Cutting PVC Pipe - Need To Get It Straight - Love Plumbing & Remodel

• Home
• Forums New posts Search forums
• What's new New posts New resources New profile posts Latest activity
• Resources Latest reviews Search resources
• Members Registered members Current visitors New profile posts Search profile posts

Log in Register What's new Search

Search

Everywhere Threads This forum This thread Search titles only By: Search Advanced search…

• New posts
• Search forums

Menu Log in Register Install the app Install

• Home
• Forums
• Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice

You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Cutting PVC pipe - need to get it straight

• Thread starter rrzepka
• Start date May 9, 2005

• 1
• 2

Next 1 of 2

Go to page

Go Next Last

rrzepka

New Member

Messages 8 Reaction score 0 Points 0 What is the best way to get a clean, straight cut in PVC pipe? My task is to cut out the appropriate length in order to splice in a 3" x 3" 1.5" tee connection. When I've tried to cut PVC pipe in the past, I'm always a bit off from a true, straight cut. The pipe in question is 3" in diameter, its located in an unfinished portion of my condominium and is slightly above eye level. Should I use a cabled saw, a PVC pipe saw or some other device? What should I do to ensure a straight cut? -Robert

Bob's HandyGuy

Senior Member

Messages 131 Reaction score 0 Points 0 They have a tool made for cutting PVC. I never bought one since I don't do a lot of plumbing work. I just use my power miter saw. It gives a nice, straight cut if you ease the blade down slowly.

Sponsor

Paid Advertisement

This is a sponsored advertisement.

George R

New Member

Messages 87 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Location Central Illinois Straight cut Take a piece of paper and tape it around the pipe, lining up the edges of the paper at the point where you want to make the cut. Trace the line of the paper onto the pipe with a sharpie. Remove the paper and then cut with a sawzall or a cable saw, depending on the access.

Dave Meers

New Member

Messages 12 Reaction score 1 Points 0 When making a cut with the PVC pipe in place, I put a metal hose clamp around the pipe (like a car radiator hose clamp) and use it as my straight edge. It helps make for a nice cut.

rrzepka

New Member

Messages 8 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Many thanks to George R and Dave Meers for excellent suggestions. -Robert

hj

Master Plumber

Messages 33,613 Reaction score 1,057 Points 113 Location Cave Creek, Arizona Website www.terrylove.com cut Do not expect to get a straight cut if you use a cable saw.

Pewterpower

New Member

Messages 247 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Location Tampa I've used this garden tool lots of times. I think it's called a pruner, but I trim/cut branches and stuff with it. It works great on pvc, conduit, etc...

Verdeboy

In the Trades

Messages 2,041 Reaction score 6 Points 0 I'd like to see a video of you cutting 3" PVC pipe with a garden pruner. That would be pretty funny.

Gary Swart

In the Trades

Messages 8,101 Reaction score 84 Points 48 Location Yakima, WA Maybe he has really big bushes and trees. Fortunately, the cut on PVC does not have to be to the nth degree of straight. Close will be just fine. The paper and hose clamps are good, also masking tape. Cutting 3" or 4" pipe in place can be a bit tricky. If you have really good access, a jig saw with a fine blade works pretty good. A cable saw will cut it, but is hard to keep straight. If the pipe is not attached, I find my band saw will give me a good straight cut.

Cass

Plumber

Messages 5,947 Reaction score 9 Points 0 Location Ohio A sawsall with a long 24 TPI blade will make a straight enough cut for you.

Mikey

Aspiring Old Fart, EE, computer & networking geek

Messages 3,024 Reaction score 17 Points 38 Location Hansville, Washington I use a 12" miter saw for anything over 1". Produces a nice clean cut, but you've got to be sure to hold the pipe securely to prevent it from spinning. Haven't found a PVC pipe cutter yet that will produce a true square cut. I like the idea of using the lopper -- I'll give it a try.

Pewterpower

New Member

Messages 247 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Location Tampa No, of course not 3" But I've used it on some pretty good size conduit. That's what I get for steering slightly off-topic....

