me. My Dremel is over 20 years old and the mandrel just broke so that will be a chore finding a new one.

I've got a bunch of Hitachi 7" and 9" grinders for sale . . . and I will be in VA tomorrow and Friday.

[crokett]

Thanks all. I was hoping for more votes on the angle grinder than bolt cutters to justify the new tool.

Here's a vote for the angle grinder. A bolt cutter only does one thing. An angle grinder will do this job plus many more.

[maxparot]

If you use the bolt cutters you may want the grinder to clean the cut anyway. Just cut to the chase with the angle grinder. Yes a dremel can do the job but the grinder is faster and the chop blade will last a while longer than the Dremel blades.

[Rob R]

the guys who did our new home used a bolt cutter.

no mess either.

rob

[sacherjj]

I used bolt cutters, but will vote angle grinder if it gets you a new tool. Actually, come to think of it, I did use the angle grinder to clean up the ends. But they are much easier to do the initial cut with bolt cutters. Faster if you need to do a bunch.

[Curly Qsawn]

Well I'm of a mind that I "need" both. Lucky me. Uh oh, now what size is most versatile? I'd had my eye on a 4.5", but got to thinking if I use it to cut some masonary next summer for a patio I'm thinking of maybe it won't have enough reach and I need to go to a 7 or 9 inch. I'm assuming there is an optimum size for bolt cutters too, just don't know what that is.

[FL Buckeye]

I've never thought of using a grinder for cutting wire shelves but guess it would work. Sounds like more work, sparks and iron dust than I would want. When I installed closetmaid wire shelves in a couple of walk-in closets I used bolt cutters, quick and easy. Bought them cheap at HF. Then I justified a 4.5" grinder by needing one to clean out some mortar joints for tuck-pointing. Doing your patio can warrant buying a cutoff saw!