The BEST Way to Cut Cast Iron Pipe?

In this video I demonstrate two popular ways of cutting cast iron sewer pipe: using a reciprocating saw (Sawzall) or an angle grinder. These methods will also work on any galvanized or black steel pipes.
My review of Diablo's new Amped Carbide metal cutting saw blades:
• Diablo Amped Carbide R...
More detailed video about the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall: • Milwaukee M18 Fuel Saw...
Buy tools and supplies used:
Lenox cast iron and clay pipe cutting diamond blades:
www.amazon.com/Tools-Double-T...
Lenox diamond metal cutting wheel for angle grinders:
www.amazon.com/Lenox-Tools-19...
Diablo carbide-tipped cast iron reciprocating saw blade:
www.amazon.com/Freud-DS0908CF...

[@dvmartel1]

Ryobi 18v saw with good blades is completely capable of this work. I've used it many times. Angle grinder as well. No issue. Weekend warriors will have no problem with using either

[@jaybarnacles4846]

I was cutting up some old pipes similar to what you cut in the video just recently. Friggin pipes were nearly as long as the barn they were next to. get some good 14 tpi blades and get it done good video

[@Wurmfist]

I just did this today to replace some old clogged up CI pipe. My Ryobi reciprocating saw worked just fine. Just an FYI. Don't go out spending a bunch of money if you already have a Ryobi. Thank you for the video. Ryobi makes good products.

[@DragonBuilds]

My only experience with Ryobi was just the cheap brushed model, maybe the brushless ones are more powerful.

[@internallyinteral]

Ryobi works fine don't waste money 🤑

[@DragonBuilds]

@@internallyinteral Ryobi is probably adequate for smaller jobs or occasional homeowner use, but they just don't hold up to heavy use.

[@redeemed24m]

I’ve used Ryobi as well without any problems. I’ve also used a super cheap Harbor Freight angle grinder without issue.

[@jasongrant1777]

Brand snobbery. Use whichever you want. Oh, and I use Milwaukee.

[@adrianwysocki1086]

Woow this literally video for me! I have old, cracked cast 4" cast iron running by the wall with access only from the front. I will start with the grinder and finish with the saw.

[@DavidTorres-tw8kv]

Great video

[@user-pf5fh5sf3f]

Cool video. Thanks for sharing.

[@chrisbonney7563]

Thanks for the tip on the blade, I bought two to cut a 4" sewer pipe, I used a cordless Ryobi P519VN reciprocating saw with a 4AH battery, it completed the job with plenty of battery left. I was working in a tight area and the Ryobi was a lot easier than trying to use my old Makita wired saw.

[@DragonBuilds]

Nice! How many cuts were you able to make on one charge?

[@chrisbonney7563]

@@DragonBuilds only needed to cut one pipe for a bathroom mod

[@dupre7416]

People dis Ryobi but my tools have completed ever task I needed them for.

[@hughfitz95]

@@dupre7416 what the guy in the video doesn't seem to know is ryobi tools are reskined Milwaukee tools

[@Wurmfist]

@@hughfitz95 yep, just used my Ryobi, I had to switch batteries but that was just because my first battery wasn't charged.

[@benjaminledford5003]

Very helpful friend, thank you

[@donnyb3452]

Nice, straightforward, video. Thanks for the demo.

[@rasandberg]

I appreciate what you taught me in this video about cutting cast iron pipe. I bought a Diamond Grit 8-in Grit-TPI Wood/Metal Cutting Reciprocating Saw Blade. I needed to make three cuts in a 14 ft long section of 100-year-old cast iron pipe. I made the first cut, and when I was close to the bottom it just snapped and broke in two. What I discovered was that by taking a sledgehammer to the pipe after cutting it a few inches deep, the pipe just shattered. Done. Much easier and continuing to cut with the blade.

[@DragonBuilds]

Cast iron can be quite brittle. I still recommend cutting it with a sawzall, as using a sledgehammer can damage the pipe. My local plumbing supply house has Diablo blades and I found them to be the best blades for cast iron cutting.

