Skip to Content

What Can You Use To Cut Iron Pipe? (How To)

There may be many different types of piping that need to be cut but when it comes to iron pipe, you will have to take special measures to get a cut properly. What is the best way to cut it?

The best method to use for cutting cast-iron pipe is to use what the professionals use. A cast-iron pipe snap cutter is used by wrapping the chain around the pipe, scoring the pipe, and then tightening the chain until the pipe snaps. It creates a clean, even edge that is easy to attach using a coupling.

Tools to cut iron pipe

There are a number of things to keep in mind when cutting cast-iron to make it go as smoothly as possible. For one thing, not everybody is going to have access to a cast-iron pipe snap cutter.

If you don’t have access to a snap cutter, you can use another tool, preferably a reciprocating saw. It will make a nice, clean cut in a matter of a minute or so and you can use that edge to attach a coupling to another piece of pipe.

Another option that is often used is an angle grinder. As you will find out below, an angle grinder works well but it does not create as even of an edge as a reciprocating saw.

In addition, it takes a lot longer to cut the cast iron with an angle grinder and it will throw a lot more sparks. This is of particular concern if you are working in an area with flammable materials.

What Can You Use To Cut Iron Pipe?

You also need to consider the condition of the pipe when choosing which tool you will use to cut cast iron. For a new pipe, the snap cutter is going to be the best choice but you can also use a reciprocating saw or angle grinder.

If the cast iron has been in use for quite some time and is old and rusted, a snap cutter is not the right choice. That tool is typically only used for a new pipe.

Fortunately, you still have the option of using a reciprocating saw to cut the pipe cleanly and accurately. You can then clean up the end of the pipe after it is cut and prepare it for attaching to an additional pipe with a joint.

As is the case with cutting any type of metal, it’s important that you are careful and follow the proper safety standards. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Safety Glasses – Perhaps one of the most important pieces of PPE to wear when you are cutting pipe is safety glasses. Pieces of pipe could easily fly through the air and could damage your eyesight. For more protection, wear a face shield over safety glasses.

Gloves – All-purpose gloves should be used at a minimum, but you can also use leather gloves for extra hand protection.

Boots – Cast-iron pipe is heavy and the last thing you would want is to drop it on your foot without the proper protection in place. Never work in open-toed shoes or sneakers.

Sparks – When using a reciprocating saw or a grinder, you will create a considerable amount of sparks. This can be a fire hazard, especially if you are cutting the pipe in an area with flammable material.

Always have a fire extinguisher on hand and ready for use. Keep your eye on the area where the cut took place for at least 30 minutes after you are finished.

Mask – Wear a disposable mask or another form of respiratory protection. N95 is the gold standard and should be considered for use when working with cutting cast-iron.

Can You Cut Iron Pipe With Pipe Cutter/Snap Cutter?

Tools to cut iron pipe

If you have a cast-iron pipe, you might consider cutting it with a snap cutter. Is that a good choice?

An iron pipe cutter or snap cutter is the best option for cutting a new cast-iron pipe. It can be put in place, using the chain to score a mark and then tightening the snap cutter until the pipe snaps at the designated point. If you are cutting an older cast-iron pipe, it is better to use a reciprocating saw or grinder.

Not every home DIY enthusiast is going to have access to a snap cutter. If you do, however, it makes the best cut possible. Why is that important?

In most cases, you will be cutting a cast-iron pipe in order to attach additional pipe or to make it angled at that point. Using a snap cutter will create a smooth, even edge that is easy to attach to a joint.

Can You Cut Iron Pipe With Grinder?

Tools to cut iron pipe

A grinder is capable of cutting metal. Should you use it for cutting a cast-iron pipe?

Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on April 12, 2022.

A grinder can easily cut through an iron pipe when it is equipped with the proper diamond blade. Mark the pipe and then cut with the grinder in a circular motion around the pipe to score it and eventually to cut through it.

When using a grinder, you are going to have an incredible amount of sparks. This can be a problem, especially if you are cutting in an area with highly flammable materials.

Always move any flammable liquids from the area, such as gasoline or turpentine. They could easily catch on fire with the sparks that are created.

