How to Cut Corner Guards

There are instances where you may need to cut down a corner guard in order to make it fit in a desired location. Depending on the specific material, there are a few different methods for cutting a corner guard, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Below is a description of the 3 most common cutting techniques.

Power Saw

For professional contractors the quickest and most accurate way to cut a corner guard is to use a power saw such as an electric miter saw. Power saws have a tendency to break some brittle plastics like polycarbonate, so it’s important to use a fine-tooth saw blade made for cutting plastic and to support or clamp the material properly. As always, only use power tools if you are comfortable and always wear the recommended safety equipment.

Hand Saw

If you don’t have access to or are not comfortable using power saws, a hand saw, like a fine-tooth hacksaw, can be a good alternative. You will need to mark a clear line to follow on the corner guard. Once your measurement is marked, cut carefully being sure to hold the corner guards still. This method makes it a little more difficult to make a perfectly accurate cut, but with patience, and a sharp saw, you can create a clean, straight edge.

Snips

While not as common, snips or shears can be a safe and controlled way to cut some type of corner guards. You will again need to mark a clear cutting line, making sure that the line is visible on both sides of the corner guards. Then, cut along the line on each side of the corner guard, meeting in the middle. Please note, some larger corner guards may be too thick to be cut accurately with snips.

Before attempting to cut corner guards yourself, always contact your manufacturer or supplier to see if they provide custom lengths. Many manufacturers will make or cut parts to a custom length at little or no charge, depending on the material and quantity.