How to Cut Cast Iron Pipe

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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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Snap Cutters

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    Make the lines as straight on the pipe as possible.
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    Ensure that there are as many cutting wheels as possible against the pipe.
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    You may need to score the pipe several times before you can make the final cut. [1]
    • You may need to rotate the pipe slightly before making the final cut if you are cutting replacement pipe on the ground.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Reciprocating Saw

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    Many of these blades are made with carbide grit or diamond grit for cutting through hard items. [2]
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    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. [3]
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    Avoid applying undue pressure on the saw that can cause the blade to snap. [4]
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  • Question
    When cutting an existing cast iron vertical sewer pipe in an older home, do I need tie off the pipe going up, or will it stay up on its own?
    Community Answer
    It's going to depend on whether or not the old pipe is secured already. In many older homes, cast iron wasn't secured to anything, in which case you will want to double wrap rope around pipe and secure above the area you are cutting.
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  • Question
    What is the most important aspect of engineering?
    Community Answer
    Preparation. Nothing is more important than preparation. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.
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  • Question
    Will cutting an iron pipe with a saw cause it to vibrate too much?
    Community Answer
    As long as you apply the proper amount of pressure while cutting, along with a possible brace depending on the pipe location, you should be fine.
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      Tips

      • Diamond grit blades are the newest technology and tend to last longer than their carbide grit counterparts.
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      Warnings

      • Always wear eye and hearing protection when cutting cast iron pipe.
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      • 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.
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      Things You'll Need

      • Eye and hearing protection
      • Chalk (line)
      • Snap cutters
      • Reciprocating saw
      • Saw blades


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.thesawguy.com/how-to-cut-cast-iron-pipe/
      2. ↑ https://www.familyhandyman.com/diy-advice/cutting-cast-iron-pipe/
      3. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/a10043/so-you-have-a-reciprocating-saw-heres-what-else-you-need-16481114/
      4. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/tools/reviews/a10043/so-you-have-a-reciprocating-saw-heres-what-else-you-need-16481114/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To cut cast iron pipe, start by marking the line you want to cut on the pipe with chalk. Then, wrap the chain of a snap cutter around the pipe so it's over the line. Once the chain is in place, apply pressure to the handle of the snap cutter to cut through the pipe. If you don't have a snap cutter, you can use a reciprocating saw instead. Just fit it with a long metal cutting blade, line it up with the chalk line, and set the saw to low speed. For troubleshooting tips when you're cutting a cast iron pipe, keep reading!

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