How to Cut a Steel Pipe

A pipe cutter is made specifically to cut through metal pipes.

When presented with the task of cutting a steel pipe, many people simply do not know where to begin. The thought of cleanly cutting through a steel pipe without a machine can seem daunting at first, but it's actually fairly easy. While you can slowly work your way through a steel pipe with a hacksaw, what you really need to get the job done quickly and cleanly is a pipe cutter.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe cutter
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Purchase a pipe cutter of the appropriate size from your local hardware store. Ask for help to make sure you get a pipe cutter that's the right size for the diameter of the pipe that you need to cut.

2. Measure the length of pipe that you need to cut. Mark the spot on the pipe with a permanent marker.

3. Put on safety glasses and work gloves. These will protect you from steel splinters that might be produced when cutting.

4. Position the open end of the pipe cutter on the spot you marked on the pipe. Screw the pipe cutter on the pipe until the cutter is tight against the pipe.

5. Hold the pipe cutter and rotate it clockwise three times around the pipe. Switch the cutter and rotate it counterclockwise three times. Retighten the end of the pipe cutter against the pipe.

6. Repeat this process until the pipe cutter has cut all the way through the steel pipe.

7. Loosen the cutting end of the pipe cutter. Cut other pieces of steel pipe as needed by repeating these steps.

References

• "Black and Decker: The Complete Guide to Plumbing: Modern Materials and Current Codes - All New Guide to Working with Gas Pipe"; Editors of Creative Publishing; expanded 4th Edition 2008