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Removing cabinet shelf clips can seem daunting, but with the right techniques and tools, it can be a quick and easy process. Cabinet shelf clips, also known as cabinet braces or shelf supports, are metal or plastic brackets that hold up shelves inside cabinets. Knowing how to properly remove them is useful when renovating a kitchen, changing shelf heights, or deep cleaning cabinets. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the methods for removing common clip types to take on cabinet projects with confidence.

Materials and Tools Needed

Removing cabinet clips does not require elaborate tools. With a few basic supplies, you can tackle most cabinet brace removal projects:

  • Flathead or Phillips head screwdriver
  • Needle nose pliers
  • Hammer
  • Putty knife
  • Painter’s tool
  • Lubricant like WD-40

For plastic shelf clips, usually just a flathead screwdriver or needlenose pliers will do. For metal brackets attached with screws, also have a philips head screwdriver ready. A hammer helps loosen stuck clips, while a putty knife or painter’s tool helps pry off stubborn ones. WD-40 or another lubricant can help loosen frozen parts.

Gather the necessary tools before getting started for a smooth removal process.

How to Remove Different Cabinet Shelf Clip Types

There are several main types of cabinet shelf clips, including:

  • Plastic friction clips – these have tabs that fit into drilled cabinet holes by friction.
  • Plastic screw-in clips – these use a philips head screw to attach to the cabinet wall.
  • Metal screw clips – these use screws to mount to the cabinet.
  • Metal spring clips – these snap onto a cabinet side rail or cleat.
  • Metal bracket clips – these L-shaped brackets attach to the cabinet bottom and shelf.

The removal technique differs slightly depending on the type.

Removing Plastic Friction Clips

Plastic friction cabinet clips are the easiest to remove. Follow these steps:

  1. Locate the plastic tabs on the sides of the clip that fit into pre-drilled holes in the cabinet sides.
  2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the shelf space above each plastic tab.
  3. Gently pry the screwdriver to lever the tab out of the hole. Take care not to damage the cabinet finish.
  4. Repeat on the other clip tabs until the shelf brace releases from the holes.
  5. Pull the shelf clip outward to remove it.

Applying light lubricant like WD-40 to the tabs can make the screwdriver prying more effective if the clips are stubborn.

Removing Plastic Screw-In Clips

Plastic screw-in clips require removing the small philips head screw anchoring them.

  1. Locate the screw(s) on the sides or top/bottom of the plastic brace.
  2. Using a philips head screwdriver, turn the screw counterclockwise to loosen completely.
  3. Remove the screw and pull the clip outward to detach it from the shelf.

If plastic screw holes have stripped causing spinning, grasp the clip firmly with pliers while turning the screw. If needed, use a hammer to carefully tap the brace inward while turning the screw to dislodge.

Removing Metal Screw Clips

Metal cabinet clips secured with visible screws come out much like plastic screw-in versions.

  1. Locate the screw(s) holding the metal clip in place.
  2. Use a philips head screwdriver to turn the screw counter-clockwise until fully loosened.
  3. Extract the screw completely and pull the brace off the cabinet side.

Penetrating oil or lubricant can help loosen rusty or stuck screws. Steady the clip with pliers when turning stubborn screws to prevent spinning.

Removing Metal Spring Clips

Metal spring cabinet clips use tension to pinch onto the side or back cabinet rail. Removing them takes finesse:

  1. Locate the open end of the rounded spring clip, opposite the tight pinching end.
  2. Insert a flathead screwdriver into the open end and twist gently to widen the gap, releasing the spring tension.
  3. Rotate the clip downward and outward while maintaining the widened gap to detach it from the cabinet rail.
  4. Slide the clip off the shelf edge to remove.

Avoid over-bending the spring metal when prying off as the clip can break. Work carefully to control and release the spring tension.

Removing Metal Bracket Clips

For sturdy metal L-brackets holding up shelves, removing connecting screws is key.

