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:

Buy tools and supplies used:

Lenox cast iron and clay pipe cutting diamond blades:

Lenox diamond metal cutting wheel for angle grinders:

Diablo carbide-tipped cast iron reciprocating saw blade:

[dvmartel]

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

[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.

[chrisbonney]

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.

[jaybarnacles]

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

[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

[adamschaeffer]

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

[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.

[cooldog]

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.

[adrianwysocki]

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.

[donnyb]

Nice, straightforward, video. Thanks for the demo.

[BillWalters]

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.

[tweaker]

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

[liquidrockaquatics]

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

[southparklion]

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

[m.m..]

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

[bigdaddy]

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

[redpine]

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.

[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.

[harristhomas]

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

[KeyserTheRedBeard]

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