Kitchen renovations often involve replacing old cabinets with new ones. If your outdated kitchen has metal cabinets, removing them takes a bit more work than taking out regular wood cabinets. Metal cabinetry is sturdy and durable, so removing it requires patience and elbow grease. With the right tools and techniques, you can get those old metal kitchen cabinets out efficiently.

Assessing Your Metal Cabinets

Before you start ripping out your metal kitchen cabinets, take time to assess their construction and installation method. This will help you plan the most efficient and safe way to remove them.

Cabinet Box Construction

Inspect the sides, top and bottom of the cabinet box. Note whether they are made of:

• Solid metal sheets
• Metal frames with panels
• Other composite materials

Solid metal sides will be more difficult to cut through than panels.

Frame Construction

Look at the vertical corner pieces and horizontal supports. Check if they are:

• Metal frames bolted together
• Welded metal frames
• Molded as one piece

Bolted frames can be disassembled while welded frames will need cutting.

Installation Method

Determine how the cabinets are installed:

• Bolted to wall studs
• Bolted to metal rails/hanging strips
• Bolted to each other
• Some combination of these

The installation method will determine which areas you need to dismantle to remove them.

Gather the Right Tools

Removing metal kitchen cabinets requires heavy duty tools able to cut through and dismantle metal framing and panels. Gather these essential tools:

• Safety gear – gloves, eye protection, dust mask
• Pry bar
• Claw hammer
• Cordless drill with assortment of drill bits
• Reciprocating saw with metal cutting blades
• Jigsaw with metal cutting blades
• Angle grinder with metal cut-off wheels
• Bolt cutters
• Putty knives
• Flashlight
• Ladder or step stool

You likely won’t need every tool for every cabinet removal job. Select those applicable to your specific cabinet construction and installation method.

Safety Tips

When using power tools and pry bars for demolition work, safety measures are a must.

• Wear thick work gloves to protect hands from sharp edges
• Eye protection is a must when cutting metal
• A dust mask will prevent inhaling metal particles
• Use a ladder or step stool to safely reach upper cabinets
• Carefully unplug appliances near work area
• Watch for sharp edges, protruding screws and unstable cabinets

Prep the Removal Area

To simplify clean-up later, prep the work area before demolishing the metal kitchen cabinets:

• Clear countertops and empty all cabinets
• Remove doors, drawers and shelves
• Disconnect plumbing and electrical
• Lay drop cloths under work area
• Have garbage bags and boxes ready
• Sweep or vacuum floor thoroughly

Dismantle Connections

Before attempting to rip cabinets off the walls, methodically dismantle how they are connected together and anchored.

Unscrew Cabinets from Walls

Kitchen cabinet installations typically bolt cabinets either to wall studs or hanging rails attached to studs.

• Unscrew cabinets from rails first using a cordless drill
• Then unscrew rails or clips from studs
• Use a pry bar to gently pull cabinets away from wall

Trying to rip them off forcefully before unscrewing risks damaging walls and cabinets.

Detach Cabinets from Each Other

Kitchen cabinets are often joined together with:

• Bolts into framing
• Screws through side panels
• Metal clips and hangers
• Use a drill or drill bit screwdriver to remove screws, bolts and clips
• Angle grinder can cut through screws quickly
• Lift up on units to separate once hardware is removed

Taking cabinets apart in sections makes them far easier to handle.

Remove Countertops

Countertops present an obstacle to lifting out full cabinet sections once disconnected.

• Cut caulk bead between countertop and backsplash with utility knife
• Use pry bar to gently lift countertop edge
• Insert wood blocks under lifted edges to support
• Disconnect plumbing lines as needed
• Lift off countertop pieces as cabinet sections removed

With the preliminary disassembly done, now the real demolition can begin!

Cut Apart Cabinet Sections

A reciprocating saw, jigsaw or angle grinder with metal blades will be needed to cut old metal cabinets apart.

Cut Metal Frames

Cabinet sections often have metal end frames and face frames. These will need cutting apart to remove cabinet boxes.

• Mark cut lines on frame with permanent marker
• Clamp a straight board as a saw guide if needed
• Use a reciprocating or jigsaw to cut along boards or marks
• Make relief cuts at corners first using an angle grinder

Wear eye protection – bits of metal shavings will be flying!

Cut Away Panels

Cabinet sides, tops and bottoms made of panels require different techniques than solid metal walls.

• Use a jigsaw or angle grinder to cut seams between panels
• Also cut any nails, screws or tabs holding panels together
• Remove panels one-by-one once freed

Starting at upper corner cabinets and working down is an efficient sequence.

Cut Solid Metal Sides

Sides made of thick solid metal require heavy duty cutting.

• Mark cut lines with a permanent marker
• Use a jigsaw with a long metal cutting blade to penetrate metal
• Allow time for blades to cut through, applying steady pressure
• Make relief cuts at corners with an angle grinder

Patience and several blade changes will be needed for thick stainless steel or galvanized metal walls.

Knock Out Shelves and Hangers

With the cabinet boxes separated, now clear out everything inside.

Remove Shelves

• Use pry bar or hammer to knock metal shelf clips loose
• Lift shelves out once freed
• Pull any remaining shelf pins or posts

Knock Down Hanging Strips

• Remaining strips and rails need removing to clear the space
• Hammer strips to bend them for easy removal
• Use bolt cutters on any clinging strips
• Cut or grind any stubborn anchors still holding

Lift Cabinet Sections Out

The final stage is lifting out the mangled metal pieces for disposal or recycling.

Check for Obstructions

Before hoisting heavy metal cabinets, be sure the path is clear.

