Wire shelving is a popular and affordable way to add storage space to closets, pantries, garages, basements, and more. While wire shelving kits often come in standard sizes, you may need to trim or cut the shelving to properly fit your space. Cutting wire shelving may seem daunting, but with the right tools and technique, it can be done safely and efficiently.

Gather the Proper Materials and Tools

Cutting wire shelving requires just a few basic supplies:

Wire shelving to be cut
Tape measure
Marker or pencil
Wire cutters
Work gloves
Safety glasses

Be sure to use heavy-duty wire cutters designed for cutting metal. Regular scissors or tin snips may not get through the thick steel wire cleanly. Work gloves and safety glasses are also recommended to protect your hands and eyes from sharp wire edges and snipped ends.

Measure and Mark Cut Lines

Before cutting, carefully measure and mark where you need to trim the wire shelving. Use a tape measure to determine the exact length or width you need. Mark the cut lines clearly with a marker or pencil so you can see them while cutting.

When measuring, keep these tips in mind:

Double check your measurements – it’s better to measure twice and cut once!
Account for the end wires when measuring length. Cut lines should be marked between the cross wires, not across them.
Make sure your cut lines are straight and perpendicular across the shelf.
For corners and edges, measure and mark the wire you want to keep, not the excess you are removing.

Clamp Shelving Securely

For safety and best results, secure the wire shelving firmly before cutting. Trying to cut unsecured shelving can lead to slipping, inaccurate cuts, and injury.

There are two easy ways to stabilize the shelf:

On a Solid Surface

Place the shelving on a flat, stable surface like a workbench or concrete floor.
Have someone stand on the shelving or place clamps/heavy objects on it to prevent shifting while cutting.

Leaning Against a Wall

Lean the shelving at a 45 degree angle against a sturdy wall.
Place shims or spacers underneath to hold it at an angle.
Position so your cut line is accessible.

The goal is to create enough stability so the shelving doesn’t move during cutting. Take your time securing it properly.

Cut the Wire Shelving

With your cut lines marked and the shelving stabilized, you’re ready to make the cuts:

Step 1: Position the Cutters

Put on gloves and eye protection.
Grip the wire cutters in one hand.
Use your other hand to hold the shelf steady near the cut.
Position the wire cutters onto the mark perpendicular to the wire.

Step 2: Snip Through the Wire

Slowly apply firm, even pressure to the handles of the wire cutters.
Let the tool do the work – don’t rush or twist the cutters.
Continue squeezing until the cutters pass all the way through the wire.

Step 3: Repeat as Needed

Reposition and make additional cuts as marked if trimming multiple wires.
Take your time and line up each cut carefully.

Applying steady, firm pressure will create the cleanest cut through the thick steel wire. Avoid angling the cutters or “nibbling” your way through.

File or Sand Rough Edges

Once the wire is cut, running a metal file or sandpaper over the cut ends will help smooth any burrs or sharp edges. Be sure to file in one direction, away from yourself, and clean up all rough edges.

Filing makes the cut area safer to handle and gives it a more finished look.

Safety Tips

Wear gloves – newly cut wire can be extremely sharp and will easily slice skin.
Beware of cut ends – clipped wire pieces can poke or scratch if not filed.
Work slowly and carefully – rushing increases the risk of slipping and injury.
Discard cut fragments – small snipped wires can poke bare feet (and vacuum cleaners).

Taking basic safety precautions will help the project go smoothly from start to finish.

Common Cutting Applications

Some typical situations where you may need to cut wire shelving:

Shortening Shelves

Cutting a shelf narrower to fit in a slim pantry or closet.
Removing short segments to make shelves shallower.

Creating Custom Depths

Cutting shelves to various custom depths for staggered display.
Allowing clear access to windows, doors, and light switches.

Notching Shelves

Cutting notches in a shelf edge to fit around pipes or obstacles.
Creating notches for wall brackets or vertical supports.

Separating Connected Shelves

Snipping cross wires to divide connected shelf sections.
Allowing shelves to be used individually rather than in doubles or triples.

With the right approach, wire shelving can be modified in virtually any configuration needed. Get creative with cutting to maximize your storage space!

Stainless Steel Shelving

The techniques above apply primarily to standard carbon steel wire shelves. Stainless steel shelving requires a slightly different process. Here are some tips:

Use carbide cutters designed for stainless steel rather than standard wire cutters.
Expect to apply more hand strength when cutting. Stainless is stronger than regular steel.
File cut ends with a stainless steel file to avoid corrosion and rust.
Deburring pliers can also work well for finishing stainless cuts smoothly.

The same safety precautions should be taken when cutting stainless – gloves, eye protection, secured shelving, etc. Just be prepared for increased difficulty slicing through the harder stainless material.

How to Cut Wire Shelving – FAQ

Still have some questions about modifying wire shelving? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Is it OK to cut the cross wires on shelving?