  1. Examine how the bracket is secured, either to the shelf edge, cabinet bottom or side walls.
  2. Use a philips or flathead screwdriver to remove any screws going into the shelf or cabinet.
  3. The shelf edge may have factory embedded nuts, so hold a wrench on the underside nut when loosening screws above.
  4. Once all securing screws are detached, lift the metal bracket off and away from the shelf or cabinet.

Penetrating lubricant helps release tightly screwed brackets. Always grip the underside nut when loosening screws to prevent spinning.

Tips for Difficult Cabinet Clip Removal

Removing old, corroded or painted-over cabinet clips can prove challenging. Here are some handy tips if struggling:

  • Try gripping the entire brace with locking pliers or vice grips to maneuver it loose.
  • Use a hammer or mallet to gently tap the clip inward, which can break the friction hold.
  • For screws badly stripped, use a screw extractor drill bit to remove them.
  • Cut through plastic or thin metal braces with a hacksaw or Dremel to destroy them for removal.
  • Use a pry bar or cat’s paw tool to demolish stuck metal spring clips so they can slide out.
  • Stubborn metal brackets may need grinding or cutting off with an angle grinder or rotary tool.
  • For clearing out damaged remnants left behind, utilize a chisel and hammer.

With persistence and the right tools, even the most reluctant cabinet clips can be successfully removed.

Preparing for New Cabinet Shelf Clips

Once the old clips have been detached, some cabinet restoration is recommended before installing replacements. Here are some steps to prep for fresh shelf clips:

  • Clean clip areas with degreaser to remove old cabinet gunk and oils.
  • Fill any holes and gouges in the cabinet walls with wood filler epoxy and let dry completely.
  • Sand any rough areas around holes smooth for a flush finish.
  • Repaint clip installation spots with fresh cabinet interior paint to match the rest of the cabinetry.
  • Drill new holes for clips if needed, following the manufacturer’s placement instructions.

Taking these steps helps create a clean slate for installing new shelf clips. The fresh paint also gives a nice clean finish around the updated hardware.

Choosing Replacement Cabinet Shelf Clips

With the old shelf supports removed, it’s time to choose new ones. Consider these tips for selecting replacement clips:

  • Measure between the cabinet walls to get the right clip length. Allow an extra 1/16″ gap for easy insertion.
  • Decide on desired material: plastic, metal, or solid wood to match cabinetry.
  • Choose clip style: friction fit, screw-in, spring, bracket, or ledger.
  • Consider weight bearing rating based on shelves used. Average clips hold 50-100 lbs.
  • Buy more clips than shelves to allow adjustment flexibility. Extras compensate for uneven walls.
  • Purchase clips made specifically for cabinets rather than generic clips for best fit.

Replacement shelf clips are available at hardware stores, home centers, kitchen supply outlets, and online retailers. Buy quality name brand clips for durability.

Installing New Cabinet Shelf Clips

Once you have the right new clips, installing them is easy. Follow these tips:

  • Hold the shelf level and slide clips into upper holes first. Let shelf rest on clips while installing lower ones.
  • Ensure clips fit flush and tight to cabinet sides. Tap gently with hammer if needed to seat fully.
  • Tighten any screws gently just until snug. Avoid over-tightening.
  • Test shelf stability before loading up. Make any clip adjustments needed.
  • Keep extra clips for future changes. Clip packages often get lost or damaged over time.

Take care when sliding in new shelves to prevent scratching cabinet interiors. Install any end-of-run fillers or trim pieces to finish.

Troubleshooting Tricky Cabinet Clip Installation Issues

Despite best efforts, sometimes fussy new cabinet clips refuse to cooperate. Try these solutions to common shelf bracket problems when installing:

Clips keep falling out of holes:

  • Ensure holes are drilled to correct depth for clip tabs.
  • Check for deformations, paint, or gunk in holes preventing insertion.
  • Try sanding and cleaning holes for a smoother fit.

Clips don’t grip cabinet sides:

  • Verify accurate width measurement between cabinets walls.
  • Look for bulges, gaps or unevenness stopping flush fit.
  • Use hammer to tap problem clips firmly into position.

