4 Easy Steps to Shorten Your Dryer Vent Hose

Disassemble the Existing Hose and Vent

Before making any cuts, you’ll need to access the ends of the connecting duct.

1. Examine the vent system and note how it’s assembled prior to any tinkering. Take reference pictures if you like. 

2. Pull the dryer away from the wall enough to allow you to work comfortably. 

3. At each end of the flexible duct, cut the foil tape or loosen the vent hose clamps by turning the fastener screw counterclockwise with a screwdriver. 

4. Detach the connecting vent duct at both ends.

Measure and Mark the Hose and Vent

When you’re shortening your dryer’s flexible duct, remember to leave enough extra hose so you can reattach it before sliding the dryer back into place.  

1. Measure the length of connecting duct that you need and add a few inches for the overlapping connections and to make re-installation easier.

2. Grab your painter's tape and mark a cut line by centering and wrapping the tape around the duct. This will act as your guide and keep sharp metal burrs to a minimum.  

Cut the Hose and Vent

Next, it’s time to shorten your dryer vent hose.

1. Poke a hole into the duct with the tin snips and cut around the piece. Discard the excess length. 

2. Alternately, you can drill a pilot hole with a drill as a starting point for your tin snips. 

3. Remove the painter’s tape after finishing the cut. 

Let’s pause for a moment. Now is an excellent time to inspect your dryer and dryer duct. It’s also an ideal time to clean your dryer vent or hire a local dryer vent cleaning professional.

Reattach the Hose Ends

Photo: Benjamin Clapp / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Now that your vent hose is cleaned out and cut to the proper length, it’s time to put everything back together. Use only vent hose clamps or approved foil tape on dryer ductwork.

1. Slide one vent hose clamp over the end of the rigid duct leading to the exhaust vent. 

2. Slip one end of the flexible duct over the rigid duct end.

3. Twist the fastening screw on the hose clamp clockwise with a screwdriver until firmly attached. (You can use foil tape to connect to the rigid duct.) 

4. Move the dryer back to its original spot in your home, but not exactly to its final destination. You’ll still need to leave enough room to complete the final steps. 

5. Attach the other end of the connecting duct to the dryer’s exhaust port using a vent hose clamp the same way as previously described. 

6. Settle the dryer back into its home while taking care not to kink the flexible hose.