Bob NH

In the Trades

Messages 3,310 Reaction score 10 Points 0 Location New Hampshire LOPPER?: But I've used it on some pretty good size conduit. Conduit is not as brittle as water pipe. I would be concerned about cracking the water pipe.

Pewterpower

New Member

Messages 247 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Location Tampa Ya, it definately needs to be real sharp. Mine probably is not anymore, since I use it mainly on my mutant bougainvilleas from hell. I've cut branches 1.5" thick with this thing. I got the idea at the hardware store where I saw one of the employees use the handtool cutter on some pvc. It went thru it like butter. So the next time I had to cut some pipe, I used my pruner/cutter/trimmer/lopper whatever the hell you call it!!! and it worked like a champ. But you're right about cpvc. You could easily crush it, if you're not careful. The bigger pipes, a mitre saw works great. A hacksaw is the WORST.

Plumber1

Plumber

Messages 1,417 Reaction score 1 Points 0 Location Florida For about $8 you can buy a real pvc pipe cutter that will do a real good job. But I'll be darned as to why you you don't just use a hacksaw blade.

Molo

Member

Messages 922 Reaction score 2 Points 18 Location Cold New York Confused Whats wrong with a hacksaw compared to garden shears to cut pvc? I am laughing, (but not too loud, because i have never tryed garden shears). Are they really easier than a hacksaw?

Jadnashua

Retired Defense Industry Engineer xxx

Messages 32,770 Reaction score 1,194 Points 113 Location New England WIth the right shears, it is about as fast as you can squeeze the handles...makes a nice, clean, burr-free cut. I've got a pair for up to 1.5", and it works great. Didn't cost me much, either. I've seen them for larger pipe, but haven't used one.

Pewterpower

New Member

Messages 247 Reaction score 0 Points 0 Location Tampa Hacksaw blades are too flimsy and have too much play. If you are cutting a large pipe, that blade will be all over the place.

Lancaster

New Member

Messages 163 Reaction score 0 Points 0 One guy I know (and only one) has a Ridgid tubing cutter with a special plastic-cutting wheel (as opposed to the copper cutting wheel).But it should be noted that he is for all purposes retired and does very little plumbing anymore.It does give a nice clean cut but I am sure its time consuming.Works for up to 2" PVC.

Dunbar Plumbing

Master Plumber

Messages 2,920 Reaction score 11 Points 0 Location Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati Area Website www.KoldBreeze.com I use a cordless navigator and it makes little work of cutting even 6" PVC piping. Been using it for two years and works great.

• 1
• 2

Next 1 of 2

Go to page

Go Next Last You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T How to get a straight cut on 2" ID copper pipe?

• toolguy603
• May 6, 2025
• Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice

Replies 5 Views 1K May 16, 2025 toolguy603 T I Sump pump discharge 1.25 vs 1.5 inch

• ironmanvsaquaman
• Dec 31, 2025
• Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice

Replies 10 Views 548 Jan 4, 2026 Bannerman T Need advice on finishing a kitchen drainage repair

• toolguy603
• May 21, 2025
• Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice

Replies 9 Views 3K Oct 22, 2025 paultomlin P M Should I use cell core ABS or solid core PVC for DWV in bathroom remodel?

• MG70
• Sep 5, 2025
• Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice

Replies 6 Views 7K Sep 6, 2025 MG70 M Adjust new PVC sanitary piping - will it have to be cut?

• LilaciousNYC
• Mar 24, 2025
• Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice

Replies 2 Views 1K Mar 25, 2025 LilaciousNYC Share: Facebook Twitter Reddit Pinterest Tumblr WhatsApp Email Share Link

• Home
• Forums
• Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice

Top ✖Hey, wait a minute.

This is awkward, but...

It looks like you're using an ad blocker. We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. If you'd like to support the site, please allow ads.

If any particular ad is your REASON for blocking ads, please let us know. We might be able to do something about it. Thanks.I've Disabled AdBlock No Thanks