What power tool to use to cut through metal shelves?

Question

The shelves are white covered metal shelves, this kind: http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100168252&N=10000003+90401+500474+472

I tried cutting it with a hacksaw but all it did was go through the white plastic covering and made scratches on the metal but nowheres near cutting through it. I need to know what power tool I need to use before I ask my guy friends if they have whatever it is I need to borrow. Thank you!!

Answer 1

I would try a bolt cutter. It looks like an huge wire cutter and can cut through chain link fence. You can buy these at hardware or home improvement stores or maybe borrow one from a neighbor.

Answer 2

Good Question.  At first I though shears, but then I looked around and found this http://www.professional-power-tool-guide...  This guy seems to love the saw for any desturction.  Looks like they have a review of this tool.  You can always either email him, but it looks like they make a blade for metal cutting and after reading it, it looks like this tool can easily rip through metal like butter.

Answer 3

By all means a Sawsall. this saw will cut almost anything. Fire Resuce crews use them to cut a car apart if need to.I have used mine to cut chain link fence apart.

Answer 4

dremel,  grinder with wafer disk or bolt cutters ...all should work...

Answer 5

A hacksaw will work fine.  If you're having trouble getting the cut started, try clamping a straight-edge where you want to cut (block of wood, or 2x4).   Lightly press the side of the saw blade against your straight-edge and start your cut slowly.  You can cut faster once the groove has been established.  Pro's usually use heavy duty clippers to cut those type of shelves, but those leave dangerous, sharp edges.

Answer 6

I would try a good construction grade reciprocal saw. They're designed for demolition and you can use any number of different blades.

Answer 7

The hacksaw will do it, assuming you have a serviceable blade and the teeth are pointing the right direction.

Answer 8

just get a small grinder and a steel cutting disc to go on it but be careful with it preferably get someone with some experience to do it for you   regards john

Answer 9

a verrrrrrrrrrrrry powerful saw

Answer 10

Home depot will cut these for you.

Normally a hacksaw with a fresh fine metal cutting blade would work fine. You could also use bolt-cutters.

I've seen them cut using a sliding miter saw.

But even on production jobs where they are being installed in every closet in hundreds of homes, they cut them with bolt cutters. All of the ends are either capped with little plastic boots or they are concealed within the support brackets.

Answer 11

I agree with you that the sawzall is the best way to rip these apart.  We use them on the job all the time and it will rip through anything.  I read the report for the sawzall at the link above, right on.  Couldn't find the review, but didn't look that long

Answer 12

A sawzall

Answer 13

You have to figure out what kind of metal it is first. Or, just ask Home Depot to cut it for you if you bought it from there.

Answer 14

I am surprised nobody mentioned a Dremel tool with fiberglass cutting wheel.  Fiberglass spinning at 30,000 rpm cuts through just about anything, even hardened steel.  It would make quick work of those metal wire shelves.  Unless somebody has a die grinder you could use.

Answer 15

I would use a blow torch it will heat and cut the metal.

Answer 16

Get a electric grinder with a cut-off blade. that will make thin cut and will leave you with a nice edge