Black iron pipe, also known as black steel pipe, is a type of metal piping that is commonly used for gas lines, plumbing, and various other applications. When working with black iron pipe, you will inevitably need to cut it to size for your particular project. But what are the best tools to use when cutting black iron pipe? In this article, we will examine the most common tools used for cutting black pipe and provide tips on how to get clean, precise cuts every time.
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Pipe Cutters
The most common type of tool used for cutting black iron pipe is a pipe cutter. Pipe cutters are specialized cutting tools that are designed specifically for cutting metal pipes quickly and cleanly. There are a few different types of pipe cutters that work well for cutting black iron pipe:
- Ratcheting Plastic Pipe Cutters – These pipe cutters have a sharp wheel that ratchets around the pipe as you squeeze the handles. The ratcheting mechanism allows you to apply continuous pressure for fast, efficient cuts. Plastic cutters work for pipes up to 1-1/4″ diameter.
- Mini Pipe Cutters – Mini cutters have a similar ratcheting design as plastic cutters but are made for working with smaller diameter pipes from 1/8″ to 1-1/4″. They have a very compact design.
- Metal Tubing Cutters – For cutting pipes larger than 1-1/4″, metal tubing cutters with larger cutting wheels are required. The cutting wheel on these is usually replaceable.
To use a pipe cutter:
- Place the pipe inside the jaw of the cutter and tighten it just enough to hold the pipe steady. Do not overtighten.
- Turn the cutting wheel by ratcheting the handle around the full circumference of the pipe to score it.
- Rotate the pipe and repeat the process until the cut is complete.
- Unscrew the handle to open the cutter and remove your cut pipe.
Pipe cutters provide a very clean straight cut and are quick and easy to use. Just make sure to select the proper size cutter for the diameter pipe you are working with.
Hacksaws
A hacksaw is another very common option for cutting black iron pipe. Hacksaws have a thin metal saw blade mounted in a frame. Here are some tips for using a hacksaw to cut pipe:
- Use a blade with 18-32 teeth per inch for cutting metal.
- A regular power hacksaw can cut through pipe quickly.
- For hand sawing, brace the pipe firmly to keep it from moving and clamp a miter box around it to guide the cut.
- Keep the blade perpendicular to the pipe and saw steadily using the full length of the blade.
- Let the saw do the work – don’t apply too much pressure.
- Support the cut pipe so it does not bend and bind the blade.
Hacksaws work well for making angled cuts and cutting pipe in place. It just usually takes more time and effort than using a pipe cutter.
Chop Saws
A chop saw or cut-off saw is a power tool that makes very quick work of cutting through black iron pipe. These saws have a rotating abrasive or metal cut-off blade that quickly cuts through metal when you push the pipe into it.
- Use a 14″ steel cut-off blade for best results.
- Hold the pipe firmly and square to the cutting table.
- Let the saw blade do the cutting, don’t force the cut.
- Support the cut pipe so it doesn’t bend against the spinning blade.
- Wear eye protection – sparks will fly!
Chop saws allow you to cut steel pipe very quickly with minimal effort. They are a great option when you need to make many cuts.
Cutting Wheel on Angle Grinder
You can also cut metal pipes using a 4-1/2″ or 5″ abrasive cutoff wheel mounted on an angle grinder. Here are some pointers for using a cutting wheel to cut pipe:
- Use a thin 1/16″ cut-off wheel designed for cutting metal.
- Brace the pipe so it doesn’t vibrate and keep your hands clear of the spinning wheel.
- Hold the grinder so the wheel cuts into the front quadrant of the pipe.
- Slowly cut into the pipe at a steady pace – don’t force it.
- Support the pipe near the cut to prevent bending against the wheel.
- Cutting wheels wear quickly so have extras on hand.
Angle grinders with cut-off wheels allow for fast, portable cuts. It does take some practice to control the cutting action. Wear eye protection and work gloves when using this method.
Oscillating Multi-Tools
Oscillating multi-tools like the Fein MultiMaster are useful for making flush cuts on installed pipes in tight spaces. Here are some tips for using them to cut pipe:
- They can cut pipes up to 1/2″ diameter when using a metal cutting blade.
- The oscillating action allows cutting in tight areas and at angles.
- Work slowly allowing the tool to cut rather than forcing it.
- Brace the pipe near the cut to prevent vibration.
- Blades wear fairly quickly so keep extras on hand.
Oscillating tools are the best option for getting into tight spaces and making angled cuts on installed pipes.
Reciprocating Saws
Reciprocating saws or “sawszalls” can also be used to cut black iron pipe with the proper blade. Here are some tips for using them:
- Install a metal cutting blade suitable for cutting steel.
