Cast Iron Pipe Cutter

Learning the most effective ways to properly use a cast iron pipe cutter is something that may payoff for you somewhere along the line, especially if you are a hands-on type of person. Let's first cover the obvious. Because this piping is brittle, always wear eye protection. A pair of work gloves will probably be a worthwhile investment also. Cast iron pipe is very tough and durable, yet also brittle. It holds up well to corrosion (rust) and can handle impressive pressures. 

Today, true cast iron of old is not available. Instead it is marketed as 'ductile iron pipe'. This is basically the same material but with magnesium added while the iron is in the molten stage. This is what you will probably be replacing any pipe with, unless you are changing over to PVC. Doing that properly may well require some further research and familiarity with your local building codes. For whatever reason you need to cut the pipe, there are basically 3 ways to do it successfully. 

The least effective, most time and labor intensive, and probably the most frustrating, would be to attack a cast iron pipe with a hacksaw. If the pipe is a small diameter, maybe not so much a concern. If the pipe has any substance, have a few extra blades around as you will probably need them. The second method is effective and pretty efficient. Make sure you are wearing the eye protection. You can then draw a line around the pipe where you want to make your cut. Use something you can follow easily like a chalk or heavy pencil. You then use a hammer and chisel to lightly tap scoring lines around the pipe. Continue this process, turning the pipe and making sure not to ever bang to hard on the chisel. After a few turns, the pipe will break along the scored line. 

You probably noticed the obvious requirements to use this method; You have to have full access to the entire pipe. If the pipe happens to break unevenly, just know you can use a pair of pliers, or a crescent wrench, to latch onto the uneven piece(s) and apply firm, steady pressure, or tap the pipe 'gently' with the hammer, until the offending piece breaks at the scored line you had made. 

The third most efficient, timely, consistent method will require the use of a pipe cutter designed for working with cast iron or soil pipe. This is where you can rent, purchase or perhaps, borrow a soil pipe cutter, or sometimes known as a snap cutter. As the name implies, the pipe is not going to be actually cut, but evenly broken. There are two variations upon this theme of pipe cutters.

One is a type that has a single 'arm', a piece referred to as the jaws and a chain. The chain is put around the diameter of the pipe and attached to the closest link. A pressure screw is tightened, then a ratchet is used to apply more friction as the handle or the pipe is turned to score the pipe until it evenly breaks. The chain is specially designed with small wheels, or cutters, that apply even pressure around the circumference of the pipe. This is the preferred tool and method for working in tight confines. 

If you have the room to work with the pipe, the best option is to find a "single stroke" cast iron pipe cutter. This works on the same principle as the snap cutter except there are two handles. After placing the chain and scoring the pipe using the pressure screw, you simply place the one handle on firm ground and stand on the other handle until the pipe separates. Learning the proper tool to use in the most appropriate situation will save a lot of time and frustration. The thing to always be aware of if working on your home. You are responsible to know the local ordinances and comply with them.