Several homes have iron pipes as a common feature. They are a common option for DIY projects and can be used for a variety of tasks, such as transporting water to and from appliances and fixtures.
There are a few different methods you can use to cut an iron pipe if you need to for one of your DIY projects. Using a hacksaw, reciprocating saw, and angle grinder, we’ll demonstrate how to cut iron pipes in this article.
Table of Contents
Best Blade for Cutting Cast Iron Pipe
The best reciprocating saw blade for cutting cast iron pipe is the Diablo Carbide Tipped Reciprocating Saw Blade (click here to view it on Amazon). Compared to the conventional diamond grit and carbide grit blades that have historically been used to cut cast iron, these carbide tipped blades offer improved cutting speed and durability. Take a look at the video below to see me cutting cast iron as quickly as I can with the blade.
There are three different lengths available for these blades: 6, 9, and 12. Pay close attention when you shop because these blades come in a variety of tooth-per-inch (TPI) counts. Cast iron is a thick metal that can be cut with the 8 TPI blade. The 20 TPI blade is designed to cut thin metal and is not suitable for cutting cast iron.
Can You Cut Cast Iron Pipe With a Sawzall?
The answer is that using a sawzall to cut cast iron is an effective method. Owning reciprocating saws is common among handymen, contractors, and homeowners. All you require, if you already have the tool, is the blade made specifically for cutting cast iron. Although there are other tools that can cut cast iron, the reciprocating saw is the most adaptable. Cutting pipes that are buried in the ground and in small spaces are both easier. Nearly no setup time is required for the reciprocating saw, and little dust is produced while cutting. It does make noise as it cuts just like any other motorized saw tool.
Tools You’ll Need to Cut Iron Pipe
- Meterstick/Ruler/Chalk/Crayon – To Measure The Pipe
- Marker/Pencil – To Mark The Cut
- Hacksaw/Reciprocating Saw/Angle Grinder/Snap Cutter – To Cut the Pipe
- Sandpaper/Belt Grinder/File – To Deburr The Pipe
- Cut-Resistant Gloves
- Eye Protection (Face Shield Prefered)
- Ear Protection
How to Cut Iron Pipe
Method I: Hacksaw
You might believe that using a hacksaw to cut through cast iron pipe is the least expensive option.
Well, you’re seriously mistaken.
Although the actual hacksaw is perhaps the cheapest tool on this list, the hardness of the cast iron pipe will require you to go through multiple replacement blades.
For this reason, I only really advise using a hacksaw as a last resort. Aside from that, it’s the laborious and slowest approach.
If you decide to use a hacksaw, all that is required to complete the task is to saw back and forth while changing blades as necessary to cut through the entire pipe.
Method II: Cold Chisel
Using a cold chisel and ball peen hammer is another handheld technique for cutting through a cast iron pipe.
Although this approach actually gets the job done more quickly, it has the drawback of requiring a high level of performance skill.
The cold chisel method should only be used by people who are familiar with using this hand tool because of the knowledge and experience needed.
You need a lot of room to work, which is another drawback. You must have access to the entire pipe, including all of its sides, and have enough space to use the hammer.
If you decide to use the cold chisel technique, start by marking a cut line on the pipe with chalk. Till the pipe breaks cleanly, make tiny cuts with the cold chisel and ball peen hammer.
Method III: Snap Cutter
A snap cutter can be used as yet another handheld technique.
The majority of do-it-yourselfers rent snap cutters from home improvement stores because they are convenient and reasonably priced.
When working with cast iron pipes, plumbers are by far most likely to use a snap cutter. It takes little effort to produce a clean cut.
You’ll see that a snap cutter is made up of a ratchet and roller chain, which actually does the cutting (or breaking).
Put the ratchet handles under pressure while wrapping the chain around the pipe. The pipe is going to be cut into by the chain until it eventually splits in half.
Method IV: Reciprocating Saw
You don’t want to use a hand tool to cut through cast iron pipe. A reciprocating saw might also be something you already have lying around.
Then cutting cast iron with a reciprocating saw is a great option. The disadvantage is that it needs a unique diamond blade to complete the task.
Cast iron pipe can be quickly and efficiently cut with a reciprocating saw equipped with a diamond blade. Additionally, it is a fairly nimble tool that can fit into small spaces.
Similar to the other techniques on this list, cutting cast iron pipes with a reciprocating saw is a simple process.
Once the machine is turned on and the cut line has been marked with chalk, the pipe can simply be worked through slowly and gently until it breaks.
Method V: Angle Grinder
An angle grinder is another power tool that is excellent at cutting through cast iron pipe.
It’s actually the traditional power tool of choice for the task. Without much effort on your part, it quickly and effortlessly makes the cut.
Make certain that your angle grinder has a metal-cutting blade installed. Your best option is probably a 4-inch diamond blade.
On the cut mark, draw a chalk line. The pipe should eventually split in half as a result of slow, careful angle-grinding.
It’s crucial to wear the appropriate safety gear, including earplugs, safety glasses, and sturdy work gloves, whenever you use power tools, especially ones that could be dangerous like an angle grinder.
Final Thoughts
There are many different techniques for cutting cast iron pipe.
The one you choose should be determined by the tools at your disposal, your level of power tool expertise, and the size of your project.
You have the knowledge necessary to use any of the five most widely used techniques to cut a cast iron pipe after reading our comprehensive guide above.
FAQs
What is the Best Thing to Cut Cast Iron Pipe With?
I don’t own a “pipe snapper” to cut cast iron. So a grinder with a diamond blade is my go-to tool for that unpleasant task. I’ve always used a reciprocating saw with a metal-cutting or carbide-grit blade in confined spaces where my grinder won’t fit. That functions, but not immediately.
Is Cast Iron Easy to Cut?
It is probably gray cast iron, which can be cut with a hacksaw, circular saw, or reciprocating saw much easier than steel. (Standard hacksaw blade, beginning with 18 teeth). Although tougher than steel, nodular and malleable cast irons are still simpler to cut.
Can You Use a Knife on Cast Iron?
It’s perfectly fine to use metal utensils on plain cast-iron pans, says Keno; the “nonstick” surface created by seasoning is very resilient (the exception is enameled cast iron; metal can scratch its porcelain coating, according to the cast-iron manufacturer Lodge).
Can you smash cast iron with a sledgehammer?
The quickest way to dismantle and remove a cast iron tub, if you can handle the temporary mess, is with a sledgehammer.
Is Cast Iron Strong Or Tough?
Again like masonry, cast iron has a high compression strength. Wrought iron has a high tensile strength and is tough and fracture-resistant, just like the majority of other types of iron and most metals in general.