You should then guard any area that has additional flammable material and have a fire extinguisher on hand to use in the event of an emergency.

Make sure you monitor the area for at least 30 minutes after cutting cast iron with a grinder.

Can You Cut Iron Pipe With Hacksaw?

Tools to cut iron pipe

Most people would automatically reach for a hacksaw when cutting metal. Is it a good choice for cutting cast-iron pipes?

A hacksaw equipped with the proper metal cutting blade can cut through a cast-iron pipe. It can make an accurate cut that is easy to guide, but it is also going to be a lot of work. Since you will be applying a lot of effort to making the cut, be sure to use a sharp blade and change it if necessary. Save some extra time for making this cut.

Although you certainly can use a hacksaw, I would only recommend doing so if no other option is available. Perhaps you could use the hacksaw in the event that you have to cut the iron pipe in an area where flammable materials exist.

Can You Cut Iron Pipe With Reciprocating Saw

Tools to cut iron pipe

Are you thinking about using a reciprocating saw to cut a cast-iron pipe? Is it even possible to do so?

Aside from a snap cutter, the reciprocating saw is the go-to choice for cutting cast-iron pipe. It can cut through the pipe relatively easily if you use the proper blade. It also produces a smooth, even edge and if you follow the line, you could use it to attach a joint if necessary.

One of the primary reasons why people use a reciprocating saw is because they do not have a snap cutter available. In addition, a snap cutter does not work well on old, rusted pipes.

Take your time and work through the pipe using the reciprocating saw. It might take a minute or so to cut, but you can be happy with the finished product if you work carefully.

Can You Cut Iron Pipe With Dremel?

Tools to cut iron pipe

If you have a Dremel tool, can you use it to cut cast-iron pipe?

A high-quality Dremel is just a well-known brand name for an oscillating tool. You change the tool head and blade to match the job you were doing. If you use a carbide cutting blade with a heavy-duty Dremel multi-tool, you can easily cut through cast iron.

Dremel tends to make itself out to be a one-stop-shop for all of your DIY needs. It can cut through cast iron, but it’s not going to be the best choice for the job.

If you have access to a reciprocating saw or grinder, you might want to use them to cut the pipe instead.

Can You Cut Iron Pipe With Torch?

Tools to cut iron pipe

An iron pipe can be cut with a variety of tools. It may also be cut with an oxy acetylene torch.

It is possible to cut cast-iron pipe using a torch. That being said, it is not going to be the best option because it is a cumbersome setup and you can just as easily cut through it with a reciprocating saw or angle grinder.

There may be specific reasons why you are considering using the torch for cutting cast iron. If there is no other choice, it can be used. Just know that there are better options available.

How To Cut Iron Pipe The Proper Way?

Worker man thinking

If you are ready to start cutting the cast-iron pipe, it’s good to know the best way to do it.

Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on April 12, 2022.

The easiest and best way to cut a new cast-iron pipe is using a snap cutter. This tool is specifically designed to cut the pipe cleanly and easily add a prefix location on the pipe. If you are cutting an older pipe, you should use a reciprocating saw or angle grinder.

If you do have access to a snap cutter and are cutting new pipe, it is a fairly straightforward process.

Loosen the snap cutter so the chain comes loose and wrap it around the pipe. Tighten the fitting until the chain is almost snug and then attach the chain to the snap cutter.

Since the chain is snug but not tight, you should be able to twist it around the pipe at this point and score a line. Make sure that you are scoring the line at the place where you want the pipe cut.

Finally, use a drill or a wrench to tighten the snap cutter until the pipe eventually snaps. You can then remove the snap cutter and attach whatever joint you need.

The best option for cutting through a cast-iron pipe is a snap cutter. If you don’t have a snap cutter or if you are cutting through an old cast-iron pipe, you can switch to a reciprocating saw or use an angle grinder.

Related Articles

What Can You Use To Cut Pavers?

What Can You Use To Cut Copper Pipe?

What Can You Use To Cut Metal Roof?

What Can You Use To Cut Steel Pipe?

ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on April 12, 2022.

What Can You Use To Cut Granite Countertop?