How to Cut Dry Ice

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Things You'll Need

  • Gloves

  • Goggles

  • Ruler

  • Hand saw

Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

Dry ice is a frozen carbon-dioxide gas. Its temperature is around 114 degrees below zero when in solid form. Dry ice is used to insulate and cool various products that are being shipped or need to be kept cool for extended periods of time. Unlike water, dry ice melts directly from a solid to a gas. As an insulating material it will not ruin any packaging contents by melting into a liquid or dripping--dry ice just melts into a harmless dry gas. Cutting dry ice does take a lot of force; you will need a saw and a strong person to complete this task.

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Step 1

Put on gloves to protect your hands and keep them from sticking to the dry ice.

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Step 2

Wear goggles to avoid getting dry ice into your eyes when cutting.

Step 3

Use a ruler to measure the size of pieces you would like to cut.

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Step 4

Mark the end of each piece of dry ice by cutting a line with your saw.

Step 5

Firmly grasp the dry ice block with your nonsawing hand. Make sure your hand is at least 6 inches away from the spot you're sawing.

Step 6

Saw into your dry ice at each previously cut line, using measured force until each piece is separated from the main block.

Tip

Make sure your saw is sharp before beginning this task. A dull saw will require more force and can become a hazard.

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