How to cut Rubbermaid Fasttrack rail?

[atwnsw]

As mentioned in title, I have the Rubbermaid Fasttrack Rail (48”) and need to cut it shorter.

Given that I have never cut steel, would please tell me what tools I need and what is the best way to cut it?

Thanks in advance

Anthony

 

[SpiderDave]

If it's just a one time thing and you don't have a lot of tools, a hacksaw would do. I've used a hacksaw to cut E-Channel in a pinch, it just took a bit longer than an electric tool but no big deal. If you have a jigsaw, they do make metal cutting blades for them. If you have a saws-all, they also make metal cutting blades and that would be better than a jigsaw becasue the blade will be much longer adn more stable. If you haven't cut metal before, those would be far safer than a grinder and cutting wheel. Just make sure you secure your piece, with clamps if you can. Wear eye protection and gloves. Do it outside if you can, so the metal bits don't get tracked around, sweep up etc. Hope that that helps.

 

[strutaeng]

Angle grinder with cut off disc. Knock off burrs with a file. I've used a lot of those in my garage. It's the white one with that white coating, right?

 

[eegger]

reciprocating saw, Hacksaw, grinder

 

[CSRPenFab]

This is GJ, do it right, or don't do it all!

 

[finn]

In the old days, it wouldn’t take a second thought to pull the trusty hacksaw of the wall and go at it.

Now a days, we use a job like this to justify the latest cordless cutoff tool in the shop, or, better yet, look at it as an opportunity to buy something new.

If you really don’t have a sawsall, jig saw, bandsaw, or angle grinder, just buy a hacksaw for $10, or whatever they cost now.

 

[bdbecker]

For a cleaner end result, take the plastic cover off of the metal rail and cut each piece separately. Cut the metal rail first, and then use the uncut factory metal end as guide to cut the plastic. I cut my plastic pieces just a smidge longer than the metal part to cover up any out-of-square cuts that I may or may not have made.

As others have suggested, a hacksaw is a good option.

 

[GetErDone]

As mentioned in title, I have the Rubbermaid Fasttrack Rail (48”) and need to cut it shorter.

Given that I have never cut steel, would please tell me what tools I need and what is the best way to cut it?

Thanks in advance

Anthony

I cut a Fasttrack today because I didn't like the look of part of it going behind the freezer in the garage.
I put on a new hacksaw blade and it took less than ten minutes taking my time. I cut the plastic cover part separately.
I was prepared to put emery cloth on the plastic part to smooth the cut but it wasn't rough enough to bother doing this. The metal part was smooth also but it, of course, is hidden under the plastic cover.
I might put the piece that I cut off in the attic to hold a Christmas wreath. You can attach a Fasttrack attachment without a rail, but if I use the rail I can easily,change the attachment to my choosing in the future.

 

[PCustoms]

I cut a Fasttrack today because I didn't like the look of part of it going behind the freezer in the garage.
I put on a new hacksaw blade and it took less than ten minutes taking my time. I cut the plastic cover part separately.
I was prepared to put emery cloth on the plastic part to smooth the cut but it wasn't rough enough to bother doing this. The metal part was smooth also but it, of course, is hidden under the plastic cover.
I might put the piece that I cut off in the attic to hold a Christmas wreath. You can attach a Fasttrack attachment without a rail, but if I use the rail I can easily,change the attachment to my choosing in the future.

Finally, the OP can finish his project from 2023...