Screws are an essential part of finishing a project. The size of the screws depends upon the requirements and type of material. But sometimes the size of the screw is too long that it has to be cut down. You can use a wire stripper or cutter to cut the screws effectively. In this article ‘How to Cut Screws,’ you will get the step-by-step guide of how to accomplish the task of cutting screws. Also, you will get the necessary details about the same.
Contents
How To Cut Screws- Step By Step Guide
Total Time: 1 Hour
Step 1: Drilling A Pilot Hole
The first and foremost step is to drill a pilot hole into the material. This is because it prevents splitting and buckling of the screw. It will also provide you with the actual size by which the screw is extended and need to be cut. Always remember not to drill a screw directly into the surface.
This will affect the quality of your project.
For doing this task, you have to use a drill machine. The but should be a size smaller than the screw. Then, drill at the spot at which you want to put the screw. But you have to drill a hole of about 1/8-inches into the wood. You’ll have to fix if your screw hole is too big.
Step 2: Fix The Screw Into The Hole
In this step, you have to fix the screw into the pilot hole with the help of a drill or a screwdriver. This will also avoid stripping of screws. You can prefer a screwdriver for most of the materials. It is suitable for smoother materials like softer woods and antique furniture. At the same time, you can use a drill for harder materials and metals.
You should try to complete this thing with the help of a screwdriver. This is because it doesn’t fit the screw tightly. But in case it is not working, then you have to go for a drill machine and fix the screw into the hole.
Step 3: Ensuring That The Screw Is Perfectly Fitted Into The Hole
You have to ensure that the screw into the pilot hole is fully sunk or fitted. It is necessary to do this thing because it will provide you with the exact measurements required for the actual project. Also, the screw must be either in level or slightly below the project surface. You can use the screw gauge for that.
The tip to remember at this step is that you have to remain careful while drilling the screw. This is because if the screw gets bolt tightly, then you will not be able to remove it and will stay fixed at that place.
Step 4: Look At The Screw If It Is Poking Out
It is a simple step where you have to notice the backside of the project. It is done to check whether the screw is coming out of the surface or not. If you can see or touch its tip, then it means that the screw is too long, and you have to cut it to make it proper. There is no need to remove the screw at this step as you can cut it with the help of a wire stripper or wire cutter.
Step 5: Bring The Printed Side Of The Wire Stripper Close To The Screw
In this step, you have to arrange or purchase a wire stripper to complete this task. In a standard wire stripper, you will find two sides- one side is blank, and the other side contains the measurements printed on it. The latter side has the sharper end of the blade, so you have to use this particular side for cutting purposes.
On the other hand, the tip of the screw should be coming out. But you have to remember the thing that you have to use a high-quality wire stripper to fulfill this screw cutting task. Avoid using strippers of the tool kits as they are not capable enough to cut the screw.
Step 6: Locate The Right Hole Size In The Wire Stripper
A wire stripper usually contains several hole sizes. Due to this reason, it is useful for various screws. You have to determine the hole size that properly fits your screw. It is vital to get an adequate size.
This is because if the hole is smaller, then you will not get a close cut. In case the size of the hole is too big or slightly big, then the screw will bend instead of being cut. You have to choose the accurate hole size for better results.
Step 7: Start Pressing The Wire Stripper
Now, you have to begin using the wire stripper. Put the wire stripper over the screw to the point its printed side is pressed against the back surface. The measurement side of the equipment on the above side and the blank side on the lower side.
Step 8: Squeeze the Wire Stripper Until The Tip Of The Screw Cuts Out
In this step, you have to cut the screw by squeezing the wire stripper. You have to press the tool hard until the tip of the screw cuts out. You may not get the cut in a single go and have to attempt a few times. Also, don’t worry when you get the uneven cut as it can be corrected after that.
In case you are not getting the results, then you have to make multiple attempts. If it also not works, then you can use the next small hole of the wire stripper to cut the screw. It will work for you and provide the desired outcome.
Step 9:Cut The Excess Length Again
If the length of the screw is still long, then you can again use the wire stripper to get the accurate cutting results. You can do this thing until you are unable to touch or see the screw.
For completing the task quickly and easily, you can also use a reciprocating saw. But you can get the same kind of results with the high-quality wire stripper, and you need to spend your money on buying the reciprocating saw.
Step 10: Use The Sandpaper And Add A Nut
In the last step, you have to use the sandpaper for making the rougher edges smooth. You can use sandpaper of 50 grits to do the same. In case you have to deal with several screws, then you can use a drill with a grinding tip. This will save both your time and efforts.
If the screw remains visible, then you can use a nut of the same screw size to hold it at its place. This will also prevent snags and make your results more accurate. You can continue the same procedure with other screws as well.
Tips To Remember
- Always buy a high-quality wire stripper for the screw cutting purpose. The lower quality tool is not suitable for doing this job.
- You will not get the results in a single attempt. You have to squeeze the device multiple attempts for the proper results.
- After cutting the screw, always check whether the screw is pointed or not. This may be dangerous while doing the work. You can use the coarse grit sandpaper for the same.
- You can use the bolt to cover the excess of the screw at the end.
- You have to make sure that you have to drill the screw correctly, i.e., not so tight or loose. It should be appropriate.
Things You Will Need
- Wire Stripper or wire cutter: It is the primary tool for cutting screws. It performs all the cutting functions.
- Drill machine or screwdriver: These tools are used for fixing the screw into the material surface.
- Screws: They are the one fitted into the material.
- Sandpaper and nuts: The sandpaper is used for removing the rough-edges while the nut is bolted to the excess of screw length.
FAQs
1. What are the alternative tools rather than wire stripper for cutting a screw?
Ans. The alternative tools for this purpose are:
1. Reciprocating saw: This saw will complete your work quickly and accurately. It will also provide smooth edges.
2. Hack saw: This tool is suitable when you already know about the right size where you want to cut the screw.
2. Is using sandpaper essential for completing the screw cutting job?
Sandpaper is an optional thing that you may use or leave the screw as it is. However, it makes the edges smoother to some extent.
3. What are the benefits of using a wire scrapper or wire cutter?
Ans. The following are the benefits:
Easy to use
Provides good results
Available at a low cost
Final Thoughts
Screws are used in most of the projects either at homes or in workshops. Sometimes, these screws get properly fit into the material, but in case it doesn’t happen, then you have to cut it to make it fit.
For this purpose, you can use a wire scrapper and get the perfect results. It is easy to use, and you can cut the screws with some simple steps. It is a useful tool for achieving the same and helps in providing finishing to your projects. As an alternative to your regular screws, You can use Some good Wooden screws under your budget
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