[@jtoker9758]

@@DragonBuilds I suggest cutting the pipe too. I was using a hammer to shatter a 2 inch line as I couldn't get my chain cutters in at that angle. Well the pipe broke and a piece hit me in the forehead and drew blood (but not bad at all). I immediately got out the sawzall to finish it off. Never again with the hammer.

[@vincentbarkley9121]

Great, thank you.

[@adamschaeffer4057]

That's cute. Now do it upside, underneath a sink while trying to keep the pipe from moving around with one hand and cut with the other

[@alwayssearching1882]

Relax dude.

[@footlongburrito]

If you use Lennox CT laser carbide teeth thick metal blades, you can use any recip saw, I use my m12 fuel hackzall to cut brand new 4 inch cast iron pipe all the time

[@DragonBuilds]

Wow! That sounds like a really good blade. Still probably don't want to use one of those cheap $30 saws.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Why in the world are you using blades to cut new cast? Chain snaps are the only smart way to go with structurally sound cast.

[@footlongburrito]

@@liquidrockaquatics3900 if you're referring to me with that question, I do service plumbing and I have a small van not by choice, but can't always plan to carry all my tools

[@southparklion]

Thanks for the 'flip the blade' tip. How'd I not think of that?

[@m.m.99.9]

Can you test some hand hacksaws on the iron pipe ? Would be great to see if those do the job as well

[@DragonBuilds]

Cast iron is very hard, you would probably spend a few hours and wear out several blades. If you only have a couple cuts to make you are probably better off buying an inexpensive reciprocating saw and carbide blade. If you are trying to cut galvanized or black steel pipe, it is considerably easier to cut than cast iron, and for small diameter pipe, a hacksaw might be worth a try.

[@danshealthylifestyle8443]

Thanks for sharing bud I just subbed for support

[@callumfreebairn8082]

thanks!

[@KeyserTheRedBeard]

spectacular upload RiceFlavoredGum. I crushed that thumbs up on your video. Keep up the superb work.

[@cooldog60]

I cut a 4 inch cast iron pipe at my daughter house with a saber saw. No problem. I tried cutting a 4 inch cast iron pipe at my house which was thinner. I went through 4 blades. Dableo blades for cast iron 100 x. cut about 1 inch all 4 blades were worn smooth. Had to use an angle grinder witch meant I had to dig out a lot more dirt.

[@DragonBuilds]

Diablo cast iron blades are normally among the best. Not sure what was going on. I found the diamond or carbide grit cast iron/clay pipe cutting blades to be better on very hard cast iron.

[@cooldog60]

@@DragonBuilds I don't know if it was the blades or the cast iron. Like I said I cut my daughters pipe with no problem.

[@DragonBuilds]

@@cooldog60 Sometimes old cast iron is especially hard in certain spots. Sometimes cutting a different spot is much easier.

[@tweaker1968]

Good point about the access issue.... I never would have thought about that...

[@DragonBuilds]

Yeah most professionals use recip saws to cut cast pipe. They can also cut clay, plastic and lead pipes with the proper blade. The reason many DIYers like to use angle grinders is that the blades cost less and the tool itself is less expensive.

[@BillWalters77]

I've heard that if you want to get a straight, square cut on the pipe, you can put a stainless pipe clamps where you want to cut and that can help guide you so it's straight.

[@DragonBuilds]

That is a pretty good trick, but for regular plumbing work there is no need for that. It would come in handy if you need to make something perfectly square however.

[@elmono3939]

You watching too much KZbin plumbers ( like Roger W. ). In real world, things work differently

[@williamodom2580]

Thank you both for response, I’m not cutting the black gas pipe just going to cut a 90 degree elbow to replace with a tee to run gas to my garage for a ceiling mounted heater

[@Roger-bq6pm]

​@@elmono3939oddly specific

[@ricbest2285]

Thanks

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Cast iron chain snaps work unless the cast is rotting. Lennox laser blades at 10-12 tpi will perform the best as long as the speed is kept low. Keep the cut cool and it will go quickly

[@DragonBuilds]

You are right that a snap cutter works well but they are $600 and a single purpose tool. I wanted to demonstrate how I cut cast pipe with more common power tools.

