How To Cover A Sharp Metal Edge

Sharp, metal edging is a major safety concern, especially when the edging is located where fingers, arms, and other limbs can reach it. Fortunately, all you need is a soft safety cover and a method to hold the edging in place to make the metal edging safe. For any given project, you will need to address its specific characteristics individually.

Step 1

Examine the sharp edge that you need to cover. Some examples of sharp edging around the house are metal garden edging, roof overhangs and fencing that can have sharp or pointed edges. You need to know the length of the edge, how thick it is, and if you can see the edge or not. If the edge wouldn't normally be visible, and if appearance isn't an issue, then you can pack a polystyrene foam edge over it. When appearance matters, you will probably want to choose a different material.

Step 2

Choose a method to cover over the sharp edging. You can purchase edge covers, particularly for garden edging, that are thick vinyl or plastic and formed to look attractive. You can also use foam covers, such as those put around electrical wire, as a cover over sharp edges. In some cases you can even use coats of thick, vinyl paint to cover over the sharp edge.

Step 3

Apply the covering. You can simply push on some types of covering over the edge and then gravity will keep them in place. Others, you can nail or screw into place with brackets; clamps or even duct tape can hold them in place. Use whichever method is most appropriate for the cover you chose, or which is listed in the instructions if you're using a cover specifically meant for covering sharp edges.