Cut metal pipes to the right size, no matter what tools you have at home
While installing your new bathroom sink, fixing a leaky pipe in the kitchen, or removing a burst pipe, you may notice that your new metal pipes aren’t slotting into place quite right. Unless you purchase precut pipes, your pipes may be too long to fit into their connections, and you’ll need to cut them to the correct size. This task is fairly easy for DIYers, but learning how to cut metal pipes does require some safety precautions and measuring precision to get the job done.
Maybe you’re replacing a broken section of pipe beneath the bathroom sink or working on repiping a whole room in the house. Either way, metal pipes aren’t flexible like cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes, and you need to cut them to fit together properly. You can buy precut pipes, but this may cost you more money. If you have the tools and time, you can save by cutting your own metal pipes.
You’ll spend about $100 to $200 per linear foot for the cost to repair leaking pipes. If you’re installing new pipes altogether, copper and other metal pipes cost about $2 to $8 per linear foot, plus about $45 to $480 per hour for labor. In comparison, you’ll just pay for the cost of metal pipes if you are cutting them to size yourself.
Cutting metal pipes is straightforward—although not as easy as cutting PVC pipes—and should only take about 30 minutes, including prep work. You’ll typically spend under $25 for the new pipes and sandpaper if you need to smooth them out after cutting. Fortunately, you shouldn’t need to restock your toolbox for this project. Whether you have a metal pipe cutter handy or a hacksaw, you can use many methods and tools to cut metal pipes.
Before you start making cuts, start by using a tape measure to determine where you will make the cut. Use a pencil to mark the spot, then use clamps to hold the pipe steady. This will prevent the metal pipe from shifting while you are cutting it.
The most efficient way to cut metal pipes is to use a pipe cutter, but if you don’t have one already, there’s no need to run out to get one. Just about any saw will do the job, even a hacksaw. Or you can use an angle grinder to cut down pipes in tight locations.
With the measurements marked and the metal pipe placed securely in the clamps, it's time to start cutting. Using a pipe cutter is typically the easiest way to cut metal pipes, as these tools are designed to make clean cuts in metal materials quickly. Turn the knob on the pipe cutter, and the inner wheel, chain, or blade will cut through the pipe.
After using tools to cut metal pipes, the inner edges of the pipes may be left with burrs, or rough, jagged edges. You can use a deburring tool to remove burrs from the inner edges of the pipe. This will make sure the water flow isn't disrupted, and the pipes connect into place easily.
You can use an angle grinder to cut metal pipes in narrow spaces. Suit up in your protective gear: eye goggles, work gloves, and ear plugs. Start the angle grinder and let it run for a few seconds to increase the speed of the blade before letting it touch the metal pipe. Run the blade along the measured mark you made in the beginning until the pipe is cut all the way through.
After making the cut, you can use a deburring tool or sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the metal pipe.
Maybe you don’t have time to buy a pipe cutter, and powering up the angle grinder seems like too much work for cutting one or two small pipes. If you have a hacksaw in your toolbox, you can use this to cut metal pipes, too.
Start off by making sure the pipe is secured with clamps. Move the hacksaw back and forth along the cut line until the saw cuts entirely through the pipe, and only use a fine-tooth hacksaw for cutting metal pipes. Then, use a deburring tool on the inner edges to smooth them out after cutting.
After you've cut metal pipes, you may notice the edges are a little jagged or sharp. This often happens after using a hacksaw. Once you remove the inner burrs, you'll also want to smooth out the outside edges of the pipe after the cut. You can use a file or sandpaper to smooth these edges.
You can use a circular saw to cut metal pipes with a diameter of less than 1/2 inch. This won’t be an ideal tool if you need to cut a lot of metal pipes, but it will suffice for making a few quick cuts.
Ensure you have a smooth blade, ideally designed for cutting metal, and the metal pipe is clamped into place. Put on protective gear and cover nearby objects to protect from metal chips that may fly out while you are cutting.
A table saw can be useful for making notches in a metal pipe, although there are better tools for cutting fully through metal pipes. You probably don't need to make any notches in your pipes for plumbing projects, but this could be useful for other projects.
Whether you’re making notches or going to cut fully through the pipe, make sure your table saw blade is sharp and the pipe is secured in place with clamps or jigs. You’ll need to apply firm pressure and saw through the pipe for quite a while before it will cut all the way through the pipe.
Once the pipes are cut and any sharp points are smoothed out, you’re ready to reconnect the plumbing.
Many homeowners who have used a saw before will find cutting metal pipes to be a pretty user-friendly task. But there are a few precautions to keep in mind to ensure you’re left with clean, even cuts every time.
Measure and mark where the cuts will go about two or three times for accuracy before cutting.
Always use clamps to hold the metal pipe in place.
Wear protective gear to keep yourself safe.
Turn off the water valves if you need to remove or replace a metal pipe.
Pipe cutters make easy work of this job. If you have some on hand, use them over a hacksaw.
Check local plumbing codes to ensure you are using the correct size pipes for your home.
Cutting metal pipes is an easy DIY project, especially if you have a pipe cutter on hand. However, if you need to use a power tool like an angle grinder, you have to take extra safety precautions to avoid injuries. Not to mention that if you measure incorrectly or cut in the wrong spot, you may spend more money on extra piping to fix your mistakes.
If you want pipes cut precisely and connected properly to avoid leaks, it’s wise to hire a plumber near you to handle this project for you. Your plumber cost may be anywhere between $45 and $200 per hour.
Yes, you can use a saw to cut metal pipes. The best saw to use is a reciprocating saw, but even a fine-tooth hacksaw can get the job done. No matter which saw you use to cut metal pipes, wear protective gear, like work gloves, safety goggles, and ear plugs. Apply a firm, steady pressure to the tool, and always ensure the pipes are secured so they don't move while you make the cuts.
The best thing to cut metal pipe is a durable pipe cutter that is made for metal. You may want to measure the diameter of the pipes before purchasing a pipe cutter to ensure it will be able to cut your metal pipes. Opt for a heavy-duty option to cut through metal like steel or cast iron.
Your typical household tools will not cut a metal pipe. To cut a metal pipe, you’d need more specialized tools like a pipe cutter or circular saw. Do not attempt to use these tools without taking proper safety precautions and wearing safety gear. It’s usually safer to let a pro cut a metal pipe, especially if you’re not confident in your skills with a heavy-duty saw.
