Are you looking for tools that allow you to cut exhaust pipes easily while keeping the stress and mess level to a minimum? While there is not one best option or way to do this, here are some of the ideal tools you can use to cut exhaust pipe.
To cut exhaust pipes, use tools like the angle grinder, chop saw, or jigsaw. These tools will cut through an exhaust pipe in no time, as long as you choose the right cutting blade. However, if you don’t have enough clearance or accessibility, use a Sawzall or Dremel.
Cutting the tubing of your exhaust system can be tricky and daunting, but with the right equipment, it can be a breeze. This article has all the information on the various cutting tools you can use. Read on to find a suitable option for your needs.
What Can You Use to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
A project like this can be exhausting and messy if you don’t use the proper tools. Also, you can create complications if you cut the pipe wrongly. As we’ve also found out, there is not one best tool. The situation determines the equipment to use.
To cut exhaust pipes, use any of the following tools:
- Chop saw
- Dremel
- Jigsaw
- Reciprocating saw
- Plasma cutter
- Hacksaw
- Chain cutter
- Angle grinder
Can You Use Hacksaw to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
You can use the hacksaw to cut exhaust pipes. However, know that the hacksaw is not the most efficient tool to use. Specialized tools like the chain cutter work much better. To make do with the hacksaw however, you need the right blade, considerable dexterity, and a healthy ounce of patience.
How to Cut Exhaust Pipe Using a Hacksaw?
While the hacksaw might not be the commonly recommended option, you can use it if it’s all you have access to. A model like the Lenox tool Mini hacksaw with a metal cutting blade will work. Here’s how to use the hacksaw:
Step 1: Place the hacksaw on the marked area, ensuring the jagged edge of the blade directly touches the pipe.
Step 2: Firmly push the blade across the pipe in a back-and-forth motion while pressing down on it. The pressure must be sufficient for the blade to travel through the tubing without damaging it or causing injury to you. Doing this is tricky and takes time – this is where you need patience the most.
Step 3: Stop when the blade gets to the pipe’s hollow. Pull the saw out, turn the tubing over and repeat step 2 until the cut is complete.
If you’re cutting the pipe off your vehicle, using a hacksaw may be difficult. In this case, keep cutting in that direction until you get through, or use a better tool.
Can You Use Sawzall to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
With the Dewalt reciprocating saw blades, you can use the Sawzall to cut exhaust pipes. This tool is, without a doubt, one great option for cutting exhaust piping. This is especially true if you have issues with accessibility and clearance; one instance is exhaust pipes attached to a vehicle.
How to Cut Exhaust Pipe with a Sawzall?
A Sawzall is a type of reciprocating saw made by the Milwaukee tool company for various cutting jobs. It is the ideal option for cutting mounted and unmounted tubing. Here’s how to use one:
Step 1: Attach the proper blade to the saw and adjust the settings where necessary for more control and precision.
Step 2: Place the blade on the marked spot. Slowly squeeze the trigger and cut with a firm hold, travelling the knife through the pipe. Release the trigger when the cut is complete and withdraw the blade.
Can You Use Grinder to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
You can use a grinder to cut exhaust pipes as long as you ensure that you replace the grinding disc with a cutting disc. The angle grinder is fast but incurs a lot of risks. Do not use this power tool if the tubing is attached to your vehicle so you don’t harm yourself or damage the tubing.
How to Cut Exhaust Pipe Using an Angle Grinder?
Here’s how to cut an exhaust pipe using an angle grinder:
Step 1: Select the appropriate cutting wheel and fasten it to your machine. Prepare your pipe for cutting.
Step 2: Switch on the grinder and cut by lowering your hand to the pipe at 90 degrees. Apply enough pressure to cut but not excessively to prevent damaging the machine or the tubing.
Step 3: When the cut is almost complete, slightly reduce the pressure applied to prevent the kickback of the saw when the cutting is done.
Using an angle grinder requires a lot of safety precautions. Ensure you follow all safety instructions and read the manual when using this tool to avoid complications.
Can You Use Dremel to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
The Dremel is one tool you can use to cut exhaust pipes and the best part is that you can use it on and off the vehicle because it can get into those cramped spots. This must be done with utmost care to prevent overheating the cutting bit or warping of the pipe.
How to Cut Exhaust Pipe with a Dremel?
Here’s how to cut exhaust pipes with a Dremel:
Step 1: Secure the pipe with a bench vice to your work surface. You can skip this step if the pipe is attached to a vehicle.
Step 2: Attach the cutting bit to the Dremel and adjust the settings appropriately.
