Pipe is one of the chief materials used in construction, plumbing, irrigation and fluid transfer systems. Cutting pipe of any kind is fairly simple, with a few basic rules to follow. For our purposes we will consider the types of pipe used most often in plumbing and construction.

Match the material to the cutting tool

Most pipe is either cast iron, steel, galvanized steel or plastic. Clay pipe is used in storm water drainage systems. You have a number of tool options with any given pipe material, but some work better or faster than others. Also consider your level of experience and familiarity with the tool. TIP: If you are cutting with a saw, be sure to choose the correct blade for the job. Do not use a blade designed for wood when cutting metal. Harder materials require harder blades. Follow manufacturers’ guidelines in blade selection.

Work safely — Always wear safety eyewear, hearing protection and gloves when using cutting tools. Metal fragments are especially hazardous. If you are cutting a piece of installed gas pipe, water pipe or drain pipe, be sure that the gas or water supply has been shut off before cutting.

Measure — Use a quality tape measure that is scaled for the units and increments, English or metric, that you need. Accurate measurement avoids waste of material.

Mark your cut line — For a perpendicular cut, a simple line drawn at the desired length will do. For angled cuts, use a pipe guide. A pipe guide is a sleeve that fits over the pipe and locks in place. It has angled slots for precise marking of the cut line.

Secure the workpiece — Position the pipe in a vise, pipe bench or on the saw tabletop so that you have free range of motion with your cutting tool. For the sake of a clean, accurate cut — and for your safety — be sure that the workpiece is held firmly in place, without wiggle, before cutting. Unwanted movement can cause injury, tool damage or result in a poor cut.

Cut — Follow the directions for the tool you’ve selected. For manual cutters, apply steady pressure and take your time. If you’re cutting with a hacksaw, be sure to have extra blades handy. Go steady with power tools; guide the blade and let the tool do the work.

Finish — Most plastic or metal cuts leave burrs on the new edges or along the inside and outside diameters. Use a hand file to remove them and to smooth the surface.

For any questions about products sold by BlackHawk, give us a call. We’re happy to help. Our mission is to provide innovative, value-added services and products that reduce our customer’s total cost. Feel free to contact us for more information.

BlackHawk Industrial

1501 SW Expressway Drive

Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 74012

[email protected]

Toll Free: 855-610-1001