Bob Vila Radio: How to Cut PVC Pipe
Skip the costly specialized tool and achieve the same results—straight, clean cuts through large-diameter PVC pipe—with a couple clamps and your trusty hacksaw.
If you’ve ever tried using nothing but a hacksaw to cut through PVC pipe, you know it can be challenging. Often, particularly for smaller-diameter pipe, it’s easier to use a tool specially designed for the purpose.
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Listen to BOB VILA ON CUTTING PVC PIPE or read the text below:
But while some PVC cutters are inexpensive (about $15 or so), the models that can handle larger pipes tend to cost considerably more. Fortunately, there’s a do-it-yourself solution that can save you a trip to the home center.
Grab a couple of ordinary ring clamps and place them on the pipe, one on either side of the spot where you want to cut. Leave about an eighth-inch gap between the clamps—just enough room to comfortably accomodate your saw blade. Then, saw away!
To make the job even easier, spritz a little silicone lubricant on the pipe, immediately prior to sawing. No lubricant handy? A little cooking spray will do the trick!
Bob Vila Radio is a 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day carried on more than 186 stations in 75 markets around the country. Click here to subscribe, so you can automatically receive each new episode as it arrives—absolutely free!