Step 3: Switch on the tool and carefully move the cutting disc onto the tubing with just enough pressure to cut.
Step 4: After cutting, use a metal file or grinding stone to even the rough edges.
Tips:
- Pay extreme care when using a Dremel to cut metal tubing like the exhaust pipe because of the sparks generated to avoid overheating the metal and causing warping.
- Ensure you work in a well-ventilated space, preferably outdoors and away from any heat source or flammable material.
Can You Use Miter Saw to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
You can employ the miter saw to cut exhaust pipes. The miter saw will cut the exhaust tubing with an abrasive metal cutting blade. However, before you proceed, ensure you have clearance on the table for the pipe. Doing this guarantees easy clean cuts without any jarred edges.
How to cut Exhaust Pipe with a Miter Saw?
A miter saw is not a metal cutting saw but can be converted to one with the right attachments. Here’s how to cut an exhaust pipe with a miter saw:
Step 1: Attach an appropriate metal cutting blade to your saw.
Step 2: Adjust the voltage and speed controls to get an RPM level low enough for metal cutting but not too low, so the saw can still run.
Step 3: Prepare yourself safety-wise and the pipe for cutting.
Step 4: Measure and mark the cut line on the pipe. Apply some metal cutting oil for lubrication.
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Step 5: Align the cut line of the pipe with the blade and cut. Watch out for sparks and chips that fly off from the cutting zone. Be careful as they fly off in any direction.
Can You Use Jigsaw to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
For most metal jobs, a jigsaw is not the ideal option, but if it is the only available tool, you can use it. Before you do this however, you must attach a metal cutting blade and adopt slow and steady strokes.
How to cut Exhaust Pipe with a Jigsaw?
A metal cutting blade with about 21 to 24 teeth per inch will suffice to cut a tailpipe. Here’s how:
Step 1: Swap the cutting blade of the saw with a metal cutting type.
Step 2: Begin cutting with slow and steady strokes. Avoid going too fast or applying excessive pressure, so you don’t damage the saw or the pipe. This way, you’d have less trouble using a jigsaw.
Can You Use Reciprocating Saw to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
Reciprocating saws are ideal for cutting exhaust pipes, on and off the vehicle, especially for thick tubing, so long that it has quality blades. With this tool, you save time and energy and have the added advantage of being able to navigate narrow, long or tight spots that other tools can’t.
How to Cut Exhaust Pipe Using a Reciprocating Saw?
Here’s how to use it to cut a tailpipe:
Step 1: Attach an appropriate metal cutting blade to the saw. Check and adjust the settings where necessary.
Step 2: Switch the machine on and cut the pipe at the desired point. If the tubing is attached to the vehicle, you’d be working in an upward motion and need to hold the tubing with one hand so it doesn’t fall while cutting. If unattached, just ensure you have enough clearance on the work surface.
Can You Use Chop Saw to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
Since the chop saw is one tool that cuts through metal pipes quickly, you can use it to cut exhaust pipes too. Although one of the fastest, this tool requires extreme caution as its high speed can be hazardous.
How to Cut Exhaust Pipe with a Chop Saw?
Here’s how to use the chop saw to cut exhaust pipes:
Step 1: Prepare the tubing for cutting. Set up your machine; check and adjust the settings where necessary.
Step 2: Switch on the saw, wait for it to reach full speed, then lower it slowly and steadily through the pipe until it travels entirely.
How to Cut Exhaust Pipe?
Cutting an exhaust pipe can be a breeze if done correctly with the right tools. Here are tips on how to cut exhaust tubing with less stress and mess:
Step 1: Ensure you follow every safety precaution for jobs like this. This includes:
- Working in a well-ventilated area.
- Wearing adequate and proper protection for your eyes, ears, nose and hands.
- Not wearing loose-sleeved clothing or anything that can get caught in the cutting tool.
Step 2: If possible, remove the tubing from the vehicle. If not, use a tool appropriate for a mounted pipe as described above.
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Step 3: Measure the desired length accurately and mark the area with a marker or masking tape. Do this carefully to avoid falling short unless you’re cutting to dispose of the pipe.
Step 4: Secure the pipe to the work surface with vices or miter locks. Skip this if you’re cutting a mounted tubing on the vehicle. Ensure you have enough clearance around and under the pipe on the workbench.
Step 5: Select a cutting tool. Check and confirm it’s set up where necessary and cut at the marked spot while watching out for sparks and overheating.
Step 6: You may need to smoothen out rough edges after cutting if required.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on December 7, 2022.