One side supports shelf but other doesn’t:

  • Confirm cabinet sides are square. Use a carpenter’s square tool to check.
  • Try shuffling and rotating combinations of clips to find good fit all around.
  • Add shims or spacers behind shallow mounting clips until flush.

Shelf tilts downward on one side:

  • Ensure top and bottom clips are aligned vertically on each side.
  • Check for plumb cabinet shell using a level tool. Shim to square if needed.
  • Arrange clips evenly spaced vertically on both sides for level shelf.

With some adjustments and creative clipping, even the trickiest cabinet dimensions can be successfully conquered.

Storing Unused Cabinet Shelf Clips

After finally getting those new shelf clips perfectly installed, don’t let the leftovers become a jumbled mess. Use these tips to store any unused clips:

  • Sort and label clips by size using permanent marker on the heads.
  • Mount a shop board vertically to hold clips hooks in rows, organized by length.
  • For small clips, mount hooks on a pegboard to hang in an organized grid.
  • Store unneeded brackets inside labelled zip top bags in a drawer or cabinet.
  • Hang longer clips on a tool organizer rack using clip heads or holes.
  • Keep any manuals, spec sheets, or packaging with clips for reference.
  • Note left and right bracket pairs to avoid mismatching later.

Organizing spare clips makes it far easier to find the ideal size later for adjustments or new installs.

When to Call for Professional Help

Although most cabinet shelf clip projects can be tackled DIY, certain situations call for hiring a professional installer:

  • If the cabinet framing itself is damaged or deteriorating.
  • For unusual cabinetry requiring specialized tools like face frame clips.
  • If the shelf load weight exceeds the capability of standard clips.
  • For safety if working at heights above your comfort level.
  • To meet building codes or inspection requirements for licensed work.
  • When frustrated after multiple failed attempts at DIY removal and/or installation.

Knowing when to call a pro carpenter, contractor, or handyman for assistance can save time, money, and headaches in difficult cabinet circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Shelf Clips

Removing and installing cabinet shelf clips often raises questions for DIYers. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How can I tell what type of cabinet clips I have?

Look closely at the design of the hardware. Plastic friction clips have small horizontal tabs inserted into holes. Plastic screw clips have philips head screws visible. Metal spring clips have a pinching end and curved arm opposite. Metal brackets are L-shaped with screw flanges.

What’s the best way to remove old caulking around clips?

Use a utility knife or painters tool to slice through the caulk seal first. Then it should peel away more easily when prying off clips. Goof Off works well for removing caulk residue.

Do I need to fill every drilled hole when removing clips?

Only fill unused, unneeded holes. New replacement clips normally use the same spacing and can reuse most empty holes.

Should I remove shelves before taking out old clips?

Shelves are usually easier to remove after detaching the clips. This prevents need to hold up heavy shelves while removing hardware.

How can I patch holes left from clip screws?

Use colored wood filler epoxy that matches cabinets. Let dry completely, then sand smooth and repaint. Spackle works for drywall holes.

What’s the standard spacing between clip holes?

Most manufacturers space clip holes every 8-12 inches vertically for sturdy support. Always follow specific clip brand guidelines.

Can I use the same screw holes if replacing with larger clips?

Probably not. Larger clips require more support, so new holes at proper spacing are recommended to safely hold heavier loads.

Why do some new clips not grip cabinet sides tightly?

Improper width measurement and out of square or uneven cabinet walls usually cause loose clip fitting. Prying, tapping or shimming typically helps.

Conclusion

Removing old cabinet shelf clips and installing new ones is well within reach of most DIYers. Understanding the different clip types and using the right tools and techniques allows tackling these projects with confidence. Avoid frustrations by gathering supplies, carefully removing stuck clips, properly prepping for new hardware, and methodically installing replacements. Employing smart storage methods keeps extra clips organized for future use. With these tips, those wobbly shelves can be stabilized and kitchen cabinets renewed. Just take it one clip at a time.

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