- Brace the pipe to prevent vibration and movement while cutting.
- Start your cut slowly allowing the blade teeth to notch the pipe.
- Support the pipe near the cut area.
- Let the blade do the work, don’t force the cut.
Reciprocating saws work well for rough cuts and cutting installed pipes. The cut edge will be more jagged than other methods. Use a file to smooth out the cut edge.
Pipe Notchers
If you need to cut notches or holes into a section of black iron pipe, a pipe notcher is the perfect tool for the job. Pipe notchers clamp around the pipe and have a rotating cutter that cuts a smooth notch or hole in the pipe wall. Here are some tips for using them:
- Center the cutter wheel over your marked notch location.
- Turn the cutter handle slowly, allowing the wheel to cut the pipe.
- Apply oil to the cut if needed to ease cutting.
- Cut internal notches first, then external notches.
- Deburr any rough edges.
Pipe notchers provide a clean professional looking notch or hole cut. They are a specialty tool but are easy to use with a little practice.
Hole Saws
Hole saws can also be used to cut clean holes in black iron pipe. Follow these guidelines when using hole saws on pipe:
- Use a bi-metal hole saw designed for cutting steel.
- Go slow and let the hole saw cut the hole smoothly.
- Apply cutting fluid to lubricate and extend blade life.
- Brace the pipe to prevent vibration while cutting.
- For larger holes, start with a smaller pilot hole.
Hole saws allow cutting nice clean holes for outlets and connections. Take your time and let the hole saw do the work.
Cold Cut Steel Pipe Saws
Cold cut steel pipe saws provide another option for cleanly and quickly cutting black iron pipe. They use Carpenter high speed steel blades and come in small portable models or larger workshop models. Here’s how to use them:
- Secure the pipe firmly in place before cutting.
- Line up the pipe guides and blade for your cut.
- Start the saw and allow it to reach full speed.
- Slowly feed the pipe through the blade for the cut.
- Apply steady, even pressure when pushing the pipe through.
Cold cut saws are fast and produce clean burr-free cuts. They are a good choice when you have many cuts to make.
Portable Band Saws
Portable band saws provide another power cutting option for black iron pipe. They can produce fast, straight cuts. Here are some tips for using them:
- Install a metal cutting blade suitable for steel.
- Secure the pipe in a fixed position before starting the cut.
- Start your cut slowly and allow blade speed to gradually increase.
- Use steady pressure when feeding the pipe through the blade.
- Support the pipe near the cut area.
Band saws work very well for straight cuts and curved cuts. The cut edge is generally smooth but may require some cleanup.
Manual Pipe Threaders
In some cases you may need to cut threaded black iron pipe. Manual pipe threaders provide an easy way to re-cut pipe threads after cutting the pipe to length. Here are some pointers on using them:
- Select the appropriate die size to match your pipe’s threads.
- Wrap threaded tape around freshly cut threads.
- Lubricate the threads and threading die.
- Thread the die onto the pipe using steady pressure.
- Back the die off frequently to break up shavings.
- Clean threads thoroughly when complete.
Manual threaders are slow but they allow you to re-thread pipe on site after cutting. Take your time and keep threads well lubricated.
Powered Threaders
For faster threading on many pipes, a powered threader is very useful. Here are some tips for using powered threaders:
- Secure pipe very firmly in place before threading.
- Center the threading die over the end of the pipe.
- Start threader at slow speed and let it reach full speed.
- Apply steady pressure when threading onto the pipe.
- Use cutting oil to lubricate and cool threads.
- Frequently stop to break up shavings.
Powered threading heads make quick work of re-cutting pipe threads. Take safety precautions as they rotate at very high speeds.
Tips for Cutting Black Iron Pipe
Follow these general tips when cutting black iron pipe for the best results:
- Use cutting oil or lubricant on blades and cutters.
- Make sure pipe is very secure and stable before cutting.
- Support pipe near the cut to prevent bending or vibration.
- Let tool cut at its own pace rather than forcing the cut.
- Wear eye protection – sparks may fly.
- Deburr cut edges to remove sharp points and burs.
Following proper safety practices and allowing your tools to do the work makes cutting black iron pipe much easier and helps achieve clean, precise cuts.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many effective tool options for cutting black iron pipe. The most commonly used tools include pipe cutters, hacksaws, chop saws, angle grinders, oscillating tools, reciprocating saws and band saws. The best method depends on the specific cutting application and pipe size. With the proper tool and some experience, clean professional cuts can be achieved on black iron pipes.