How to cut a horizontal bend in a wire mesh cable tray

Horizontal bends in wire mesh cable trays are created by marking the bend area, cutting selected wires with bolt cutters or an angle grinder, and carefully bending the tray to the desired angle while maintaining structural integrity.Tools RequiredBolt cutters or cable cutters for clean, fast cuts Pliers or nose pliers for adjusting wires Measuring tape and marker or chalk for precise layout Safety gloves and goggles to protect hands and eyes Step-by-Step Cutting and Bending ProcessMark the Bend Area: Measure and mark the exact location where the horizontal bend is required. Ensure the bend aligns with your cable routing plan .Select Wires to Cut: Identify the side wires that need to be cut to allow the tray to bend. Typically, a V-shaped cut is made on the side wires to facilitate a smooth bend .Cut the Wires: Use bolt cutters or an angle grinder to cut the marked wires. Bolt cutters are preferred for speed and precision, while an angle grinder can be used for thicker wires .Bend the Tray: After cutting, carefully bend the tray at the cut section to form the horizontal angle. Use pliers to adjust individual wires if necessary .Reinforce and Protect: If needed, reinforce the bend with brackets or couplers to maintain strength. Apply protective caps or coatings to exposed cut ends to prevent injury and corrosion .Safety and Best PracticesAlways wear gloves and safety goggles to prevent injury from sharp edges or metal shards .Make cuts clean and precise to avoid compromising the tray's load-bearing capacity .Plan bends carefully to minimize the number of cuts and maintain structural integrity .Horizontal bends can be made on-site without additional fittings, making wire mesh trays flexible for custom installations . By following these steps, you can create professional, safe, and precise horizontal bends in wire mesh cable trays while maintaining the tray's durability and compliance with cable management standards .