Old plumber shows how to cut cast iron pipe.

THIS IS A VIDEO ON HOW TO CUT CAST IRON PIPE 4 DIFFERENT WAYS SAFELY.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• castiron
• cast
• iron
• pipe
• cut
• remove
• cast iron
• drain
• sewer
• line
• plumbing
• snap cutters
• grinder
• reciprocating saw

[Sportmax46]

Ratchet chain cutters are good in a ditch but I prefer scissor type chain snappers on the ground or pony chain snappers if I'm making horizontal cuts or in position cuts.

If you have to use a saw wear a mask, if you don't, you'll taste iron and blow black snot for hours later!

Local 430.

[TheOldkid888]

@Sportmax46 Hey Max;

I have been using the ratchet cutters for a long while myself. The scissor ones are great as well. Very straightforward. Depending on the age of the cast: i sometimes go to the recip or grinder if I am in tight, but I couldn't agree more with wearing the mask and goggles when on the saw.

Thanks for commenting and enjoy your day! Al

[weber247]

That chain cutter is effective, however, when working in a tight space it's a no win situation, the sawzall and grinder comes in handy, G forbid you have to use a hacksaw! I can hear the cussing from the poor guy trying to cut a 4" with one, ugh!

[TheOldkid888]

@weber247 Hey there;

Hard to beat the recip for sure. I usually use either the recip or grinder just because I am worried about crushing it with the snap cutters. If I have pipe to spare; I will try the snap cutters, but if not it will be the others. The hacksaw would make you apprecaite who invented electricity for sure.

Thanks for commenting and enjoy the holidays!!! Al

[WayneBurgess1]

Cutting cast in position has been a pain in the backside for all plumbers over the years.I found with the recip saw that slowing the cutting speed made the cut quicker.

The new cut off saws cut cast nice and square as long as you dont mind a lot of sparks. :)

[TheOldkid888]

@WayneBurgess1 Hey Wayne:

True enough on slowing the blade down.It also helps to extend the blade life as well.Alot depends on the age of the cast iron as well and what grade it is.I have found some cast that is exceptionally hard and took a very long time to cut with the reciprocating saw.My biggest fear with the snap cutters is the thought of it being crushed, Not pretty when it does happens.New saws produce a lot of sparks. Thanks!!! Al

The new cut off saws do make nice straight cuts

[dave51885]

this is good info 4 old home renos ,,. if u cant reach the back of the line with a zip . thanx bro .

[dave51885]

im a fitter but they taught us the chain cutters for rwl's in trade school . happy to say , never had to use them in 25 yrs ... lol !!!

[WayneBurgess1]

@TheOldkid888 Im old enough to remember cutting cast iron valley gutter in winter to get a section out to replace, drilling dozens of holes with a hand drill (No battery drills back then lol) My arms ache just thinking about it LOL :)