Prevent The Kitchen Trash Cabinet From Getting Banged Up With An Easy DIY
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There is one area of the kitchen we almost guarantee everyone in your household uses daily: the trash can. Many newer or updated kitchens have pull-out trash bins that discreetly store garbage and also save on space. While this storage solution is brilliant at keeping the kitchen looking neat and tidy, it's not so great for the kitchen cabinet that contains it. The pull-in, pull-out action of the trash can often leaves the drawer looking nicked or dinged. Luckily, you can DIY a simple fix to protect the cabinet from getting banged up: install an aluminum angle along the top edge of the drawer.
An aluminum angle is the perfect choice for this DIY that gives your kitchen trash cabinet a whole new life. It's light enough that it won't put any weight on the cabinet, which could cause damage to the drawer slides. It's also highly durable, so it does a great job of protecting the cabinet edge from daily wear and tear. Plus, the metal is naturally corrosion-resistant, something you'll want in an area prone to spills. Even better, single aluminum angles are readily available at most hardware stores or online for just a few dollars each. Once you have one in hand, you can get this project done in just a few hours with minimal tools.
How to turn aluminum angle into a trash cabinet edge protector
To start, measure the length of the cabinet edge and the gap between the trash cabinet and the frame or drawer above it. Ensuring your edge protector isn't too thick will help you avoid impeding the cabinet's functionality. Then, head to the hardware store with the specs to pick up the right-sized aluminum angle. Some stores will trim it for you, but you can also do it on your own with a chop saw. Make sure to wear protective goggles!
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There are two options to attach the aluminum angle to the kitchen trash cabinet edge once it's been cut to size: glue or screws. To glue, simply wipe down both the cabinet and the metal with 70% isopropyl alcohol or use an alcohol prep pad, like MED PRIDE Sterile Alcohol Prep Pads, and let dry. Then grab a polyurethane glue, such as Gorilla Glue, and spread an even layer on the inside of the angle iron. Press the angle into place and leave the adhesive to cure.
For screws, lay the metal piece in place on the cabinet and mark where to make the pilot holes. Remove the iron and, using a center punch (the tool you'll want to have on hand when drilling metal), create a divot right where you marked. Then attach a heavy-duty, metal-safe drill bit that's slightly thinner than your screw threads to your drill. Using light pressure, slowly and carefully drill a hole. Then replace the metal on the cabinet and mark the pilot holes on the inside of the drawer. Pre-drill the screw holes and then use drywall screws to secure the aluminum angle into place.