The Lowest Cost and Relatively Efficient Method to Cut Metal Wardrobe Rods?

aec on 11/01/2023 - 17:42
Last edited 16/01/2023 - 02:44

UPDATE:

Thank you everyone for all your useful suggestions.
In the end, I used a hacksaw. It was much simpler and easier than I thought.

I need to replace the wardrobe rods and want to use these oval shapes.

I need 2 x 1.6-1.7m oval rods. Unfortunately Bunnings only stock 1.2m, 2.4m and 3.6m, but NOT 1.8m!
https://www.bunnings.com.au/sandleford-15-x-30-x-3600mm-oval…

I can buy 2 x 2.4m but it will be a waste. or i can buy one 3.6m and cut it basically into half. The problem is i cant transport something 3.6m long in/on my car. So one option is to cut it in store. I own some power tools, one of which is angle grinder, but i have never used it and i will also need to buy a proper blade.

I also have jig saw and curcula saw, but again i dont know if i have the proper blade.

And i have also never cut metal (steel)! Dont want to look like an idiot trying to cut metals using impropriate power tool.

So the questions is:

is it really very easy to cut the metal (stainless steel?) rod with an angle grinder? how long may it take to do one cut? (i know they are very stupid questions)

What's the best option do i have?

Thanks.

General Discussion

Comments

  • mskeggs on 11/01/2023 - 17:47
    +6

    Ask if the store can cut it, I've done this before at other hardware stores.
    Or buy a $10 hacksaw and cut it in the carpark.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 11/01/2023 - 18:31
      +1

      Bunnings cut materials for fee if you buy from them

      • pjetson on 11/01/2023 - 18:49
        +2

        Bunnings cut timber. I don't think they cut metal.

  • SydStrand on 11/01/2023 - 17:55
    +5

    15mm diameter. As mentioned, you can probably do it with a hacksaw

  • hasselbladsnapper on 11/01/2023 - 17:55
    +3

    1.5mm thin cut off blade on an battery angle grinder if you have one - Flexovit or similar 100 or 125 mm ….. must be thin, or too much cut and mess, I cut stainless tube or sheet this way. Take some eye protection and gloves to avoid self cuts!!.

    • BewareOfThe Dog on 12/01/2023 - 09:16
      +2

      +1 for Eye Protection. A must when using an Angle Grinder.

  • brendanm on 11/01/2023 - 18:00

    Your angle grinder should have come with at least one cutting blade when you purchased it. It will cut a flimsy curtain rod in about 2 seconds.

    • SnoozeAndLose on 11/01/2023 - 18:29
      +1

      My Ryobi grinder only come with the grinding dish, am I being rip off?

      • brendanm on 11/01/2023 - 19:50
        -1

        Probably. Most of the low end stuff comes with a couple of freebies.

  • apsilon on 11/01/2023 - 18:23
    +8

    Just use a hacksaw, it'll take a couple of minutes tops. No one wants you throwing sparks all over their cars cutting it in the carpark with an angle grinder.

  • jjjaar on 11/01/2023 - 18:23

    Can confirm you can do it with a hacksaw as this is how I’ve done it in the past.

    If you don’t want to buy one or the hardware store won’t do it for you, see if there’s a local men’s shed that will.

  • iamherenow on 11/01/2023 - 18:24
    +1

    hacksaw for 5-10 $ from bunnings. will be easy.

    angle grinder blade is a few dollars. By the time you figure out how to mount the blade and how to use it the hacksaw will be easier.

    jigsaw no.

    Circular saw no.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 11/01/2023 - 18:31

    Bunnings cut wood and metal with no extra cost if you buy from them

  • Prong on 11/01/2023 - 18:43

    Out of the tools you have, the jigsaw is the best bet for use in the carpark. It's the easiest and quietest.

    It will likely have come with a metal cutting blade - the blade with the smallest teeth. Mark your middle point, and take it slow - especially until you get it to actually start a good cut. The jigsaw is basically a powered hacksaw in this case. Have a practice on some wood or metal if you can.

    Or just buy a cheap hacksaw at Bunnings. They are handy, and it will only take a few minutes of cutting.

