Soil Pipe Cutter

A soil pipe cutter uses a chain to cut many different types of heavier, thicker, larger pipes including soil pipe, clay pipe and smaller concrete pipes. 

For reference, I went to the book, "Modern Plumbing Illustrated", by R. M. Starbuck, to learn the definition of the term 'soil pipe'. Basically, soil pipe had come to refer to any pipe that was used to pass water from bathrooms (or "water closets" - when was the last time you heard that reference?) Just for the heck of it, the book goes on to describe waste pipe as any pipe that receives "waste for any fixture or group of fixtures other than the water closet." For this reference, the term soil pipe is going to be used to simply designate cast-iron pipe that is used in any connection with the plumbing system. 

Since you are probably a do-it-yourself kind of person, it might also be helpful to understand that cast-iron pipe has been phased out for use with water services, (as regards to water works administrations.) If you are planning to repair or replace piping to your home, it may become somewhat confusing when making the plans for what you will need, if building codes come into play anywhere in the process. Cast-iron is a common term for many types of iron; cast is used to define the process, not the material used. When iron cools after casting (poured into the mold), it will appear gray. Some familiar items of cast iron are soil pipe, cast-iron tubs, drains, fire hydrants, engine blocks, brake drums or manhole covers. Simply put, if to be used for water service, 'ductile iron pipe' is now required. This means that when the iron was still molten, magnesium was added. This causes the graphite flakes (inherent to gray iron) to reform into nodular shapes. Plenty more technical information is always available if required but, enough for this discourse for now; probably more than enough.

Getting back to cutting the pipe and the tools required to do it safely and efficiently. There is a 114 year-old company, Reed Pipe Tools and Vices that provides two types of pipe cutters, as do most companies that provide these cutters. One is a ratchet type that is identified by a single arm with the jaws, a pressure screw, and a chain attached. 

To begin cutting, the cutter is placed on the ground, jaws up, and the chain is fully extended and wrapped around the pipe. The pressure screw should be fully released so the jaws are opened and the chain is pulled tight to connect the closet link to the upper jaw; The remaining chain comes out the top of the hooks and remains clear. The pressure screw is hand tightened. The other tool required comes into play here, a ratchet or torque wrench. It will be important to know which size will be needed for each cutter. It is used to tighten the pressure screw and mark the pipe. The cutter is moved around the pipe and a series of marks is set. Pressure with the ratchet is continued until the full cut is made. The key to the success with these tools is the small wheels or cutters built into the chain. These apply firm, consistent pressure on the pipe until it snaps.

The other option is to use a soil pipe cutter that is called a "single stroke" cutter. These are made with two handles. The procedure is the same as described above until it comes time to tighten the pressure screw with a wrench. Instead, pressure is applied by the handles to mark the pipe. When marked, the top handle is stepped on until the pipe is cut. That's my idea of effective work, and fun. Just for future reference, chain extensions are usually provided for larger pipes.