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

As is the case with many construction items, there are different options available for cutting steel pipes. In some cases, it’s just a matter of choosing the best way for the job.

The best method for cutting steel pipe is to use a pipe cutter. This tool clamps down on the pipe at a premeasured line and as you spin it around the pipe, it will slowly cut into it. It takes some time but this is the best and most accurate way to cut a steel pipe.

Although a pipe cutter is the best choice available, it is not always going to be an option. In some cases, you will not be able to get the pipe cutter into position so that you can make the cut.

In other cases, you may just not have one available and you need to fall back on another type of tool in order to make the cut.

Some of the other options available for cutting steel pipe include using a hacksaw, a reciprocating saw, or even a jigsaw. They are not going to be easy and you need to use them properly if you want to get an accurate quality cut.

multiple of steel pipe

What Can You Use To Cut Steel Pipe?

For the purpose of this article, we are going to discuss a number of different ways to cut a steel pipe. Each of them will have its own message, but there is something that many of them have in common.

If you’re going to cut steel pipe with any type of power tool, such as a reciprocating saw or a circular saw, it is important to get the saw up and running before it comes in contact with the pipe.

If you try to cut the pipe by placing the blade against the pipe and then turning it on, it is not going to work. In the case of most power saws, the blade will simply throw the line off by a considerable amount and by the time you get things calmed down, you will have chewed up a lot of the steel.

Starting the blade in advance and then moving it in to come in contact with the steel pipe allows the cutting process to take place. It will start cutting immediately upon contact with the steel pipe, rather than jumping around until it finally starts cutting.

One of the differences in this is if you use a hand tool to cut the steel pipe, such as a hacksaw. It is not possible to start the blade before coming in contact with the pipe for obvious reasons.

The best thing you can do in this case is to use a hacksaw with a blade that is made specifically for cutting metal. You can then draw the hacksaw back to start a small cut on the line.

Allow the hacksaw to do the work on its own and do not try to force the blade through the pipe. It is going to take some time so you might as well get accustomed to that from the very start.

One other thing to consider is the matter of safety. When you are cutting through a steel pipe, you’re going to be creating some very sharp pieces and, depending upon the tool you’re using, those pieces could easily become airborne.

That is why it is important to wear safety glasses at all times when cutting through a steel pipe. Depending upon the tool you’re using, you may also want to use a face shield with your safety glasses underneath.

Other safety precautions can include using gloves when handling the steel pipe, particularly in the area where it is cut. Long sleeve shirts and closed-toed boots are also important when working in any type of maintenance job.

If you’re going to be using a power saw, you should also consider using hearing protection. Even exposure to loud noises for a short duration can cause significant and long-lasting damage to your hearing.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Pipe Cutter?

Tools to cut steel pipe

One of the many options for cutting steel pipe is using a pipe cutter. Is this a choice that you should consider?

The best tool available for cutting a steel pipe is a pipe cutter. It was made specifically for that purpose and it will cut a clean, smooth edge that is very accurate. Some pipe cutters work differently than others but for the most part, they will work cleanly and quickly to cut the pipe on the measured line.

A pipe cutter is a tool that is C-shaped and slips around the pipe to go down to the desired location. A blade is used from the side of the cutter, and it pushes into the steel to make a mark.

Most pipe cutters are spring-loaded so the blade will continue to push progressively into the pipe as you are cutting it. Others may need some adjustment on the way, typically by twisting a knob as you are cutting the pipe.

The real key to the process is to get things lined up properly before you begin cutting. You can then spin the pipe cutter around the pipe multiple times until it finally is able to get through the metal.

After cutting the pipe with a pipe cutter, you will have to use some sandpaper or a file in order to get rid of any burrs that are on the end of the pipe. Until that takes place, be cautious because it can be extremely sharp and it is easy to cut yourself.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Hacksaw?

Worker man thinking

If you were to ask most people how they would cut metal pipe, they would say you should use a hacksaw. Is this a good choice for cutting steel pipes?

You can use a hacksaw to cut through a steel pipe and it will do a good job. It is often a choice that is used when a standard pipe cutter is not available. The process of cutting through a steel pipe is not one that takes place quickly so you will have to take your time and work until you are able to cut through the entire pipe.

One thing to consider is the blade that you are using. Generally speaking, you should use a metal blade on your hacksaw because a wood-cutting blade will not cut through the steel.

There is only a small amount of steel that is going to be cut for every pass of the hacksaw blade. Begin by drawing the blade backward to cut a small notch in the tube and then continue to work on that line.

Be cautious, especially at the beginning of your cut, that you don’t jump out of the notch and start a new one. It is easy to do but as you continue to cut the pipe, you will get down into the groove even deeper.

It is also a good idea to use the entire blade if possible when cutting steel. Many people tend to focus on the center of the blade by only making shortcuts with the hacksaw. If you use it from one end of the blade to the other, you will find that it works much better for you.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Circular Saw?

Tools to cut steel pipe

One tool that most homeowners have is a circular saw. Can you use this tool for cutting steel pipe?

Steel pipe can easily be cut with a circular saw but you need to have the right metal cutting blade in place. You also should ensure that the steel pipe is clamped down tightly and don’t try to hold it by hand because it could easily get away from you. With the proper blade, the circular saw will cut very easily through the steel pipe and make a very clean cut.

If you plan on using your circular saw for cutting steel pipe, you should be very cautious. It will work well, but sometimes it works so well that we speed up and get a little reckless.

Always pay close attention to what you’re cutting and use the proper PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and even a face shield.

