How to Cut PVC Pipe

The polyvinyl chloride pipe, generally referred to as the PVC pipe, is made from plastic and vinyl. Being strong, rust proof and long lasting, these pipes are widely used in plumbing related tasks. Though it is quite easy to use PVC pipes by yourself, one quite daunting aspect of these pipes, according to many, is cutting them. Most of the people who don't get it right are the one's, who use wrong method of cutting PVC pipes. If you are of these people which are not able to get it right, even after several attempts, the simple procedure about how to cut PVC pipes given below, will make the seemingly daunting task a lot easier for you.

How to Cut PVC Pipes With a Saw?
In order to cut PVC pipe lengthwise, first of all you have to determine your requirements. Once you are armed with the basics, you can start by using a ruler to measure the PVC pipe, and mark the length you require. Wrap a duct tape or fasten a clamp, around the pipe in such a manner that the outer edge of the duct tape or clamp aligns with the mark you have made initially. This will help you in making a straight cut. Take a pencil and make a visible mark around the pipe, in alignment with the duct tape or clamp you have fixed. Remove the duct tape or the clamp you used, and fix the pipe in the bench vise. Make sure that the grip of the vise is strong enough to avoid any movement of the pipe when cutting is in progress. Align the blade of the miter saw with the mark you have made on the pipe and put it on. Monitor the movement of the saw while cutting. It should proceed along the straight line you have drawn. If required stop and rotate the pipe, and continue cutting until the pipe gives way.

How to Cut PVC Pipes With String?
One of the simplest tool to cut PVC pipe in half, is a string made from nylon or braided cotton. In this case the friction caused by movement of the string cuts the pipe in two halves. Start of by passing the string from under the PVC pipe at the spot where you want to cut it. Hold each end of the string in your hands, and begin pulling it rapidly back and forth. In order to improve your grip, you can wrap the string around your hand a couple of times. Make sure that you are wearing gloves to avoid any cuts or bruises. Continue pulling the string in back and forth motion, and soon enough, the string will eat into the pipe and eventually, cut the PVC pipe into two pieces. This is an ideal way to cut the PVC pipe when obstacles around the pipe don't favor the use of saw to cut it.

These were some simple tips about how to cut PVC pipe easily, which will make plumbing quite easy for you. When using a saw, the best way to cut PVC pipe straight is by opting for long and low strokes. Cutting the pipe fast tends to heat up the blade, which in turn causes difficulty in removing the burrs on the pipe. You can get rid of burrs on the pipe with a flat file, if at all they do develop. And don't forget to wear safety glasses and hand gloves when working on PVC pipes, as well as any other thing wherein you come in contact with sharp tools.