How to Remove Metal Dividers from Cabinets

Removing metal dividers from cabinets can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done relatively easily. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to remove metal dividers from cabinets.

Introduction

Metal dividers are commonly installed in kitchen and bathroom cabinets to separate storage spaces and organize contents. While convenient initially, over time these dividers can become unnecessary or unwanted as storage needs change. Thankfully, metal cabinet dividers can be removed fairly easily in most cases with minimal damage to the cabinet structure.

This guide will walk through the entire process step-by-step, covering the tools and materials needed, safety precautions to take, techniques for different divider installation types, and finishing touches for a smooth removal. With some patience and elbow grease, those frustrating metal dividers can be eliminated, opening up the cabinet space.

Gather Tools and Materials

Removing metal cabinet dividers requires just a few basic tools and materials:

• Safety gear – gloves, eye protection, knee pads
• Pry bar or flat head screwdriver
• Hammer
• Power drill with various drill bits
• Dremel rotary tool (optional)
• Painter’s tape
• Rags
• Wood filler or putty
• Sandpaper
• Primer and paint

Ensure you have all these items on hand before starting the removal process. Safety gear in particular is a must to protect yourself from sharp metal edges and flying debris. High quality tools will also make the removal much easier than trying to force cheap or worn out tools.

Assess the Divider Install Method

Before blindly prying away at the metal divider, take a moment to assess how it was installed so you can choose the right removal techniques. There are three main installation methods:

Screwed In Dividers

The most straightforward dividers are simply screwed into the cabinet frame or walls. Check for screw heads along the edges or top/bottom of the divider. This style is the easiest to remove.

Tack Welded Dividers

Some metal dividers are spot welded in place at certain points. Check for small weld points attaching the divider to the cabinet. These require a bit more work to detach.

Riveted Dividers

Rivets may be used to hold dividers, especially on older cabinets. Look for small rivet heads that act as pins passing through the divider and cabinet frame. These can be the toughest to remove neatly.

Identifying the installation style will help determine which tools and level of care will be required during removal. Now let’s get to work extracting those dividers!

Safety Tips

When taking on any removal project, safety should always be the top concern. Follow these tips to avoid injury when removing metal cabinet dividers:

• Wear thick gloves to protect hands from sharp metal edges. Leather work gloves provide the best control and cut resistance.
• Eye protection like safety glasses or goggles are a must to prevent flying debris or metal shards from damaging eyes.
• Knee pads cushion impact if kneeling on hard cabinet floors during the work.
• Work slowly and carefully, never forcing tools or prying aggressively.
• Keep children and pets away from the workspace to avoid accidental injury.
• Support the divider during removal to prevent it suddenly detaching and falling.
• Use sharp snips or tin snips to cut metal edges rather than trying to bend or tear the rigid metal.
• Keep a first aid kit nearby to treat any cuts or abrasions promptly.

Taking prudent safety measures allows the removal work to proceed smoothly and prevent serious cuts or eye injuries.

Remove Screwed In Dividers

If the metal divider is held by screws along the edges or at top/bottom, the removal process is fairly straightforward:

Materials Needed

• Power drill with Phillips head bit
• Pry bar
• Eye protection
• Gloves

Process

1. Put on protective gloves and eye gear. Have pry bar and power drill on hand.
2. Locate all screw heads securing the divider. Look along top, bottom and side edges.
3. Set the power drill to reverse and remove all screws. Be careful not to damage cabinet surfaces.
4. Insert pry bar tip into seam between divider and cabinet frame. Gently pry against the divider to loosen.
5. Work the pry bar around the entire divider, separating it from the cabinet side walls.
6. Once loosened, slide the metal divider out in one piece. Support it to prevent sudden dropping.
7. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough edges or holes left behind.
8. Fill holes with wood filler and let dry completely. Sand smooth.
9. Spot paint filler and screw holes to match cabinet color. Allow paint to dry fully.
10. Clean up all metal shreds, sawdust and debris. Cabinet is now ready for new storage use!

With screwed cabinet dividers, the key is using patience and care when prying the divider free to avoid tearing up the cabinet frame. Go slowly and re-secure any loosened screws as you work.

Extract Tack Welded Dividers

Spot welded metal dividers require a little more finesse since the weld points act like rivets attaching it to the cabinet:

Materials Needed

• Pry bar
• Dremel rotary tool with cutting wheel (or hacksaw)
• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Hammer
• Painter’s tape

Process

1. Put on thick gloves and eye protection. Have pry bar, dremel, and hammer ready.
2. Locate the small spot welds attaching the divider. There are often 2-4 per divider.
3. Use the dremel cutting wheel (or hacksaw) to carefully cut through each weld point. Try not to cut into cabinet frame.
4. Place painter’s tape on cabinet frame around work area to prevent scratching.
5. Insert pry bar tip under the divider at the cut weld points. Gently pry against the divider.
6. If needed, use light hammer taps on the pry bar to help wedge it further under divider.
7. Once freed at the weld points, slide the divider out. Watch for sharp metal edges!
8. Use sandpaper to smooth any rough weld spots on cabinet frame.
9. Fill holes with wood filler, allow to fully dry, and sand smooth.
10. Spot paint filler to match cabinets and let paint dry fully.
11. Remove painter’s tape and clean debris. Enjoy the open cabinet space!

When dealing with tack welded dividers, strategic use of a Dremel or hacksaw allows the welds to be severed cleanly without damaging the surrounding cabinet frame. Work slowly and carefully.