[@qazmatron]

What if the pipe is galvanized steel, installed vertical (part of a fence), and I want to shorten it, leaving a new square-cut end. I'm supposed to hold up a reciprocating saw at head level (painful) and somehow steer it straight (impossible). Whether I use a reciprocating saw or a portable bandsaw, I need something to hold it up and guide it straight. Is there some kind of clamp? To cut steel pipe, need a "heavy duty pipe cutter" (with the right kind of cutter(s)). Where space is limited, need a "4-wheel heavy duty pipe cutter" so 120° is enough swing. The chain type pipe cutter might work for steel pipe too - it has multiple wheels, so it only needs a small swing to cut all the way around.

[@DragonBuilds]

A portable band saw would probably be your best bet to shorten the fence post.

[@jim.h]

get a hose clamp big enough to go around your pipe. It won't solve the problem of holding up your saw, but it will give you a nice straight cut around your pipe. Also try standing on a stable ladder, so that you're not holding the saw as high.

[@theoteacherSJB]

Wait, Is that blade in backwards? You can see the tab with the hole in the video just before he starts the cutting? On purpose?

[@DragonBuilds]

It's a double ended blade

[@redpine8665]

The drawback to the reciprocating saw is that the vibration and possible jerking back and forth it can create a new problem at the next joint.

[@Iluvserotonin]

could u you please explain what you mean? what do you mean by problem at next joint what might the problem be?

[@DragonBuilds]

That's true, but if the pipe is so corroded or degraded that a little vibration creates more problems, there is probably a need to change more pipe.

[@s.t.k.r.]

I appreciate the video but I have cut steel truck frames with a Ryobi Sawzall is it the best no but most people doing DIY projects can't afford 400 or $500 tools and buying 10 to $15 blades just to try them out though. something to think about

[@bmfitzgerald3]

At 1:36 it sounded like you said, "And the cut is pretty smooth which means you can attach a 'fur in co or no hubfitting'" .... what is that last part of your sentence? I ask because I am wondering what is the best thing to attach to the cast iron pipe, once cut, to transition to PVC. Thanks the video and for any additional clarification. Cancel that. You said it later in the video "nohub coupling or furnco fitting" .... Do you have a proven and recommended supplier/coupling type that you could link in the product description? Thanks!

[@DragonBuilds]

I go to my local Ferguson or order online at supplyhouse.com for most of my plumbing needs. Fernco, Matco-Norca, and Mission make good couplings.

[@newbeginning1510]

can I use my hackzall? Thanks for the video. Sometimes I use snap cutters and I want to use something to make the cut more straight and my site wont let me use a grinder

[@DragonBuilds]

You can try using your hackzall, I have done it in a tight spot but it is slower than a sawzall.

[@newbeginning1510]

@@DragonBuilds thanks for the advice !

[@pequodexpress]

Would the reciprocating saw with a diamond blade cut through 1mm-thick spring steel plate?

[@DragonBuilds]

It should, but if you're in a workshop environment and have plenty of space around the part, an abrasive cut-off tool will work better.

[@joeskis]

I just removed my old cast iron pipes from my house. Tried both tools and found the grinder to be much faster. And I was using a Black & Decker grinder, worked wonderfully. Let's stop the cost justification nonsense. The consensus seems to be cheaper tools work just as well. They just won't work well for as long.

[@DragonBuilds]

I had a Black and Decker grinder and disc kept coming loose after a couple uses so I just throw it away.

[@marcinkolanowski4389]

Milwaukee fan boy 😄

[@harristhomas6002]

Doesn't have to be an expensive saw. Cut around 10 cuts though a 4 inch cast iron pipe to remove it with a 3 year old Ryobi Recip that I got in one of those combo packs. Get a good blade though

[@DragonBuilds]

Agreed. A good blade is essential, the saw doesn't matter quite as much. I like Milwaukee Torch blades.

[@marvinshook9142]

My very cheap Harbor Freight Tools Recip Saw with a decent blade had no problem cutting cast iron. The blade is what matters.

[@DragonBuilds]

@@marvinshook9142 Some cast iron is harder than others too. During my re-pipe project, I found that some pipe sections were easy to cut, and some were rock hard.

