Can You Cut Down the Width of a Folding Frame Clothesline?

Quick answer: Yes—width can usually be trimmed. Most wall mounted folding frame clotheslines are designed so the front bar and side arms can be shortened during installation to fit a tight span.

You should not change the depth (wall-to-front projection); altering depth affects hinge geometry and line tension. TABLE OF CONTENTS

What You Can (and Can’t) Modify

Width (left-to-right): Commonly adjustable on single and double folding frame models. You cut the front cross-bar and both side arms equally so the frame still folds square and lays flat against the wall.

Depth (projection): Do not cut. Depth is fixed by arm design and hinge positions; changing it can cause binding, poor line run, or latch failure.

Before You Cut: Plan Precisely

Measure the opening (brick-to-brick or post-to-post) and allow 10–15 mm clearance.

Calculate the reduction: (original width – required width) = total cut.

Divide by two so you remove the same amount from each side arm.

Confirm the model’s minimum width in the manual; do not cut beyond it.

Mark safe cut zones—away from hinge holes, pivot points, latch interfaces, and bracket plates.

Tools & Materials for a Tidy Result

Fine-tooth hacksaw or metal-cutting blade; clamps, square, tape, scribe/marker

File/deburring tool

Rust inhibitor / touch-up paint for cut edges (ideal for galvanised and powder-coated steel frame finishes)

PPE: safety glasses and gloves

Step-by-Step: Trimming the Width

Disassemble: Remove the lines, end caps, and plastic inserts.

Cut the front bar to the new width first; keep ends square for a clean fit.

Cut the side arms by the same amount on both sides to maintain geometry.

Deburr & seal: File edges smooth, then seal bare metal with rust inhibitor and finish with touch-up paint on the powder-coated steel frame.

Reassemble & mount: Refit inserts/caps and set the wall brackets to the new span.

Re-string & tension: Thread and tension the lines per the instructions; confirm smooth fold and latch engagement.

Double Folding Frames (Two Independently Operating Frames)

On models with two independently operating frames (an outer plus a smaller inner), trim both frames equally. After cutting, test that the inner clears the outer when folding and that both frames lift and fold smoothly without rubbing.

Brand-Specific Notes (Hills • Austral • Air Dry)

Hills (e.g., Hills Everyday Double / Hills Double): Many Hills double clothesline and single-frame models are width-reducible. Always observe the minimum width and drilling template for your exact model.

Austral: Most Austral folding frame clotheslines allow trimming. Avoid pivot/latch zones and follow the supplied installation template.

Air Dry Ready Made Range: Pick a ready-to-go width to minimise or eliminate cutting. Prefer precision? See the Air Dry Made-to-Order Fold Down option below.

When Not to Cut

The required reduction breaches the model’s minimum width.

Your marks intersect pivot holes, latch slots, or bracket plate areas.

The wall substrate is cracked or anchors are loose—fix the mount first or consider a ground mount kit.

You’re unsure about sealing bare metal—uncapped edges can corrode.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Unequal cuts left vs right → frame twists and won’t fold smoothly.

Skipping deburr/paint → rust forms at cut ends (even on galvanised parts).

No clearance allowance → scuffed walls/end caps and difficult folding.

Not re-tensioning lines → sagging that reduces practical hanging space.

Warranty & Safety

Cutting within the manufacturer’s guidelines is typically supported; cutting beyond the allowed range or into functional zones can void warranty.

If in doubt, speak with The Clothesline Store for model-specific guidance or book a professional installation—our clothesline installers can cut to size, mount level, and re-string correctly.

Prefer Not to Cut? Two Hassle-Free Options

Air Dry Made-to-Order Fold Down (click here) – Choose an exact width (and depth options) so it lands perfectly sized—no trimming, no risk, factory finish.

Quick FAQs

Can I cut the depth? No—depth changes hinge geometry and is not designed to be altered.

How much can I trim? Varies by model; check the manual for the minimum width.

Which parts are cut? The front bar and side arms—never hinges, bracket plates, or latch zones.
Will cutting reduce strength? Not when done within spec, with equal cuts, proper deburring, and sealed ends.

Need a very narrow span? Choose a smaller ready-made width or go Made-to-Order rather than over-cutting.

The Bottom Line

If your opening is a little tight, trimming the width of a folding frame clothesline is a standard, safe step—provided you measure carefully, cut equally on both sides, stay within the minimum width, and seal cut edges.

Prefer to skip tools and potential errors? Pick a matching size from the Air Dry Ready Made Range or order an Air Dry Made-to-Order for a perfect, factory-finished fit.

Why Choose Professional Installation from The Clothesline Store?

• ✔ Installed Right the First Time: Our experienced installers make sure everything is levelled precisely and securely fixed.
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• ✔ Expert Site Advice: If your fence isn’t suitable, we’ll recommend alternatives.
• ✔ Full Convenience: No tools, measuring, or hassle—we do it all for you.
• ✔ Backed by The Clothesline Store: Australia’s most trusted name in clotheslines.

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