Yes, you can cut the cross wires if needed to remove a shelf segment or notch out a section. The front and rear horizontal wires provide most of the strength and stability.

Can I cut galvanized wire shelving?

Galvanized steel can be cut just like regular wire shelving using the same technique. The zinc galvanization may flake off around the cut edge.

What about vinyl-coated wire shelves?

It’s best to avoid cutting vinyl-coated wire to prevent damaging or peeling up the coating. But if necessary, use a fine-toothed saw to prevent tearing.

How do I cut thick-gauge shelving and bars?

For heavyweight shelving, use large bolt cutters or a hacksaw with a blade suitable for metal cutting rather than standard wire cutters. Take it slowly.

What should I do with the loose snipped wires?

Properly dispose of all cut wire fragments, especially small pieces that can poke feet or vacuum cleaners. Never just leave them loose after cutting.

Is it hard to cut chrome shelves without chipping?

Cutting chromed wire requires special care. Use new, sharp cutters and file the cut edge to prevent chrome flakes. Consider practicing first on scrap pieces.

Can I cut steel shelving with a reciprocating saw?

Yes, a sawzall fitted with a metal-cutting blade is an alternative to wire cutters for cutting wire shelving and supports. Again, clamp it securely and work cautiously.

How do I cut notches for wall standards?

Mark the notch size and location. Make two vertical cuts first using the cross wires as a guide. Then cut horizontally across to complete the notch. File smooth.

Conclusion

While it may seem intimidating at first, with the proper tools and technique, cutting wire shelving is totally doable as a DIY project. Remember to take safety seriously, measure meticulously, and stabilize the shelving during cutting. Be patient and let the wire cutters do the work. Soon you’ll have custom shelving tailored perfectly to your space and storage needs.

How to Clean Wire Shelving

Over time, wire shelving can accumulate dirt, dust, grime, and spills that make it look dingy. Cleaning restores it to a like-new shine and keeps stored items from picking up odors or stains. Here are some top tips for cleaning regular wire, chrome, epoxy, and other types of wire shelving.

Supplies Needed

Gather these basic supplies before getting started:

Clean rags or microfiber cloths
Dish soap or degreaser
Spray bottle filled with warm water
Gentle scrub brush or pad
Old toothbrush for crevices
Rubbing alcohol (optional)
Disposable gloves
Protective eye wear

Avoid abrasive scouring pads or powders which can scratch the surface. Also have paper towels handy for drying.

Clear Off Shelving First

The most important first step – remove everything from the shelving before cleaning! Trying to clean around items will limit your access for thorough cleaning. Take everything off and set it aside until the shelving looks shiny and new.

Dust and Degrease

Before washing, do an initial wipe down to remove surface debris:

Use a dry rag or duster to dust off loose dirt and hair.
Apply a degreasing cleaner to cut through oily grime. Spray degreaser onto shelves and let sit briefly before wiping.
Pay special attention to greasy areas around rod brackets and vertical supports.

Wash With Soapy Water

Now tackle the main wash job:

Fill your spray bottle with warm water and a few squirts of dish soap. Shake gently to mix.
Mist soapy water liberally over shelving and let soak briefly.
Scrub gently with a cloth, soft brush or sponge pad.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all soap residue.
Repeat washing and rinsing until all areas are clean. Change out dirty wash water often.

Detail Clean

For a spotless finish, clean crevices, corners, edges carefully:

Use an old toothbrush dipped in soapy water to scrub inside wire joints.
Rinse and dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth.
Q-tips can reach small spaces between closely set wires.

Sanitize (Optional)

For shelving in bathrooms, kitchens or other hygiene areas:

Mist with rubbing alcohol after washing.
Let the alcohol sit for 10 minutes before wiping dry.
Repeat alcohol application if heavily soiled.

Rinse and Dry

Thoroughly rinse away all soap with clean water. Make sure to get both sides of shelves and inside corners.

Allow shelving to air dry completely before reloading items. If needed, wipe down with a lint-free cloth to prevent water spots as it dries.

Chrome Shelving

Use caution when cleaning chrome plated wire shelving:

Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives which can damage the chrome finish.
Wipe gently with a soft cloth using minimal pressure.
Rinse thoroughly and dry right away to prevent water spots.

With extra care, regularly cleaning chrome shelving will help maintain its sleek shiny appearance.

How to Clean Wire Shelving – FAQ

Here are answers to common questions about keeping wire shelves sparkling clean:

How can I get grease and oil stains off wire?

Degreasing cleaners help dissolve sticky grease and oil. Spray or scrub with a degreaser and let sit before rinsing. Repeat if needed for heavy staining.

What about rust stains on shelving?

For surface rust, scrub with a paste of baking soda and water. For deeper rust, use naval jelly to dissolve rust, then rinse thoroughly. Light sanding can also remove stubborn rust spots.

How do I clean woven wire shelf liners?