[@bigdaddy4975]

The best way is to start with a grinder then use sawsall to finish

[@kevinfink4615]

How do you run a blade backwards? It could not have locked in the Chuck. Unless there is some secret new " Sawzall " out there

[@DragonBuilds]

It is a double ended blade. You can insert either side into the saw.

[@rubbermallet3873]

great deal with the sawsaw! 😁 what about a cold chop saw? 🤔

[@DragonBuilds]

Won't fit in a tight space

[@rubbermallet3873]

@@DragonBuildsthat is understood and of course that is logical, i agree on that, but i work with chop saws and other heavy duty equipment on my field, im an industrial mech for almost 50 years, that is why i'd inquired within that area because you did cut this piece on a workbench, my question now again is: how you ever tried to cut a cast iron pipe with a chop saw somewhere outside of a thight space? 👀

[@DragonBuilds]

@@rubbermallet3873 No, because I do not install new cast iron pipe. It is only used in commercial construction nowadays.

[@georgewkush542]

My chicago electric recip has lasted me way longer than the sawzall as a journeymen plumber

[@DragonBuilds]

I had a chicago electric angle grinder and it was powerful and lasted a few years. It was only $30! Sadly they discontinued it.

[@patrickquinlan9159]

No. U can use snap cutters just have to score the pipe (with the cutters) will clean an score pipe and give a square cut.. but whatever you like to use I guess..

[@DragonBuilds]

Snap cutters can damage old, corroded cast iron pipes. They're great for new cast iron however

[@williamodom2580]

I need to cut a black gas pipe 90 elbow to replace with a tee to extend for a gas supply in the garage it’s 3/4” fitting

[@DragonBuilds]

If you cut black pipe you'll need to thread it to connect another fitting to it. There's also MegaPress, but it's very expensive to use.

[@dljones61]

I'm also impressed, I tried a couple of those diamond blades and had terrible results.

[@superpooper_2030]

Diamond blade good for stone, marble, concrete or tile.

[@xeneka]

Which would you recommend for cutting a small steel wrench?

[@DragonBuilds]

Depends on the material. I would go with a grinder if it is hardened steel. Lower quality tools usually use softer steel and are easier to cut.

[@charliethompson6601]

I just cut three 4" and four cast iron pipes with a roybi 18+ and 4ah battery. The dewalt blades i bought were trash. I own over 50 ryobi tools. My theory was buy cheaper tools and if one breaks you can always upgrade. For 15 years ive been using 18v+ and have not had any complaints. I am semipro and flip about 1 house a year. I also own an 80 acre farm and use my tools on all the equipment.

[@DragonBuilds]

Yeah Ryobi can be a good value, but I have found that refurbished Milwaukee or Dewalt tools are about as much as Ryobi and are higher quality.

[@samuelhorowitz5029PLUMBCRAZY]

You put tge blade in backwards.. is there a reason why?? 😮

[@knowmanb8448]

how about Oscillating Multi Tool

[@mejuringomangs8962]

How to order machine cut cast iron

[@josebolanos8081]

Did you put the sawsaw blade backwards?

[@DragonBuilds]

Nope, this blade is reversible and can be inserted from either end!

[@helenachase5627]

I have no power. Will a cordless work

[@DragonBuilds]

If your cordless tools are powerful enough they should have no trouble cutting through iron pipe. Just remember to make sure your battery's fully charged before you begin!

[@ericmartin3396]

What is with the Ryobi hate?

[@GlenHyden]

Every Ryobi I bought is discontinued and that includes accessories and parts. They become obsolete too fast.

[@ericmartin3396]

@@GlenHyden that is because they are always improving

[@GlenHyden]

@@ericmartin3396 That may be. However I would prefer to be able to use the product or add accessories.

[@ericmartin3396]

@Glen Hyden i have never run into that problem. I still have a few tools that are blue

[@JohnAnderson-kt4mb]

What everyone here must not know, Ryobi is using Milwaukee technology from Several years ago, except not built To last. Ridgid, Ryobi, Hart, all made by same company that makes Milwaukee.. Plus when your ryobi burns up, take it back to Home Depot, make a scene and demand a new one.. works all the time boys.. I will stick with my Milwaukee/Dewalt brand tools, pay once cry once..

