How to Cut Iron Pipes Like a Pro

Cast iron plumbing pipes can create a lot of problems for all those DIY plumbers out there. This article will show heavy duty tools that the Pros use while cutting wide arrays of pipes with comparable tools that you average Joes could use at home to get the job done.

Pipe Beveler vs. Pipe Chain Cutter

One on-site commercial pipe cutting tools that the Pros use is the pipe beveler. This kind of tool does not come cheap and is usually used by industrial companies, but it cuts through piping like a hot knife through butter. As the tool rotates around the piping, it creates a scratch in the pipe which gets deeper with each rotation. After the piping is cut, the beveler trims a nice, fresh break at the pipe ending. Now, I doubt most of you can fit an industrial pipe beveler into your home in your house, but there is another solution.

Instead of a pipe beveler, a comparable tool to use is a pipe chain cutter, often called a snap cutter. This tool would accomplish the job in your house better than a beveler would on-site. The pipe chain cutter is consists of a roller chain and ratchet, while the chain uses even tension entirely around the piping. As pressure raises, the wheels of the roller chain embed further into the pipe until finally it makes a tidy break. Instead of simply cutting the pipe, use chalk to draw the different cut lines on the pipe. After that, with the pipe chain cutter, bind the chain around the chalk line guaranteeing as many links are touching the pipe as possible. Squeeze the cutter handles to score the pipe with the chain numerous times until it finally breaks off.

Diamond Wire Saw vs. Sawzall

Another tool that the Pros work with on-site is the diamond wire saw, a tool which uses a cord or wire entrenched with diamond material to cut through the pipe. The diamond wire saw is a longer way for cutting through pipe, but is quite effective as the abrasive diamond cord can cut through anything more pliable than itself. 

On the other hand, not everyone can manage to afford cords covered in diamonds for all their home improvements, so surely there is a comparable option. Joes, the tool to utilize that is certainly very similar to a diamond wire saw is the sawzall, or reciprocating saw. This tool is affordable and is user-friendly and uncomplicated. Using a sawzall is like using an computerized hacksaw. Similar with the snap cutter, tag your cut lines with chalk on the pipe. Simply set your saw speed to low and let the blade do the job for you. Just be sure to keep a bottle of water accessible, as it is important to continue to keep the saw blade wet throughout the job.

Portable Milling Machine vs. Angle Grinder

Pros on-site use portable milling machines for pipe cutting, as they are ideal for huge areas mending. The portable milling machine allows for the tool to move along sides on the upright and parallel axis of the work environment, and the milling head pivots, which allows for more movement in machining operations. 

Joes, the tool to use that will do the same level of work as a portable milling machine is the dependable angle grinder. Most of you probably have  an old angle grinder around the house, so all you will need to do is to invest in a cutting disk at your most liked hardware store and you are good to go. Be certain to wear protective gear as it is very likely that pieces of the cutting disk will break off during the job, and take away any flammable materials from the work station, as these angle grinders can cause sparks.