Cutting PVC, saw vs. blade vs. string! (1 Viewer)

[RSnodgrass]

Not being a plumber I've always used what was shown to me to cut PVC... a saw of some type or another. It's messy, leaves static shavings everywhere, and sometimes ruins the pipe edge so you have to clean burs (chamfering, which you may want to do anyway).


Better alternative: Ratcheting Cutter, cuts like butter, clean cut, fast, pretty inexpensive.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RJLTQLY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_z8keEbGFTTA36

Existing plumbing in a tight space... use a string! Fast, less mess than a hacksaw, not as clean of a cut as a miter saw.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0058I3SQW/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_RgleEbFTGMY6F

 

[marty9876]

I used this once in a tight space https://www.amazon.com/General-Tool...54497&s=hi&sprefix=Wire+pvc+,tools,163&sr=1-4

Wire string basically. Works way faster than one would think, was hard for be to keep things straight/square but good enough to get job done.

Ratchet cutters pretty sweet. Larger pipe gets a little harder, you can fly with the smaller stuff.

 

[jlanger]

My preferred method is the power saw. Why? Quick, precise and the sound of a power tool cutting something appeases the male DNA.
When cutting plastics with a power saw, having the right blade in the saw will help prevent the chipping/cracking/grabbing that is more common with the typical cut off blade that comes standard with the saw.

But I also have the handheld cutter that I use when I'm indoors and want to avoid the mess or I only need to make a small amount of cuts.

 

[DarkSky]

My dog thought I was public enemy number one whenever I was using a ratchet cutter. Plumbing my fish room was interesting as he would stare at me and the cutter - the moment I would press the handle I was getting barked at.

Aside from that it worked well.

 

[jlanger]

My dog thought I was public enemy number one whenever I was using a ratchet cutter. Plumbing my fish room was interesting as he would stare at me and the cutter - the moment I would press the handle I was getting barked at.

Aside from that it worked well.

How was he fixed???

 

[RSnodgrass]

Lol

 

[RSnodgrass]

Has anyone ever tried the string? I'm going to be using that in the coming weeks to get a pipe in the wall removed from the fitting.

 

[jlanger]

Has anyone ever tried the string? I'm going to be using that in the coming weeks to get a pipe in the wall removed from the fitting.

Have you not found a laser to cut that for you?

 

[vikingr8der]

I go out to my truck and grab this. It is my favorite pipe cutter.

 

[spsick]

I go out to my truck and grab this. View attachment 44309It is my favorite pipe cutter.

My god it’s beautiful! Didn’t know that was a thing. Buying one of these ASAP as I have to cut pvc a few times a week for work.

 

[ikserk]

I go out to my truck and grab this. View attachment 44309It is my favorite pipe cutter.

How big of pipe can it cut? I'll have a lot of 1.5" cuts to do in the future



I heard rumblings that the ratcheting cutters can squeeze and malform the end of the pipe. I don't know if that's actually a problem though. Anyone that's used them have a response to that?

 

[H2OHOH]

Has anyone ever tried the string? I'm going to be using that in the coming weeks to get a pipe in the wall removed from the fitting.

I have used a wire. Same concept but not string. I have used this to remove a bulkhead when there was just a sliver of pvc showing.

 

[jlanger]

I heard rumblings that the ratcheting cutters can squeeze and malform the end of the pipe. I don't know if that's actually a problem though. Anyone that's used them have a response to that?

Not that I've experienced, but my blade is still sharp. Maybe extended wear and tear might dull the blade enough to not yield a clean cut.
Was this an issue with Sch40 or Sch80 pipe? I would suspect there being more of an issue if it was CPVC pipe or any of the thinner walled pipes.

 

[vikingr8der]

It can fit up to 2" PVC. The battery lasts quite a bit too. I can rough in several kitchens or baths before I need to pull the battery. Used almost exclusively for 1.5". Can also cut tubing and PEX, but a manual PEX cutter is faster. The one downside is you have to be careful with short pieces of PVC as they will shatter before the blade penetrates to slice it off.

 

[ikserk]

Was this an issue with Sch40 or Sch80 pipe? I would suspect there being more of an issue if it was CPVC pipe or any of the thinner walled pipes.

given the context it was in, i would assume it was schedule 40. Sharp blade, check. I trust that if there were any issues, you wouldn't be using it #OCD4Life

 

[DarkSky]

How big of pipe can it cut? I'll have a lot of 1.5" cuts to do in the future



I heard rumblings that the ratcheting cutters can squeeze and malform the end of the pipe. I don't know if that's actually a problem though. Anyone that's used them have a response to that?

Mine was a new blade, Sched 40 pipe, I'd notice maybe 1 out of 10 would have a little deformity (lip sticking towards the outside of the pipe) at the end of the cut. I used a belt sander to chamfer the edges before gluing so it wasn't an issue.

 

[RSnodgrass]

I have used a wire. Same concept but not string. I have used this to remove a bulkhead when there was just a sliver of pvc showing.

I might be in a somewhat similar situation... hopefully it's not too tough getting it cut out. It's too tight to get a tool in there.

 

[Mordim]

I started with a miter saw. What a mess. I eventually got the ratcheting cutters. I love them. My only regret is not getting them sooner. I could use a power tool, but there is still the clean up.

 

[ikserk]

How hard are the ratcheting cutters on the hand/wrist?

I no longer have my full grip strength after carpal tunnel surgery.

 

[RSnodgrass]

For me... with a new blade it was surprisingly easy. With some I think it would be possible to just set on the floor and push down with the palm of your hand too vs. squeeze.