[@jenko701]

Ryobi will work just fine .

[@yesyes5966]

How long does a blade last??

[@DragonBuilds]

Depends on how hard the iron is, it varies a lot. I'd say about ten cuts per blade, but sometimes more or less. Keep extra blades.

[@chrispyfer7721]

A couple thousand years if you dont cut anything.

[@danieltrump4329]

Why did you put the blade in backward? Better yet how did you put the blade in backwards?

[@DragonBuilds]

It is a double ended blade, you can insert either end into the saw

[@hookinnbookinmotorsports8407]

Why was the sawzall blade backwards

[@DragonBuilds]

It is a double ended blade that can be inserted on either end.

[@jamesnevers1362]

Ryobi works fine

[@DragonBuilds]

I’ve never had a good experience with their tools,

[@austinhernandez2716]

You don't have to have a high quality, expensive sawzall. I got mine from Walmart and I've cut through mobile home frames with it.

[@austinhernandez2716]

I will say that you gotta have good quality blades though. The blades are more important imo. Cheap blades will give out quickly or might not even cut at all

[@Isa1ahL33]

I got mine from Harbour Freight years ago, and still works great for cutting small trees.

[@Yonatan24]

Do you like those diamond wheels? Have you ever gone through one?

[@DragonBuilds]

Yes I have gone through several. They last longer and are safer than the normal abrasive ones but still wear out. I don't do much cutting with the grinder, I mostly use my portable band saw.

[@satberhoxhaj3347]

i never seen a blade that can be attached to sawzall on both ends

[@DragonBuilds]

They exist and they’re surprisingly useful as they allow you to utilize the entire blade

[@satberhoxhaj3347]

@@DragonBuilds I was thinking the same exact thing you can get use of the entire blade but this is something that just recently came out

[@zakglove6536]

Pipe Cracker is the fastest way and easiest.

[@DragonBuilds]

Snap cutters are great for cutting cast iron, but I heard that they can crack old, rusted pipes. For new pipe, they can't be beat. Some supply houses will rent them out.

[@foodreviewsbelike...4683]

Did you just cut that pipe with the blade on backwards?

[@DragonBuilds]

No. Its a Lenox double ended blade. Once one end is too dull you can insert the other end and use it again.

[@gunsnstuff4040]

As a master plumber speaking, you can ditch the grinder, just use the reciprocating saw. A corded sawzall (I use Milwaukee), is always preferred. Rare do I use a snapper.

[@DragonBuilds]

I agree that the grinder is slow and ineffective. I tested it because I heard a lot of people recommend using one.

[@mikematij2]

I use a grinder for the front cut or as much as I can easily get around, then finish with a saw. I find grinders cut so much faster

[@Sadigirl289]

Grinder good for cutting pipe in wall where saw doesn’t fit

[@DontLookBehindYou1]

This man is correct... I use chain cutters on 6 inch cast, which is rare, but that is the only time. Other than that, sawzall always... I prefer corded if I'm doing a lot of it, but sawzall, almost any good or decent brand with a good blade (too cheap of a tool may get too hot when cutting quite a bit of it)... Definitely the way to go

[@shieldcracker]

What about a bansaw?

[@DragonBuilds]

A bandsaw works great for cutting pipe but it is difficult to fit in a tight spot which is common when doing remodel or repair work.

[@davidliu8565]

It would be nice if angle grinders have an option of smaller cutting wheels that can fit in tight spaces.

[@DragonBuilds]

They do have smaller grinders, but they don't have the power needed to cut thick metal.

[@mobandz3017]

Sm I high asf or did he put that blade on backwards

[@SolidRock008]

he literally said you can flip it around

[@HappyHands.]

Want multipurpose blade.? -> Grinder Want less dust and lower noise? -> Sawsall

[@johnbalogna803]

is it just me or did you put that blade in backwards???

[@DragonBuilds]

It's a double ended blade.

[@johnbalogna803]

@@DragonBuilds Thanks never saw one of those

[@honeybadger2514]

Use a band saw

[@DragonBuilds]

I have one but it won't work in tight spots, and most people probably won't want to spend over $200 to buy one. I use mine quite often for metalworking projects, it is my favorite tool for cutting metal.

