How do cut down side bed rails with metal hooks in them??

Robin
by Robin

I want To shorten my current bed frame it’s too long for the only given area in my room. The side rails have the metal brackets that go into the foot broad. Has any ever tried to cut them down?


  15 answers
  • You should be able to cut it with a hacksaw. A faster method is an angle grinder, if you have one.

  • FrugalFamilyTimes.com FrugalFamilyTimes.com on Jul 07, 2020

    Will your mattress still fit if you shorten the bed?

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Jul 08, 2020

    Will the mattress still have enough support if you shorten the frame? Usually the frame is the same length as the mattress. Good luck and stay safe!

  • William William on Jul 08, 2020

    Bed frames are sized for the mattress. Cutting the length down the mattress won't fit

  • Aaron Parris Aaron Parris on Jul 08, 2020

    Best answer is grab a sawzall and measuring tape. Find out how much of the mount you would like gone, probably would be best to cut them a quarter inch shy of your bed, once you find out how much you want gone use the measure tape to make sure both sides are even then mark your cuts remove matress and cut slowly making sure to keep the cuts even and straight. Once done use course sand paper to smooth the edges of the metal

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 08, 2020

    A hack saw or a sawzall will cut through the side rails. Are you also wanting to cut the actual metal bed frame? If so, the mattress will hang over the frame, Secondly, how are you planning to keep the severed bed frame together? It will collapse, unless I am reading your project all wrong.

    Have you considered getting a metal bed frame and mattress to be just the right size for you? They sell them at Amazon.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Jul 08, 2020

    Hello Robin,

    You will need to use an angle grinder to do that job. Measure carefully before you cut!

    You can hire as well as buy these.

  • Baxter Baxter on Jul 08, 2020

    Cutting down the rails is as simple as sawing off the excess but reattaching/inserting/securing those hook-on rail hooks might be impossible for you to do unless you have major tools and skills. But you could just use the headboard by itself without the footboard. Attach the headboard to the wall or purchase a bed frame to support your mattress & foundation. Store the footboard---you might want to use it again as complete bed in another place.

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Jul 08, 2020

    The side rails hold the head and foot boards on if you cut the length then your mattress will not fit. You could hang the headboard on the wall .and not use the side rails but I wouldn’t cut them you could use 2 by 6 s make the same cuts in the boards that the rails have to hold the head and foot board and. Shorten them like that to the size you need .

  • You should be able to just cut them off and sand the rough edges smooth.

  • Deb K Deb K on Jul 09, 2020

    Hi Robin, if the hooks are welded on, you might do better to take the rails to someone, let them now how long you want them to be, the head and foot boards are likely what holds all together right? So if you don't know how to weld, you may want to take them in to someone who does.

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Jul 09, 2020

    We had hooks in wooden side rails. The metal needs to be removed and then re-inserted when you cut the board. It may be difficult. Places like www.rockler.com sell metal bed frame hooks that are easier to install.

  • Unexpected Elegance Unexpected Elegance on Jul 10, 2020

    You can use a grinder, but if you don't have one a hacksaw is pretty cheap.

  • Sharon Sharon on Jul 12, 2020

    I have put the bed at an angle in the corner of the bedroom so a large bed fits. https://www.google.com/search?sxsrf=ALeKk02g0Mw5EJVwrKbOCIyu_7KCRDwEVg:1594600745853&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=pictures+of+bed+at+an+angle+in+the+corner&client=opera&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwim9Y7Y_sjqAhW1MX0KHSt2AZAQsAR6BAgKEAE&biw=884&bih=418 cutting the sides of the frame will weaken it and you might wind up on the floor in the middle of the night.

  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Mar 18, 2021

    You have a shortened mattress?

    A full bed freestanding steel frame can be had for free, if you look for awhile. It will take off roughly 4” as you’ll lose the headboard and the footboard.