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Quick answer
Do not cut, melt, drill, or pry the plastic spikes in an LG dishwasher's third rack just to make room for thick-handled silverware. LG's rack guidance supports model-dependent adjustments: the cutlery trays may lift and rotate between high and low positions, the spoon holder can be repositioned, and the entire cutlery rack may be removable. Empty the rack before adjusting, keep the rack stable, and confirm that silverware, the door, and spray arms have clearance. If your rack has no documented adjustment, use the lower silverware basket or the exact model manual rather than modifying the rack.
Work through in order
Diagnostic checks
Use only checks that match the exact appliance or system and its official guide.
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Check 1
Empty the third rack and pull it fully open. Identify whether your model has an independently adjustable cutlery tray, a high/low tab, or a spoon holder before trying to change the spacing.
Expected result: The tray or spoon holder has the adjustment feature shown in the LG instructions, or it is a fixed molded rack with no release or position marking.
Next step: Use only the documented adjustment for the exact model. If no adjustment is identified, leave the rack intact and use the lower silverware basket or the model manual's loading arrangement.
Why this matters
Why: LG documents the high/low tray and spoon-holder adjustments for supported rack designs; a fixed-looking rack should not be treated as adjustable by force.
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Check 2
For a supported adjustable tray, lift it out, rotate it front to back, and seat it in the high or low position as shown by LG. Confirm that the tray is stable before loading utensils.
Expected result: The tray locks or rests securely in the alternate position and the thicker handles now clear the tray structure.
Next step: Load a small family-use set first and check clearance; if the tray does not seat securely, return it to its original position and stop using that adjustment.
Why this matters
Why: LG says the cutlery trays are independently adjustable to accommodate different utensil sizes, but the tray must be stable after repositioning.
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Check 3
Place the thick-handled or long silverware in the intended holder or another rack without forcing it into the narrow separators. Close the door slowly and check that no utensil projects into the door seal or spray-arm path.
Expected result: A handle, spoon, knife, or serving tool touches the door, protrudes from the rack, or can contact a spray nozzle.
Next step: Move the item to the lower silverware basket or another suitable rack position. Do not run the dishwasher until the door closes and the spray arms can rotate freely.
Why this matters
Why: LG warns that items sticking out can hit spray nozzles or other dishes; the rack position must preserve free spray-arm movement and door closure.
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Check 4
If more room is needed, remove the empty cutlery rack only through LG's documented removal path: extend it fully, lift the front, and slide it out. Keep all dishes and loose utensils out of the rack while removing it.
Expected result: The rack comes out smoothly using the documented motion, or it binds, has a broken rail, or uses a different mechanism.
Next step: If it binds or looks damaged, reinstall it without force and use the exact model manual or qualified service for rack repair or replacement.
Why this matters
Why: LG documents removal for the supported cutlery-rack design, but a different mechanism or damaged rail is not a reason to pry the rack out.
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Check 5
Read the dishwasher's full model number and compare the third-rack diagram and loading limits in its LG manual before considering any permanent change.
Expected result: The manual documents an adjustable or removable rack, or it documents only a fixed rack with no modification procedure.
Next step: Follow the exact manual. If the spacing still cannot accommodate the family's utensils, keep the rack unmodified and ask LG or a qualified servicer about an exact-model rack or an alternate loading solution.
Why this matters
Why: LG features vary by model; an LG specification sheet confirms a height-adjustable third rack for LDS5560ST, while that feature cannot be transferred to an unidentified model.
Use your observations
Decision map
Find the observation that best matches what you see, then follow the next safe action.
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PATH 01Next step
What you see
The third rack has the documented high/low tray or spoon-holder adjustment and the tray seats securely.
Do this next
Use the alternate tray position, load only items that clear the door and spray arms, and verify the rack remains stable.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: The rack has a supported way to accommodate different utensil sizes without altering the molded separators.
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PATH 02Next step
What you see
The rack is fixed, the adjustment feature is not shown in the exact manual, or a proposed change would require cutting, heating, drilling, or prying plastic.
Do this next
Do not modify the rack. Use the lower silverware basket or obtain model-specific guidance for an exact replacement rack.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: There is no opened LG evidence supporting that permanent modification for this model, and the change could affect rack stability and clearance.
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PATH 03Next step
What you see
A loaded utensil sticks out, touches the door, or can hit a spray nozzle.
Do this next
Reload it in the lower basket or another approved position and rotate the spray arms by hand with the dishwasher empty before starting a cycle.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: The load is not safely positioned for a cycle and may rattle or interfere with washing.
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PATH 04Next step
What you see
The empty rack does not slide, seat, or lock normally, or a rail or tray is cracked.
Do this next
Do not force the rack or run it loose; identify the model and contact LG or a qualified appliance servicer for an exact-model repair decision.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: This is a rack hardware problem rather than a spacing preference that can be solved by changing the separators.
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PATH 05Next step
What you see
The exact model is unknown and the family needs more capacity for wide or thick-handled utensils.
Do this next
Find the model label, check its manual, and use the lower basket in the meantime; do not order or reshape a rack based on appearance alone.
Why this path and its safety boundary
Why it matters: LG third-rack designs are not uniform, so a feature from one model cannot establish compatibility with another.
Helpful context
Understand the symptom
Use the adjustment the rack was designed to provide
LG's support article says the cutlery trays above the upper rack are independently adjustable for different utensil sizes: lift the tray out, rotate it front to back, and place it securely in the high or low position. The same article says the complete cutlery rack can be removed when more upper-rack space is needed. These are documented operations; they do not authorize cutting or reshaping the separators on an unidentified model.
Why model identification matters
LG's product literature shows that rack layouts differ. For example, the LDS5560ST specification sheet identifies a height-adjustable third rack and adjustable tines for that model. That proves the feature for LDS5560ST, not for every LG dishwasher. Read the rating label and the exact manual before assuming that another LG third rack has the same tray, latches, or removal path.
When checks do not resolve it
Need a professional?
Seek LG or qualified appliance service if the third rack is damaged, binds, will not seat, interferes with the door or spray arms after documented adjustment, or if an exact-model rack replacement is needed. Do not run a cycle with a loose or protruding rack or utensil.
Common questions
FAQ
Can I cut every other spike off an LG third rack to fit thick silverware?
No documented LG source opened here supports cutting, melting, drilling, or prying the molded separators. Use the supported high/low tray or spoon-holder adjustment, remove the rack if the exact manual allows it, or use the lower basket.
Can the LG third cutlery rack be removed?
LG's rack-adjustment guidance says the entire cutlery rack can be removed for more upper-rack space on supported designs by fully extending it, lifting the front, and sliding it out. Check the exact model before applying that path.
What if the third rack fits the silverware but the items hit the spray arm?
Reload the items. LG says utensils hanging out of a rack can hit spray nozzles or other dishes; the cycle should not start until the load and spray arms have clearance.
Read the exact guide
Official sources
- LG Dishwasher - Tine & Rack AdjustmentLG Electronics / LG USA Support · LG support guidance for adjustable tines, upper-rack height, cutlery-tray high/low positions, spoon-holder placement, rack stability, spray-arm clearance, and cutlery-rack removal; exact model controls vary.
- Semi-Integrated Dishwasher w/ Height-Adjustable 3rd RackLG Electronics USA · Exact LDS5560ST specification sheet confirming that this model has a height-adjustable third rack and EasyRack Plus; not evidence for every LG dishwasher.
- LG Dishwasher - Common NoisesLG Electronics / LG USA Support · LG loading and clearance guidance: utensils sticking out can hit spray nozzles or other dishes; reload and check clearance.
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