[@AlonzoNavaV]

RiceGum

[@MalindoWe]

Ever heard of a bandsaw

[@DragonBuilds]

Yeah, I have one. However, they often won't fit in tight spots such as inside walls.

[@hunterdoxtater9106]

6in cut off wheel with a regular blade is the best. Steel blades are slow.

[@DragonBuilds]

If you have the space to use one a 6 in grinder is definitely going to work well! The same diamond metal cutting wheel I used on my 4.5" grinder also comes in 5 and 6" sizes.

[@tjfallon2834]

Wait wait wait…..did I miss something ? The guy put the saw blade in BACKWARDS ???

[@DragonBuilds]

It is a double ended saw blade, you can insert either end into the saw to prevent uneven blade wear.

[@darrenmindiuk1032]

Neither, snap cutters

[@marcelpichaco5392]

Not sure what makes you think that Ryobi cant make that cut

[@DragonBuilds]

I had a Ryobi saw and it burned up after a couple cuts

[@dvmartel1]

Yeah, news to me. I have lost count of the number of 2,3 and 4 in cast iron my 18v ryobi cut off and saw have severed

[@dvmartel1]

@@DragonBuilds bs

[@kenp9199]

lol@ "DIY tools like Ryobi" doesn't realize RYOBI and Milwaukee are both made in the same Chinese factory using the same parts, tsk tsk

[@DragonBuilds]

Ryobi and Milwaukee are owned by the same company and are both made in China, but there are many differences in the build quality and materials used. Try using Ryobi's reciprocating saw to make a few cuts on steel or iron, and it'll not perform well.

[@kenp9199]

@@DragonBuilds I've owned both, M18 Fuel and Ryobi One+ HP reciprocating saws, they performed nearly identical, though, Ryobi's bottom line is noticably sub-par

[@DragonBuilds]

@@kenp9199 I have heard about Ryobi's HP line. They are cheaper than Milwaukee but are a little less powerful and also less durable. If you have a Ryobi brushless reciprocating saw, might as well try using it to cut cast pipe. If it dies buy the Milwaukee.

[@androidandroid6645]

Ryobi is garbage

[@kenp9199]

@@androidandroid6645 Milwaukee is garbage

[@Jessica3020]

Ryobi would have done it in 30secs

[@AuzzMose]

for 1 min buying 100 blades 🤣

[@georgece3062]

u re using the wrong grinder bade...try regular masonry or "aggressive metal"next time....

[@DragonBuilds]

That was a metal cutting blade. It is the Lenox diamond metal blade.

[@FkSeditiousChristofascists]

deep throat portable bandsaw by milwaukee. No contest.

[@DragonBuilds]

I agree that a bandsaw is probably the best way to cut heavy metal, but unfortunately, it won't fit into tight spaces such as when a pipe is inside a wall or in a crammed crawl space.

[@AndreiRadulescu1]

Cast should be snapped - doing it like this is only going to cause more problems on that line..

[@morrisjohnsonakamj6346]

I built a whole chopper bike frame with a ryobi HP Brushless saw and a welder , but i run makita on my other power tools lol this guy is a asian noob

[@nrkey9166]

Diablo blades are better

[@DragonBuilds]

Really? I've always preferred the diamond ones or the nitrous carbide

[@robertnelson4830]

Lmao are you trying to gain a sales man job for Milwaukee brand?? The brand of saw don't matter its preference... Milwaukee blades are junk in my opinion. Lennox I was told are top of the line.

[@Andrico77]

Spoil pipe cutter!

[@DragonBuilds]

Those are great for cutting new cast iron pipe but can snap an older, somewhat corroded one. However, nothing beats a soil pipe cutter for clay.

[@Andrico77]

@@DragonBuilds agreed

[@stevesmith1493]

Milwaukee blades suck!

[@JuanGarcia-ig4zl]

Yeah lets just buy all kinds of blades $$$$$$$

[@DragonBuilds]

Regardless of what tool you use, you will always need the right blade for the material being cut.