Cut Cast Iron Pipe
Cast iron pipes were used before the invention of PVC pipe and was the choice for main stacks and waste drains. Many older houses still have these pipes and you may need to replace them. This article will teach you how to cut cast iron pipe.
Contents
Steps
Using Snap Cutters
- Use chalk to mark cut lines on the pipe. Make the lines as straight on the pipe as possible.
- Wrap the chain of the snap cutter around the pipe as evenly as possible. Ensure that there are as many cutting wheels as possible against the pipe.
- Apply pressure onto the handles of the cutter so the wheels cut into the pipe. You may need to score the pipe several times before you can make the final cut.
- You may need to rotate the pipe slightly before making the final cut if you are cutting replacement pipe on the ground.
- Repeat these steps at all other chalk lines.
Using a Reciprocating Saw
- Fit your saw with a long metal cutting blade. Many of these blades are made with carbide grit or diamond grit for cutting through hard items.
- Use chalk to mark your cut lines. Mark the lines as straight as possible. Hold the pipe firmly in place. It may be easier to have another person hold it in place for you.
- Set your saw at low speed and let the blade do the work for you. Avoid applying undue pressure on the saw that can cause the blade to snap.
Tips
- Diamond grit blades are the newest technology and tend to last longer than their carbide grit counterparts.
Warnings
- Always wear eye and hearing protection when cutting cast iron pipe.
- Follow the manufacturer's directions for your specific tool. Each brand can be slightly different and the directions can vary slightly from the ones given in this article.
Things You'll Need
- Eye and hearing protection
- Chalk (line)
- Snap cutters
- Reciprocating saw
- Saw blades
Related Articles
- Cut PVC Pipe
- Vent Plumbing
- Repair Lead Joint Hub Plumbing Pipe
Sources and Citations
- Black & Decker Complete Photo Guide to Home Repair: With 350 Projects and 2000 Photos, 3rd Edition (2008): Creative Publishing International, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
