How To Cut a Mattress Spring Safely and What You Should Know First

If you’re searching for “How To Cut a Mattress Spring”, you’re likely dealing with an old innerspring mattress you want to dismantle, resize, or dispose of. While it might seem as simple as cutting metal, mattress springs can be sharp, heavy, and under tension, so it’s important to understand what you’re doing before you start.

This FAQ explains when it makes sense to cut mattress springs, what tools are typically used, basic safety steps, and when it may be better not to cut them at all.

What does it actually mean to “cut a mattress spring”?

When people ask how to cut a mattress spring, they usually mean one of three things:

Cutting individual metal coils inside an innerspring mattress
Cutting sections of the spring unit to make it smaller
Cutting the whole mattress apart (fabric, padding, and springs) for recycling or easier disposal

Most traditional innerspring and hybrid mattresses contain a metal coil unit made from high-tension steel wire. These coils are often:

Tied together with thinner metal wires
Surrounded by padding and fabric layers
Sometimes framed by a thicker perimeter wire

Because of this, cutting mattress springs is less like trimming soft fabric and more like cutting a compact metal frame.

Is it safe to cut mattress springs yourself?

It can be done at home, but safety is a real concern. Mattress springs can:

Snap or rebound when cut
Have sharp edges and burrs after cutting
Be heavier and harder to control than expected

If you decide to attempt it, focus on protective gear and controlled cuts, and make sure you can safely handle and dispose of the cut metal.

What tools are commonly used to cut a mattress spring?

For people determined to learn how to cut a mattress spring, typical tools include:

Heavy-duty wire cutters or bolt cutters – for thinner connecting wires and some coil types
Hacksaw or metal-cutting saw – for thicker perimeter wire or dense spring units
Utility knife or shears – to remove fabric and padding before reaching the springs

Always use tools designed for metal, not just general household scissors or knives.

Step-by-step: How To Cut a Mattress Spring (Basic Overview)

This is a general, simplified outline of how people usually approach cutting springs in an old innerspring mattress. Procedures can vary depending on construction, so adjust as needed.

1. Prepare a safe workspace

Work in a clear, flat area such as a garage or outdoor space.
Lay the mattress down so it won’t wobble or slide.
Wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and eye protection to reduce the risk of cuts or flying metal fragments.

2. Remove the outer layers

Before you reach the springs, you need to get through:

The outer cover (ticking)
Any foam, fiber, or padding layers

Use a utility knife to cut along the mattress edges, peeling back fabric and padding until the spring unit is fully visible. Work slowly to avoid cutting yourself or damaging the floor beneath.

3. Identify the type of spring system

You might see:

Open coils connected by thin wires
Pocketed coils, each spring wrapped in fabric
A border rod (a thicker steel wire around the perimeter)

This helps you choose where and how to cut.

4. Cut the connecting wires first

For open-coil units:

Use wire cutters or bolt cutters to snip the thin cross wires holding coils together.
Work methodically in small sections so the structure doesn’t shift suddenly.

For pocketed coils:

You may need to cut fabric pockets first, then cut the springs or separate them at the top and bottom where they’re joined.

5. Cut the perimeter or divide the spring unit

If your goal is to resize the mattress or section the spring unit:

Mark the line where you want to cut.
Use a hacksaw or heavy-duty cutter to go through each coil and any border wire along that line.
Cut slowly; avoid forcing the tool, which can cause sudden snapping.

6. Secure and bundle the cut springs

Once cut:

Flatten sharp ends if possible or bend them inward with pliers.
Bundle springs and wires together with strong cord or tape for safer handling.
Keep them in a sturdy container or pile where no one can accidentally step on them.

Can cutting mattress springs damage the mattress beyond use?

Yes. Once you cut a mattress spring unit, the original support system is usually compromised. Common outcomes include:

Uneven support or sagging where springs are removed
Exposed metal that can tear fabric or cause injury
Loss of structural integrity, especially along the edges

For this reason, cutting mattress springs is typically better suited for disposal, recycling, or repurposing projects rather than trying to keep the mattress for everyday sleep.

When is it better not to cut mattress springs?

It may be better to avoid cutting if:

You intend to keep sleeping on the mattress
You have limited tools or safety gear
The mattress is very new or under warranty (cutting it will almost always void coverage)
You are not comfortable handling sharply cut metal

In many cases, people choose to dismantle only the fabric and padding for reuse and leave the spring unit intact for recycling or metal collection.

What should you know about disposal after cutting springs?

Metal springs are typically considered scrap metal. Local rules vary, but common options include:

Placing bundled springs out for bulk trash pickup, where allowed
Bringing springs to a local metal or recycling facility that accepts steel
Keeping the metal safely stored until you can dispose of it properly

Always verify local guidelines before leaving springs at the curb or in shared disposal areas.

✅ Quick Mattress Takeaways

Key points consumers should understand about How To Cut a Mattress Spring

Cutting mattress springs involves real safety risks due to sharp, high-tension metal.
The basic process is: open the cover → remove padding → expose the coil unit → cut wires and springs carefully.
Use metal-appropriate tools such as wire cutters, bolt cutters, or a hacksaw, plus gloves and eye protection.
Once cut, the spring unit usually cannot function as a normal mattress without uneven support or sharp edges.
Cutting is most often done for disposal, recycling, or DIY projects, not to “fix” a sleeping surface.
If you are unsure about how to cut a mattress spring safely, consider leaving the spring unit intact and focusing on safe removal and handling instead.

With a clear plan, proper tools, and respect for the material, you can approach how to cut a mattress spring more safely and confidently—while understanding when it may not be the best option.