There are cases where you may need to learn how to cut corner guard molding in order to make it fit in the desired location. Depending on the specific material, there are different methods for cutting a corner guard, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
Cutting Techniques
There are different ways on how to cut corner guard molding, and here are the three most common cutting techniques:
- Power Saw. For professional builders, the quickest and most accurate way on how to cut corner guard molding is to use a power saw such as an electric miter saw. Power saws can break some brittle plastics like polycarbonate, so always use a fine-tooth saw blade made for cutting plastic and for supporting or clamping the material properly. Only use power tools you are comfortable with and wear the recommended safety equipment.
- Hand Saw. If you don’t have access to power saws, a hand saw, like a fine-tooth hacksaw, can be a good option. Mark a clear line to follow on the corner guard, and once your measurement is marked, cut carefully, and ensure to hold the corner guards still. This method makes it a little more challenging when you’re aiming for an accurate cut, but with patience and a sharp saw, you can cut a clean, straight edge.
- Snips. Alternatively, snips or shears can be a safe and controlled way to cut some corner guards. Just mark a clear cutting line, and make sure that the line is visible on both sides of the corner guards. Next, cut along the line on each side, meeting in the middle. However, some larger corner guards may be too thick to be cut precisely with snips.
Setting Up
Measure your wall space to determine how long the cut needs to be.
Before you start how to cut corner guard molding, figure out where you plan on placing it first. Use a tape measure while holding the piece of trim to the wall to get an idea of how it will fit. Although each trim needs to be cut to a specific length, overestimate the extent of trim to ensure you have enough to cover the corner. Getting the right trim for short corners is essential. You can utilize short pieces of trim to form the corners, then connect them to more extended pieces of trim.
Determine the angle of your wall.
Use a bevel protractor to determine the right angle. Place the base end of the bevel firmly against one wall, open it up, and place the blade end against the other wall. Locate the 0-degree mark and read the number above it to figure out the angle area. Then, type this into an online angle calculator to determine how to adjust a miter saw to cut the trim correctly.
Protect yourself before cutting trim.
Practice standard safety precautions before operating a saw. Always wear safety goggles, a dust mask, and earmuffs. For added protection, cut the trim in a ventilated area such as outside of your home. If you can’t get outside, make sure to open nearby doors and windows.
Using your Miter Saw
Cut a trim board at a 45-degree angle.
Use a miter saw how to cut corner guard molding at an angle. Miter saws are equipped with adjustable bases you set to the angle you opt to cut. For the initial angle, turn the base clockwise until the saw points to the 45-degree angle mark, which can be visible on the angle gauge beneath the base. Position the trim’s edge to the left of the saw blade, and hold it firmly against the built-in metal fence for stability while cutting.
Turn the saw to slice the second piece of trim.
Create the mating piece of trim by pointing the angle gauge to the exact opposite angle from what you used earlier. If you look at the indicator, you should see a second “45” to the right. Point the saw to it, hold the trim to the right of the blade, and then cut through it.
Test the cut pieces by connecting them.
When you push the cut edges together, they should connect seamlessly. Try to hold the trim up against the wall corner where you plan on installing them. Redo the miter cuts as needed to create the precise corner angle. All cut edges should fall exactly on the corner of your wall, door, or window.
Trim the pieces to length and fill in any gap with paintable silicone caulk.
Quickly cut the trim down to size by making a square cut with your miter saw. Use the 0-degree setting to slice through the ends of the trim opposite of the miter cuts. Then, install the trim and fill any gaps with caulk. You can do so by using a caulk gun. Put the nozzle near the gap you need to fill, then gradually move it while holding down the gun’s trigger.
Conclusion
Before attempting how to cut corner guard molding yourself, always contact your manufacturer or supplier to see if they provide custom lengths. Several manufacturers will make or cut parts to a custom length with a little or no charge, depending on the material and quantity. It will make installation a breeze, without the need of wasting time for cutting. Know more about childproofing.