Can I Trim the Support Bar?

Measure Twice, Cut Once

Once a support bar is cut, it’s impossible to lengthen it again. Avoid replacing multiple bars just to get the perfect fit by measuring multiple times before making any cuts. Many shower enclosure support rods in particular are installed to the nearest wall or ceiling surface. Use a piece of cut string to make sure the measurements are accurate at the angle rather than trying to simply measure with a standard tape measure from one surface to the next.

Using a Hacksaw

A small hacksaw is all a homeowner needs to cut a small piece of hollow metal such as a shower support rod. Cut the end of the rod or bar that is covered by the mounting bracket so the rough edge is disguised. Wrap a piece of masking tape to mark the measurement for an even cut all the way around. Make sure the hacksaw has a metal cutting blade attached to get a quick and smooth cut.

Smoothing the End

A trimmed support bar doesn’t need to look perfect since the cut end is easily hidden by the mounting bracket at the end. Yet a homeowner may still want to use a piece of sandpaper to smooth down any obvious burrs around the edges. This ensures a tighter fit when installing the support bar. Be careful not to sand too far down the bar, or the sanding will live visible marks on the finish.

Finding a support bar that’s nearly a perfect fit in the first place can eliminate the need to trim it. Shop the Kingston Brass catalog to find all the shower accessories needed to complete any installation.