Remove woven liners and hand wash gently with mild detergent, lay flat to dry. Do not place in washer or dryer.

Can I use a pressure washer to clean wire shelving?

No, the concentrated spray can damage the finish. Clean by hand instead using spray bottles and cloths.

How should I clean vinyl coated wire shelves?

Use only mild dish soap and water. Avoid chemicals, alcohol, or abrasives which can damage the coating. Rinse and dry carefully.

What about epoxy coated shelves?

Epoxy is durable but still requires gentle cleaning. Use soft rags or sponges with mild detergent to prevent scraping off the coating.

How often should I clean wire shelving?

Clean anytime shelves look dirty, but a thorough cleaning every 2-3 months helps maintain their appearance. Clean immediately after spills.

Conclusion

With the right cleaning supplies and techniques, wire shelving can be restored to a fresh, clean state. Regular cleaning not only keeps shelving looking its best, but also helps extend its usable lifespan. Just be sure to remove all items first and take care not to damage special finishes. In little time you can have wire shelving that looks as good as new!

How to Repair Wire Shelving

Wire shelving is meant to be durable, but over years of use it can start to show signs of wear and tear. Rather than replacing damaged shelving completely, in many cases you can repair it to extend its life. Here are tips for fixing the most common wire shelf issues yourself.

Supplies Needed

Wire cutters/pliers
Electric drill
Assorted drill bits
Metal file
Sandpaper
Touch up paint
Rubber mallet
Pry bar or flathead screwdriver
Replacement shelf clips or brackets
Wire for splicing
Protective gloves and eye wear

Loose Brackets and Supports

Shelving brackets come loose over time, causing shelving to sag or detach from the wall.

To re-secure brackets:

Tighten loose screws or bolts using a screwdriver or drill.
If stripped, replace with new hardware.
Check that all brackets are firmly anchored to studs, not just drywall.

For detached standards:

Use a pry bar to pull standards away from the wall.
Fill old holes with spackle and reposition on studs.
Drill pilot holes and reattach tightly to the wall with screws.

For wall anchors pulling out:

Remove anchors and fill holes with spackle.
Drill new pilot holes in studs, reinstall anchors.
Secure standards or brackets with screws.

Broken or Missing Clips

Plastic shelf clips can snap or disappear over the years.

To replace broken clips:

Note exact placement of broken clips.
Press new replacement clips into the same locations. Tap lightly with a mallet if needed.

To add clips for sagging shelves:

Add new clips 1-2″ from each end and spaced evenly in between.
Insert with the ribbed side down and smooth side up.

For missing end clips:

Place slide-in end clips in each open end wire.
Tap clips down flush with shelf surface using a rubber mallet.

Split Wire Damage

Impact or stress can cause individual wires to split open or pull apart.

To fix split cross wires:

File any sharp edges smooth.
Splice a short piece of wire to bridge across the split and twist tie it.
Or insert a sleeve cut from tubing and hammer down.

To repair ripped wire mesh:

File to smooth frayed edges.
Use pliers to close gap.
Place patch of hardware cloth underneath and zip tie in place.

For separated front/rear wires:

Bridge gap by splicing in a piece of wire with twisted ends.
Or screw on flat brackets underneath to secure.

Rust and Corrosion

Humidity and wet conditions cause wire shelving to rust over time.

For surface rust:

Sand lightly to remove rust flakes.
Wipe with metal prep solution.
Spray on matching touch up paint.

For widespread rust:

Sand rusted sections down to bare metal.
Apply rust converting primer.
Repaint with enamel shelf paint.

For chrome shelving rust:

Rub gently with chrome polish using non-abrasive cloth.
Consider replacing shelves if rust persists.

Holes and Damage

Carts, lifted items, and general wear can put holes in shelves.

To patch holes in wire:

Cut a small square of hardware cloth slightly larger than the hole.
Place it underneath the hole and bend the edges up to grip shelf wires.

For particleboard shelf holes:

Fill hole with wood filler, let dry, then sand smooth.
Drill pilot holes and screw sheet metal patch underneath for strength.

For damage around notches:

File down any sharp points or snags.
Smooth edges with sandpaper.
Apply touch up paint to prevent rust.

conclusion

With some basic tools and replacement parts, many common wire shelf damage issues can be fixed instead of requiring complete shelf replacement. Ensure repairs are secure by anchoring to studs, reinforcing weak spots, and checking for sharp edges. Take the time to make repairs safely and properly so your shelving can serve your storage needs for many more years.

How to Install Wire Shelving

Installing new wire shelving is an affordable DIY project that can transform any room, from closets and pantries to laundry rooms, basements, and garages. Follow these key steps to add functional open storage perfect for any space.

Plan Your Design

Measure the area carefully to determine shelving sizes needed.
Map out desired shelf spacing and configurations.
Mix different shelving depths for customized storage.
Consider factors like doors, windows, and electrical outlets.

Purchase Components

Typical parts needed:

Wire