Remove Riveted Metal Dividers

Dividers riveted to the cabinet frames take the most work and care to extract neatly:

Materials Needed

• Pry bar
• Drill with rivet removing bit
• Dremel rotary tool
• Eye protection
• Gloves
• Hammer
• Painters tape
• Rags

Process

1. Put on gloves, eye protection, and prep tools – pry bar, drill, dremel, hammer, rags.
2. Identify the rivet heads securing the divider. Look along edges and the backside.
3. Cover cabinet frame around rivets with painter’s tape to prevent scratching metal.
4. Use the drill to remove the rivet heads. Apply steady pressure.
5. Once rivet heads are sheared off, pry the divider away from frame with pry bar.
6. If rivets won’t pry out, use dremel to cut through the remaining rivet shafts.
7. Remove any burrs or sharp rivet ends with dremel wheel or file.
8. Smooth holes with sandpaper and wipe clean with rags.
9. Fill rivet holes with wood filler, allow drying completely. Sand smooth.
10. Spot paint filler and holes to match cabinet color. Allow paint to cure fully.
11. Carefully peel off painter’s tape. Clean any metal debris. Enjoy the new cabinet space!

Riveted dividers are tedious to remove intact, but taking it slow and using painter’s tape minimizes any marring of the surrounding cabinet metal. Be prepared for this method to take more time.

Smooth Any Cabinet Damage

Once the metal divider is fully removed, inspect the cabinet interior closely. Even with careful removal, some damage may occur:

• Light scratches on frame or walls
• Small splits/cracks in cabinet wood
• Damage around holes from rivets or screws

Any flaws should be addressed to restore the cabinet appearance:

• For light scratches, a little wood filler or putty can be smoothed into the marks, sanded and painted over.
• Small splits in wood can be sealed with white or yellow wood glue pressed into the crack. Wipe away any excess.
• Use wood filler or epoxy to thoroughly fill larger holes, especially from rivets. Allow ample drying time.
• Once filler/glue has dried, sand away any imperfections or bumps.
• Spot paint repaired areas with a color matched cabinet paint. Allow paint to fully cure.
• Replace any damaged shelves or rails. Use wood glue and clamps for a tight hold.
• Add peel-and-stick felt pads anywhere the divider scraped or scratched the cabinet walls.

Take the time to make these minor repairs for flawless looking cabinets after the divider removal. The small effort pays off in the long run.

Install New Cabinet Organizers

With the metal divider gone, the cabinet space may feel cavernous and disorganized. Here are some great storage solutions to consider installing:

Shelves

• Extra adjustable shelves maximize usable surface area.
• Opt for wood shelves with shelf pins for versatility.
• Glass shelves provide an open, airy feel. Secure well to prevent slipping.

Drawers

• Add pull-out drawers for neatly organized contents hidden behind doors.
• Opt for soft-close drawer slides for smooth, quiet access.
• Customize drawer size and configuration to your needs.

Trays

• Felt-lined trays corral small items like toiletries and office supplies.
• Trays can be stacked or used side-by-side.
• Consider mounting trays for vertical storage on walls or doors.

Vertical Storage

• Use shelves, cabinets, and holders to take advantage of vertical space.
• Hang often-used items like utensils and towels for quick access.
• Install shallow wall-mounted cabinets for unseen storage.

Tension Rods

Tension rods with clips or shelves utilize wasted space in back or upper cabinet areas.

Experiment with various storage options to create your ideal layout. The cabinet possibilities are wide open after removing the restrictive metal divider!

FAQs About Removing Metal Dividers

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about removing metal dividers from cabinets:

Is it possible to remove a metal divider myself or do I need to hire a carpenter?

In most cases, removing metal dividers is totally DIY friendly if you have some basic tools and patience. Carefully assess the installation method first. Severely damaged or improperly installed dividers may require a professional’s skills.

How can I remove stubborn rivets or screws cleanly?

Use a drill with the appropriate bit (rivet removing or Phillips head) to shear off the heads before prying the divider away. Go slow and grip the drill firmly for clean removal.

What’s the best way to prevent scratches and dents during removal?

Use painter’s tape to cover the cabinet frame around the divider and pry carefully with wood or plastic tools only. Support the divider fully so it doesn’t drop when detached.

Can I reuse an old metal divider somewhere else after removing it?

Absolutely! Cleaned up dividers can be reused for garage shelving, workbenches, utility shelves, and more with a bit of creativity.

Is there an easy way to touch up paint chips around filled holes and scratches?

Use a small artist’s brush to precisely apply color-matched touch up paint just to flaw areas. Let cure fully before using the cabinet again.

What kind of storage organizers work best for wide open cabinets after removing dividers?

Adjustable shelves, pull out drawers, felt trays, and tension rods with hanging storage are all great options for customizing the new cabinet space.

How can I cut metal cleanly if needed during the removal process?

Invest in a quality set of durable tin snips for clean cuts through light metal dividers. Use a Dremel with a metal cut-off wheel for smaller cuts.

Conclusion

Removing frustrating metal dividers from cabinets takes some determination and elbow grease, but the results are well worth it. By carefully assessing the installation method, having the right tools on hand, taking safety precautions, and repairing any incidental damage, you can successfully reclaim that partitioned cabinet space. Spend the time to make any finishing repairs for factory-fresh cabinets. With some creative organizational additions, you can customize an optimal layout in the newly freed up interior. Tackle that annoying metal divider deletion project with confidence using the techniques in this guide for smooth sailing and great results!