Cutting stainless steel pipes - the easiest/best way?

[dennisdk2000]

I need to cut down a stainless steel pipe, but how do I do it? Can I just hack-saw it? Or is using one of those tube cutters better (not sure they will cut ss?)? Or some other way?

Dennis

 

[Crastney]

the "best" way is with a Dual Saw (tm) - but you don't want to buy one just for that one single job.
a hacksaw or pipe cutter will be fine.

 

[Clint Eastwood]

I'd go with the above but you will need a decent pipe cutter. eg one for exhaust pipes etc.

 

[dennisdk2000]

So this one here will be no use?

Dennis

 

[jamesb]

I've done it with that before Dennis, both 1/2" and 3/8" It's a bit tough going but it will do it.

 

[pittsy]

it might cut a couple of times but ruin the cutters blade , hacksaw then a file unless you really want it cut smooth for a plastic fitting.

 

[cnelsonplumber]

So this one here will be no use?

Dennis

You will cut through the pipe with a new cutter wheel but it will take a while. Spare wheels are a couple of quid so if you have more than one pipe to cut I would get a spare.
The one illustrated is at the lower end of the market so dont expect great results as they 'wobble'.
A hacksaw is just about as effective but use a fine blade with lots of teeth per inch (tpi).
If you have lots to cut hire a pro stainless cutter or use an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc but watch your fingers and wear safety glasses.

 

[dennisdk2000]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I only have two cuts at the most to do. I'd prefer the cut to be fairly clean so as to make it easier to sanitise (it's for use in yeast harvesting).

Can you recommend a better cutter if you reckon this one is a bit on the cheap side? I'm not very likely to need it again, at least not for a good while, so don't want to spend loads.

If you have lots to cut hire a pro stainless cutter or use an angle grinder with a metal cutting disc but watch your fingers and wear safety glasses.

:shock: Don't think I'm compatible with angle grinders..!

Dennis

 

[cnelsonplumber]

Are you coming to ST2013? If so I will be pleased to cut them

 

[dennisdk2000]

Are you coming to ST2013? If so I will be pleased to cut them

Thank you very much for the offer :thumb: you're a gentleman and a scholar, but unfortunately, I won't be able to attend this time.

Dennis

 

[cnelsonplumber]

I think the best bet for two cuts is to buy the £2.99 cutter, its a fairly safe bet you will get the job done although it may take a lottle patience.
When you clamp the cutter on dont be tempted to clamp it down hard to start with. Just turn the thumb wheel until the cutter is secure then rock it back and forward ie clockwise and anti-clockwise until the pipe is marked all the way round. You are looking for the score to be a single line not a spiral. Once you have this you can increase the tension on the thumb wheel gradually and you should get a nice cut.

 

[dennisdk2000]

Sounds good - patience I can do! :thumb: Cheers, guys for your help! And have fun at TST to those who are going! :

Dennis

 

[pittsy]

quarter tighten and a full turn is the method for using the pipe cutter btw :thumb:

 

[mrlard]

Would it be wrong to suggest a mini grinder and plasma disc?