3 Ways To Cut Cast Iron Pipe For DIY Plumbing Projects

If you own an older home, chances are part of your plumbing is made from cast iron.

Cast iron pipe holds the unique distinction of being very brittle as well as very strong, making it difficult for homeowners to modify it.

While cast iron pipe is seldom installed, it is often removed and replaced as it fails.

For this reason, knowing how to cut cast iron pipe is essential if you intend to work on your home’s plumbing.

 

Method #1: Hacksaw

Although you can use a hacksaw to cut through a piece of cast iron pipe, this is the slowest and most difficult method available.

Using a hacksaw to cut through a cast iron pipe will require multiple replacement blades.

This method should only be used as a last resort.

 

Method #2: Cold Chisel

Using a cold chisel to cut through a cast iron pipe is much more efficient than using a hacksaw, but it requires considerably more skill.

A ball peen hammer and cold chisel are among the most difficult hand tools to use accurately and effectively — making this a frustrating endeavor for the amateur.

In addition to this hindrance, the cold chisel method for cutting cast iron pipe only works when you have access to all sides of the pipe and enough room to maneuver your chisel.

How to use a cold chisel:

1. Draw a line using some chalk around the pipe where you wish to cut it.
2. Using the cold chisel, start making small marks around the diameter of pipe along the chalk line.
3. Because cast iron is brittle, the pipe should split after a few rotations over the same line.

Although many cast iron pipes will break cleanly using the cold chisel method, a jagged cut is also not unusual. This may not be an issue — depending on your reason for cutting the pipe — but if you wish to create a smoother cut you should be able to remove any jagged pieces with an adjustable wrench and hammer.

 

Method #3: Snap Cutter

If you have more than a single cut to make, renting a snap cutter is well worth the cost, if you cannot justify purchasing one for a small job.

This is the only method that plumbers use when working with cast iron pipe.

Despite its name, a snap cutter does not really “cut” so much as “break” the pipe at the designated location.

A snap cutter consists of a piece of roller chain and a ratchet.

How to use a snap cutter:

1. Place the chain around the pipe where it exerts even pressure around the pipe.
2. As the pressure increases, the wheels embedded in the chain bite into the cast iron until it snaps.

A snap cutter almost always creates a smooth cut and is by far the quickest method to cut cast iron pipe.