    The angle grinder is also workable, but very noisy, makes sparks and you need decent safety gear. It is also not easy to accurately cut a metal rod like this with minimal support, and easy for it to catch and injure you. Not a good option since you have not had a chance to use it yet. Your circular saw with a suitable metal cutting blade would also work, but would be much like the angle grinder but harder to use.

    • aec on 12/01/2023 - 08:54

      Don’t know why people negged your comment. From what I found on internet, a jigsaw with proper blade does work. I probably have that type of blades, though i usually use my power tools only for wood work.

      • BewareOfThe Dog on 12/01/2023 - 09:20
        +1

        There are Jigsaw blades that cut metal, but they jump and would be dangerous.

        You will need to find somewhere safe, away from people and combustibles, if using an Angle Grinder. They have been known to cause Bushfires

        • Prong on 12/01/2023 - 15:52

          No need to cut it in a way where it can jump. Jigsaws are variable speed so you can start the cut with the blade moving very slowly.

          If I was cutting it in a Bunnings car park with a jigsaw, I'd bring something to rest the pipe on to keep it off the ground. I'd put my foot on the pipe to hold it in place. Then place the jigsaw shoe on the unsupported section of pipe, with the side of the shoe against my boot. That way a bit of sideways pressure keeps the jigsaw blade cutting the same spot on the pipe. Run it slowly until through the hard chrome coating, then cutting through the steel will be quite fast. You get a straight cut because the jigsaw shoe against the boot keeps the blade aligned as it moves forward.

          In many ways the shoe on the jigsaw makes it easier than a hacksaw or angle grinder, because it keeps the cut straight with little effort.

          I've cut a bunch of metal rod before with a similar technique, when other tools were not available. The jigsaw was key because I needed a specific angle on the cut end, which was easy to accurately achieve with the jigsaw shoe angle adjustment.

      • Prong on 12/01/2023 - 15:35

        Yeah not sure on the neg.

        If you have blades with small teeth they are generally for metal. Bunnings doesn't have a cheap option for jigsaw metal cutting blades so perhaps not worth it if you don't have a suitable blade and won't have other metal to cut.

        The main thing with cutting the pipe is that the chrome coating is quite hard, so getting the initial cut started will be a little slower. Once started it will be very easy.

  • Bonsaichop on 11/01/2023 - 19:23
    +4

    Get a pipe cutter: https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-22mm-tube-and-pipe-cu…

    Simple to use, you won't look like a fool or loose an eye.

    • SBOB on 11/01/2023 - 19:30
      -2

      And you'll end up with a neater end cut

    • Stewardo on 11/01/2023 - 19:53

      Op isn’t buying the round tube rod.

      • apsilon on 11/01/2023 - 21:08

        It'd still work but it'd be a PITA IMO.

    • aec on 12/01/2023 - 08:55

      I considered that too. The problem is I am cutting an oval rod.

  • oscargamer on 11/01/2023 - 19:50

    Just fold it a few times. In it'll snap and you will have enough spare to cut it properly once you get home

    • aec on 11/01/2023 - 23:09

      bend a steel pipe? i will use it in the wardrobe. If i can bend it easily, it will concern me if it is strong enough for hanging those heavy coats.

      • afoveht on 12/01/2023 - 00:44

        Bend it on your knee or other hard corner. It's not the same as weight distributed evenly along its length.

      • Prong on 12/01/2023 - 16:06

        This idea has merit I think. If you use something to put a decent dent or crease in the metal, it will then fold at that point quite easily.

        I'd basically put the middle on a bit of scrap wood on the ground (to avoid scratching it) and then use say a chisel and hammer to flatten it in a line across the pipe. Then bend there. Even if you don't keep bending it back and forth enough to snap it, one bend might make it fit in the car.

        The ends where you flattened it will be a bit warped for a short distance but it will be trimmed shorter at home so wouldn't cause issues for your use.