• Look for remaining plumbing or electric lines
• Bend or cut protruding metal pieces flush
• Hammer down any nails or screws left in walls

Lift and Remove

• Lighten load by removing doors, drawers or panels
• Use pry bar to wedge cabinets loose if needed
• Wear thick gloves to get a firm grip
• Engage help for extra manpower
• Take pieces apart further if too heavy or awkward

Go slow and get help lifting awkward loads. Don’t risk injury!

Clean Up the Mess

Demolishing metal kitchen cabinets makes quite a mess. Plan time for thorough cleanup.

• Pick up all tools and debris promptly
• Sweep up all metal bits – they are sharp!
• Vacuum dust and metal shards thoroughly
• Place metal pieces in trash cans or recycling bins
• Bag and dispose of small debris
• Follow local regulations for metal disposal

Leaving behind stray nails, screws or sharp shards risks serious harm. Check carefully in all corners!

Remodel and Reuse Metal Cabinets

Rather than trashing old metal cabinets, ways to reuse them include:

Refinish and Reinstall

• Strip paint and thoroughly clean interiors
• Apply fresh paint or powder coating
• Replace doors and hardware
• Rehang cabinets using new wall anchors

Create Storage Elsewhere

• Use cabinet sections for garage, laundry or pantry storage
• Convert to utility cabinets in a basement or shed
• Make into hobby cabinets for craft room

With some imagination and elbow grease, those dated metal cabinets gain new life!

Hopefully these techniques make removing old metal kitchen cabinets much easier so your kitchen remodel goes smoothly. Use patience and care to prevent injury during the demolition process. With the proper tools and safety precautions, you can take out these tough old cabinets efficiently. Just think how satisfying your beautiful new kitchen will look when the messy work is done!

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting Old Metal Kitchen Cabinets Out

Removing old metal kitchen cabinets for remodeling projects takes muscle and know-how. Here are answers to common questions on how to get them out safely and efficiently.

What is the easiest way to remove metal kitchen cabinets?

The easiest removal method is to dismantle the cabinets systematically. Remove doors, drawers and shelves first. Detach them from walls by unscrewing from hanging strips or rails. Unbolt cabinets from each other. Then use power tools to cut apart the rest of the metal framework. Finally lift out sections small enough to handle safely.

Can I remove metal cabinets without cutting them?

Sometimes metal cabinets can be disassembled and removed whole without cutting. This works best if they are modular units bolted together and anchored to hanging rails. Remove connecting hardware then lift out fully intact. But generally some cutting is needed to separate stubborn fasteners and framed corners.

What power tool is best for cutting apart metal cabinets?

Reciprocating saws with long metal cutting blades work well on cabinet frames. Jigsaws also cut metal and provide more maneuverability. For solid stainless steel or thick galvanized sides, use an angle grinder with cut-off discs. Wear eye protection as metal shards will fly.

What should I do if cabinets are attached directly to wall studs?

Use a pry bar and hammer to knock the cabinets free from studs after removing any screws. Try not to damage the surrounding drywall. Using a flat pry bar behind cabinets often pops them loose so they can be cut apart and removed.

How do I remove old caulk and adhesive from cabinet walls?

Scrape off old caulk beads with a putty knife. Go back over residue with mineral spirits to help dissolve adhesives. For really stubborn old caulk, use a heat gun to soften it for scraping. Just work carefully to avoid burning walls or yourself.

What is the maximum weight I can safely lift out?

Lifting capacity varies but 60 lbs per person is a common guideline. Break removed sections down into lighter pieces if needed. Get helpers for lifting awkward, bulky cabinets. Wear gloves and lift with legs bent and back straight. Don’t risk injury!

Should I salvage old metal cabinets or just trash them?

It depends on condition, style and your plans. Ugly or damaged cabinets are best disposed of. But sturdy retro cabinets can be restored and reused in creative ways. Repurposed metal cabinets provide storage in garages, basements or sheds.

Is it better to dismantle metal cabinets before or after a new floor is installed?

Removing cabinets first gives more working room and flexibility. Just be prepared to protect new flooring from dings, scratches and debris during demolition. Laying flooring after simply requires a little more cutting around existing cabinets. Either sequence can work fine.

How can I avoid damaging walls when removing metal cabinets?

Limit wall damage by systematically detaching cabinets instead of ripping them off violently. Unscrew hanging strips, take cabinets apart methodically, and pry gently when needed. Use wood shims or blocks when prying to spread force. Repair drywall damage and paint before installing new cabinets.

Safely getting old metal cabinets removed takes strategic dismantling versus brute force. Focus on detaching them intelligently and the job goes much quicker. Just be sure to use caution and patience when demolishing these heavy duty kitchen components.

Conclusion

Getting old metal kitchen cabinets removed is a challenging but doable project for a DIYer with determination. The key is having the right tools for cutting metal, and taking the time to methodically disassemble the cabinets. Ripping them out forcefully risks damage to surrounding walls and cabinet components.

Start by emptying cabinets and disconnecting plumbing and electrical lines. Carefully detach any fasteners holding cabinets to walls or each other. Use reciprocating saws or angle grinders to cut through metal frames and panels. Remove shelves, hanging strips and hardware. Finally lift out sections small enough to handle safely once fully detached.

Proper safety gear like gloves, dust masks and eye protection are a must when demolishing metal cabinets. Recruit an extra set of hands when needed to maneuver heavy, awkward pieces. Allow sufficient time for careful disassembly and thorough cleanup afterwards.

While demolishing metal kitchen cabinets takes muscle, it’s very doable for motivated DIYers. The old adage “measure twice, cut once” really applies here. Strategic demolition will make the job quicker and prevent damage. Just take it slow and careful. Before you know it, those outdated metal cabinets will be gone and you’ll have a wide open canvas for your beautiful new kitchen!