I am relocating a cast iron stool and shower drain pipe in a basement.
Which is the most “practical way” of cutting the pipe, recip saw with a carbide blade or renting a chain/snape cutter.
I have limited space to work on the with the 4″ toliet drain because it is so deep in the ground.
I have done this with PVC before, but never with cast iron.
Replies
Either. If you have the recip saw on hand just choose the appropriate blade and have at it. Prepare for black schmooey in the pipe or your hands won't be fit company that nite.
Chain snap cutter is a lot easier and faster than the sawsall.
No hub connectors with stainless steel bands for putting it back together underground.
Be sure to support cast iron pipe above the cut if vertical, and on the off fall if horizontal. That stuff can hurt you when it falls off.
Dave
Looks like I will try the snape cutter.
The whole thing is in the floor now, just need to relocate it so so worrying about anything falling.
Definitely a cast iron snap cutter--takes all of 30 second to make a cut. Call a rental place and see if they have one to rent you. They are about $350+ new. There are different types--if you have limited space around the pipe you need to be sure that you rent one that will work. Check the Ridgid web site to see what they look like.
I used my reciprocating saw with an abrasive blade. I bought three for around $10 and it took about 1/2 hour to cut the 4" cast iron pipe. I did not rent a cutter because it would have taken longer to drive to the rental office and back, twice. I use a homemade concoction for lubricating/cooling the blade. This stuff is commercially available, but in a pinch motor oil, dish washing liquid, marvel mystery oil all are sufficient. Good luck
Mark
It looks like the rental is about $20 and the place is about 5 mintues from me. So in my case I will be quicker and not much more expensive to go the rental.
Thanks,
4" angle grinder with a metal cutting blade works pretty well and doesn't shake the bejesus out of you.
I just cut off a pipe coming out of the wall right over the new footing location dead center of the block. I couldn't have laid it out better if I tried. I only had the width of the bucket to work in and the grinder did a great job. The bottom of the pipe was a bit tough to get down and around, but a good cut most of the way through and a good score line for the rest and a swift kick made a clean cut.
Use your safety glasses.