        I'd still just cut it with a jigsaw, but bending it is an interesting proposition. If you found a suitable sharp edge in the car park to crease the metal, then you could do it tool free. You know, just in case :p

    • kiitos on 12/01/2023 - 08:12

      He's only got 20cm excess available, bending it would probably distort the profile in the section he's keeping?

  • Mechz on 11/01/2023 - 21:23

    You could probably buy the right lengths if you shop away from Bunnings.

    • aec on 11/01/2023 - 23:10

      I could not find any shops to sell the 1.8m ish long oval rod.

  • lgacb08 on 11/01/2023 - 22:14
    +2

    what car do you have, it's not that hard to squeeze 3.6m into most car from Corolla size and above, I once squeeze 3m pvc pipe into a mazda 3, about 40cm sticking out of the passenger size windows but not exceeding the width of the side mirror. Being smaller width and metal this rod can be quite manoeuvrable leaving very little sticking out. Just driver the car straight inside the building supplies zone and tried to test fit. If not ask them to cut or get a hacksaw to do it yourself.

    • aec on 11/01/2023 - 23:12

      i have two cars, one mid-size suv and the other a hatch. I will give it a try tomorrow.

      • Prong on 12/01/2023 - 16:17

        Keep in mind generally having things sticking out even slightly past the edge of the car is a big no no from a pedestrian safety point of view, even if within the width of the mirrors.

        Loads can be 150mm past the side of the car, but only if safe.

        If you had to transport it at full length, rope it to the roof. If your SUV has rails on the roof, then pad the pipe a little and rope it to the rail. Use a bit of duct tape to make for it can't slide forward or back in the loops of rope. Try and avoid overhang out the back. If you do have rear overhang, make sure you don't forget and open the rear hatch! (you can imagine how I know this…)

        If you don't have roof rails, you can do the same thing but run the rope or ideally flat straps inside the car and out the other side. Do it with doors open no windows down! Rope front and back, not just the middle.

        You can buy soft roof racks that basically do this exact same thing. They are handy for moving long but lightweight things.

        https://www.kmart.com.au/product/soft-roof-racks-43171316

        If you have a tow bar, then Bunnings has trailers you can borrow, but that's unlikely to be worth the effort!

  • Leiothrix on 12/01/2023 - 08:05
    +3

    Hacksaw.

    Not to be rude but I'm not sure that I would trust you with an angle grinder. They are moderately dangerous tools.

  • jrvb42 on 12/01/2023 - 08:46
    +2

    I always use hacksaw with metal cutting blade. Doesn't take long at all. Don't forget to take your tape measure. Good luck.

  • lovepub on 12/01/2023 - 08:57
    +1

    Free method.

    Smash it with a brick at 1.85m
    Without causing damage for the 1.80 m you will use.
    Brick with dent it then Bend it at 1.85 till it snap.

    Then scrap it on concrete floor until you shave off the 5cm. Bit rougher on the finish but that doesn’t matter as it fits into the holder anyway. U could always sand it smooth (might take awhile. But it’s free)

    This rod is strong but hollow by the look. Easily bend I believe

    • Prong on 12/01/2023 - 16:32

      Low tech but effective. I like it.

  • rod1709 on 12/01/2023 - 10:51

    if bunnings won't cut it for you, this will do the job https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-150mm-junior-hacksaw-… handy tool worth having anyway

  • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2023 - 10:57
    +1

    I bought some reo mesh from Bunnings which was too large to fit in my car.
    So, I "borrowed" boltcutters from their toolshop and cut the reo to size.
    Put the boltcutters back when I was done. 😁

    • [Deactivated] on 12/01/2023 - 12:05
      +1

      Oops! I got negged. Apparently I have offended a snowflake again. 🤣

  • Rahonui on 12/01/2023 - 12:05
    +1

    Walk down the trade area where the cars are and ask someone with tools in their car if they can cut it for you. I wouldnt even buy a hacksaw if thats all you will ever use it for

  • saltypete on 12/01/2023 - 16:06

    Look up the nearest Community Shed/ Mens Shed.
    They can either cut it for you, or show you how to safely and efficiently do it yourself.

  • BigBarney on 12/01/2023 - 16:45

    A hacksaw will do the job quickly and easily😉

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