How to cut 2" cast iron drain pipe.

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Originally Posted by thomasmast

How to cut 2" cast iron drain pipe.

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It depends upon if the cast iron's vertical, like a stack, or horizontal, like in a trench.
If we're cutting into a vertical pipe we use a set of ratchet cutters.(see image) and if the pipe's laying horizontally we use a set of snap cutters,(see image).
These can be rented at your local rent all. You may also use a Saws-All with metal blades on either pipe. Good luck, Tom

On top of Tom's instruction the fallowing may help you too.

You can use Sawzall with "Grit Iron" blades, "Snap Cutters", or "Chain Cutters". Your cheapest way out of it would be either to rent a pair of snap or chain cutters, or buy the grit iron Sawzall blades. Depending on how much cast iron you're going to cut, just be prepared to be there for a while if you are making more than 2 cuts through 3 or 4 inch pipe with the grit iron blades, Good luck,

John

I ~always~ have bad experiences with snap links - to the point that I only use my sawzall now.

Any trick to getting a straight cut with a snap cutter?

I haven't used snap cutter myself but I have used the sawzell had no problem with it, lets wait what the other experts like Tom, Mark, Milo, and Bob has to say, thanks.

John

RTW...

I hate this as an answer, but I got better at cutting simply by cutting into lots of cast iron over time.

However, there are also times where I couldn't get a straight cut without pipe getting crushed so sometimes just can't do it because pipe is brittle or old or corroded, etc...

Anyway, unless cutting out a cast iron stack or similar I use a sawzall with a DIAMOND sawzall blade (made by lennox) to make most of my cast iron cuts inside of home. These blades are only about a year out on the market and are still not available everywhere... but let me tell you all... this blade is like using hot knife through butter!!

I can get through 4" extra heavy cast iron pipe in say 10 minutes or less... :) Just an FYI for you guys!

And one more note... ratchet cutter doesn't always work well on 2" cast iron pipe so probably best to use sawzall every time here... just my opinion... ;)

Have good night all!

MARK

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Originally Posted by afaroo

I haven't used snap cutter my self but I have used the sawzell had no problem with it, lets wait what the other experts like Tom, Mark, Milo, and Bob has to say, thanks.

John

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Of course I was out there chopping cast iron and pouring lead and oakum joints before plastic came alone so I had a lot of practice. We used snap cutters on our rough ins. I fotgot to add. Before even snap cutters came along we cut our cast iron, (mostly 4") with a hammer and chisel.
Granted it takes a little practice to learn to adjust the chain and handle but if you simply line the cutter up all your cuts will be straight. But you're most likely correct it would be easier to use a Saws-All for the average do it yourselfer. Good luck, Tom

I don't work with cast much,(but more than I would like). I have found that metal sawzall blades are great for cutting, but time consuming. If you have the room to use a snap cutter, they work great as long as you know how to work them.

First time I use one I cussed and cussed and cussed. Then I realized that the wheels on the cutter were worn down so badly that I was actually trying to break the cast with the chain instead of the cutter wheels. Got a new chain and it actually isn't to bad.

Another option, ( and this is only if you have room and adequate ventilation, and I stress ventilation) you can use a cut of saw, basically a gas powered chop saw. Ten seconds and your through.

Please give us some more info on what you are cutting(vertical, horizontal) there may be some support issues you need to deal with if it is vertical.