Trimming a Steel Baseboard Heater Cover to Fit
Rowan Scott
Baseboard heater covers require cutting to length.
A baseboard heater's cover serves two purposes: it prevents debris from getting into the coil and conceals the internal components. Steel versions are more robust than aluminum ones, though they may develop rust over time. If you're replacing a rusty or old cover with a new one, you might need to trim the cover to the right size. Fortunately, baseboard heater covers are typically made from thin 22-gauge steel, which can be cut with basic tools rather than specialized equipment.
Step 1
Use a measuring tape to determine the length of the heater's fins. Hook the tape on one end of the fins and extend it to the opposite end. Then add 1 inch to that measurement.
Step 2
Place the extended tape measure next to the new cover. Make sure the tape's end lines up with one edge of the cover. Use a permanent marker to mark the measured length plus 1 inch on the cover's surface.
Step 3
Line up the blade of a combination square with the mark you just made. Drag the marker along the square's edge to draw a cutting line.
Step 4
Insert the metal into the open jaws of aviation snips. Choose the correct snips for the direction of your cut. For instance, if the line is on the left side of the cover, use snips where the bottom blade is on the left of the top blade.
Step 5
Snip along the line, but avoid using just the tips of the blades. Cutting with the very ends can leave small dents or marks on the cover's surface.
Step 6
Throw away the piece you cut off.