You should also be cautious about the sparks that will be thrown off by the circular saw. In the right conditions, it could start a fire and this is considered to be hot work. Have a fire extinguisher nearby.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Angle Grinder?

Tools to cut steel pipe

Should you consider using an angle grinder for cutting steel pipe? It may seem like a good choice.

If you are in a tight spot and need to cut the end of the steel pipe off, you can easily do so with an angle grinder. Make sure that you have the proper blade installed and work carefully to ensure that you don’t damage any surrounding material.

An angle grinder works very well at cutting a steel pipe but it is not the best choice when it comes to cutting the pipe accurately at 90°.

Angle grinders work better as a demolition tool or to get into a space where you can’t fit a pipe cutter.

Be cautious about sparks catching nearby material on fire. Have a fire extinguisher on hand when using an angle grinder in tight quarters.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Miter Saw?

Tools to cut steel pipe

A miter saw is an excellent tool for cutting almost anything. Can you also add steel pipe to the list?

Equipped with a metal cutting blade, a miter saw becomes an excellent tool for cutting steel pipes. You can cut it easily at 90° and get an accurate cut every time. If you need to cut the pipe at a strange angle, you can also do so using a miter saw. Just make sure you have the pipe securely in place before making the cut.

Most people tend to grab a pipe and hold it in place in order to cut it with a miter saw. A better option is to clamp it in place and then use the saw for the cut.

Miter saws make an excellent tool for cutting steel pipes.

As is the case with using any power saw for cutting steel, make sure you have a fire extinguisher on hand because the sparks can ignite flammable material.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Sawzall?

Tools to cut steel pipe

Can you use a reciprocating saw for cutting steel pipe? It’s an obvious tool that is sometimes overlooked.

Reciprocating saws are an excellent choice for cutting steel pipe but not for making an accurate cut. Equipped with the proper metal cutting blade, it can cut through a steel pipe in a matter of seconds. Just make sure that you have the blade up and running before it comes in contact with the pipe so it will start cutting accurately.

For the most part, a Sawzall is used for demolition work or for cutting in tight spaces. That is really one of the only reasons why I would consider using a reciprocating saw for cutting steel pipe.

It could do a good job and if it’s the only tool you have available, you can even get a fairly accurate cut with it.

Be sure to wear your safety glasses because a reciprocating saw can throw off some steel shards.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Dremel?

Tools to cut steel pipe

It’s hard to imagine a house without a Dremel tool. The craft tool can be used for almost any purpose but is it a tool that can be used for cutting steel pipe?

If you’re going to use a Dremel tool for cutting steel pipe, make sure that you are using a heavy-duty model. It may be possible to cut through steel with the craft model that most people use, but it is not going to be as easy to do. A heavy-duty Dremel tool equipped with a metal cutting blade can cut through steel easily.

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

One of the issues that you may run into when using a Dremel tool for cutting steel pipe is accuracy. It can work to make the cut and it will do a good job, but it’s difficult to get the cut at a 90° angle.

A better choice is always going to be using a pipe-cutting tool. If you have one available and you can access the pipe, I would recommend using it.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Oscillating Multi Tool?

Worker man not sure

Have you considered using an oscillating multi-tool for cutting steel pipe? Is it even possible to do so?

Oscillating tools make an excellent choice for cutting steel pipes if they are equipped with the proper, metal cutting blade. They get into areas that may not be accessible by pipe cutters or other tools. That being said, a multi-tool is not generally used as an accurate method of cutting so it is best used for demolition.

Sometimes, the only option you have available is to use your oscillating tool. If you find yourself in this position, simply take your time and cut as accurately as you possibly can.

It is also a good idea to have the blade up to speed before you come in contact with the steel. Doing so will allow the cut to take place immediately and the blade will not tend to jump from one area to another.

Can You Cut Steel Pipe With Table Saw?

Worker man thinking

If you have access to a table saw, can you use it for cutting steel pipe?

Although it is possible to cut steel pipe using a table saw with a metal blade, it is not a preferred method. It is difficult to keep control of the steel pipe as you slide it through the blade. Generally speaking, you would want to use a power tool that takes the blade to the pipe rather than taking the pipe to the blade.

If you must use a table saw for cutting steel pipe, make sure that you have the proper blade in place. It should be able to cut metal, as a blade made for cutting wood will not work.

Make sure that you always work with all guards in place. Keep your hands far away from the blade and be cautious of kickback.

How To Cut Steel Pipe The Proper Way

Worker man not sure

As is the case with anything, there is a right way to cut steel pipe and a wrong way to cut it. This is the right way.

The easiest, best, and most accurate way to cut steel pipe is to use a pipe cutting tool. These tools slip over the end of the pipe and a blade comes out to contact the pipe when it is in position. You then spin the tool around the pipe, putting constant pressure on the blade until it cuts through the metal.

One of the benefits of using a pipe-cutting tool is that it gives such an accurate cut. Rather than having to guess at the process, you can cut it to within any tolerance you need.

Some pipe cutting tools will be spring-loaded and will put constant pressure on the pipe using the blade. Others will have to be adjusted, typically by either squeezing the tool or turning a knob to release the blade even further.

Be patient and continue to spin the tool around the pipe until it eventually cuts through. You can then use sandpaper or a file to dress up the edge as needed.

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

There is no easier way to cut steel pipe than using a pipe-cutting tool. It provides the best accuracy and at the same time, cuts the pipe in a way that it can be used in any fashion desired.

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

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