Ready easy to cut these without removing?

[Synomenon]

Any advice on the easiest way to cut the circled corners without removing the shelves from the wall? Just want to cut a square opening to slot a generic power extension cord through.

I would like to run a power extension cord up to the top shelf.

 

[lxskllr]

A drill is the easiest way, but it won't make a square hole. I don't see a way to make a nice neat looking square that would be easier than removing the shelves and doing it right. Looks like it's just a few screws to to take them out.

 

[Synomenon]

A drill is the easiest way, but it won't make a square hole. I don't see a way to make a nice neat looking square that would be easier than removing the shelves and doing it right. Looks like it's just a few screws to to take them out.

It's four screws for each shelf. My concern is with the screws not tightening anymore after unscrewing them from the cheap-ish Ikea shelves.

 

[BoomerD]

Worst case...use some white or wood glue to glue some pieces of toothpicks into the holes...let the glue set for a while, then put the screws back in the holes.

You MIGHT be able to make a decent-looking hole in each shelf with a multi-tool. Might not end up perfectly square...or plumb, and no matter which method you use, you'll need to paint the sides of the hole...

 

[Greenman]

Take them down. Trying to cut or drill them in place is going to be disaster. The better method would be to put the new cord up, then trim a little off the corner of each shelf to clear it.

FYI. I have a vast array of wood working tools in my garage and fifty years of experience, and I wouldn't try the cut you want to make.

 

[lxskllr]

The better method would be to put the new cord up, then trim a little off the corner of each shelf to clear it.

That could end up biting you in the ass if the cord has to be replaced, and you're back at stage 1.

 

[Greenman]

That could end up biting you in the ass if the cord has to be replaced, and you're back at stage 1.

So you take out the shelf and replace the cord. It ain't rocket surgery, it's a few screws. That said, I don't believe I've ever had to replace an indoor extension cord.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

How big of a hole and what are the shelve made of?

A 1" or 1-1/2" hole in pine is a breeze with a 90 degree drill adapter and a hole saw or paddle bit.

 

[IronWing]

Buy an extension cord with no plug and a plug. Drill holes, run cord, then mount the plug to the cord.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

^^^ That would be my way.

Or buy one with ends, cut one off and use a replacement end.

We don't know the need either or I might just mount a handy box with a duplex outlet.

 

[PowerEngineer]

Yes, many ways to skin this cat. 🙀

My way would be remove the shelves and cut straight cut a triangular corner off off each shelf. String up the extension cord where you want it to be from bottom to top and then remount the shelves.

 

[Greenman]

How big of a hole and what are the shelve made of?

A 1" or 1-1/2" hole in pine is a breeze with a 90 degree drill adapter and a hole saw or paddle bit.

A paddle bit cuts a very course hole, the exit wound will be rough.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

Nope. Done it lots.

Drill from one side just enough for the pilot point to punch through, then drill from the other side.

 

[BoomerD]

Yes, many ways to skin this cat. 🙀

My way would be remove the shelves and cut straight cut a triangular corner off off each shelf. String up the extension cord where you want it to be from bottom to top and then remount the shelves.

That would be the most sensible way.

 

[Red Squirrel]

To do it in place, one option is to try to get a drill in there with a 1" spade bit (or hole saw will make a cleaner hole) but I don't think the drill will fit between the two shelves in order to make a straight hole. First hole will be easy, you can do it from the bottom but the 2nd one will be harder.

Honestly I'd just take them down, it's just 4 screws per shelf. If the screws don't go in properly anymore just add a bit of glue in the hole to help it take better. The shelf is just sitting on the bracket, so the screws are only there to stop it from moving further, they're not holding all of the weight. Don't touch the screws going into the wall, you just need to take the shelf off the bracket and put it back.

Actually, another option if you absolutely don't want to take down the shelves, is to install an electrical outlet in the wall at the shelf you want. You will need to find a place to feed power from, either the attic or basement, or whatever area is easier to access. I personally always do basement, as I can drill down with a long bit to help line up my hole into the joist cavity to run the wire. You would want to install another outlet at the bottom too, so you have a place to drill down from. You can then decide what to do with that hole, another outlet, or just run wire straight up, and patch the hole.

If you really don't care about it being janky you can also punch a hole through the wall entirely and feed it from whatever is on the other side, assuming it's not an outside wall. I personally wouldn't do it that way, but it's an option.

 

[Steltek]

EDIT: Adding new outlet already suggested by @Red Squirrel .

 

[mindless1]

It's four screws for each shelf. My concern is with the screws not tightening anymore after unscrewing them from the cheap-ish Ikea shelves.

Then take the shelves down by removing the brackets from the wall, leaving them on the shelves. Are they screwed into studs? You could always use a little bit larger diameter and length screw (and anchor if needed) to put them back up.