# How to Cut Ceiling Grates
Ceiling grates--egg crate--are either made from metal or plastic and set in a frame to either diffuse light or air. Although both types come in common sizes, they can be cut down to fit any sized opening or around obstructions. Clean cuts are possible with both material types if you use the correct tool. The correct tool does not use cutting teeth that can clog with soft metals or splinter fragile plastic.
Things You'll Need
- Permanent marker
- Straight-cut aviation snips
- Utility knife
Instructions
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1
Drag a permanent marker across the top of the ceiling grate to mark the cut locations. Mark each slat of the grate in a circular pattern for round holes.
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2
Open a pair of straight-cut aviation snips. Slide the snip jaws over a marked slat. Squeeze the snip handles together to cut the slat. Move along the grate, cutting each marked slat as described. Discard the cut piece of grate.
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3
Set the grate on the floor or worktable with the cut section facing toward you.
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4
Drag a utility knife blade over any leftover stub to smooth it down.
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1
Ceilings
- How to Cut an Uneven Ceiling
- How to Cut in Metallic Ceiling Panels
- How to Cut Drywall Around a Vaulted Ceiling
- How to Cut a Plaster Ceiling
- How to Cut in a Ceiling With Paint
- How to Cut Sidewalk Tree Grates
- How to Install 12 x 12 Ceiling Tiles
- How to Cut Circles in Ceiling Tiles
- How to Cut Shadowline Ceiling Tile
- How to Cut Suspended Ceiling Runners
- How to Cut Ceiling Panels
- How to Cut Ceiling Crown Molding
