Cutting PVC Conduit with Conductors Insi
NickNukeEm
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Anyone have a good way of cutting PVC conduit without damaging the wire within?
I have to repair some siding, and an external pvc conduit to a secondary breaker panel runs along the very spot I need to work, so the conduit has to be temporarily removed. The intention is to determ the cable at a nearby JB, cut the conduit and remove it, then restore the conduit and conductors when finished. I just need a way to remove the conduit without damaging the wires.
Thanks
“I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” Invictus, by Henley.
Replies
Plumbers tubing cutter.
I have loaned mine to sparky more times than I can remember.
It does bother me when they are cutting EMT, & don't replace my blades, or atleast buy me a beer.
“The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing.” —Albert Einstein
can I use yur cutter????
promose...
no replacements...
or beer, unless yur buying...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
What Bill said....I have done it many times. Just don't cut all the way through. When you get close to breaking through with the cutter, it will snap right off.
If the conduit is too close to a wall or other obstruction to allow a full rotation of a tubing cutter, try using nylon masons line as a "saw". Loop the line around the back of the conduit and saw back and forth steadily. Try not to stop the line in the cut, as it will be welded in. This works surprisingly well, and fast. A plumber showed me this trick cutting 1-1/2" PVC drain line inside a stud wall cavity.
Ditto the mason's twine method; just make sure you get a good quality braided twine....a lot of the stuff off the shelf at the big boxes frayed and breaks prematurely.I am an Animal
You can also buy from a camping supply outfit a wire saw. It's a piece of carbide-crusted wire with rings on both ends for handles.
What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite. --Bertrand Russell
tubing cutter with a PVC wheel...
heavily score the tube and snap break it for the finish...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
You can use a Multi Master with a depth stop at the thickness of the conduit. I've done it once.
What do you use for a depth stop?
What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite. --Bertrand Russell
I just used a piece of wood with a slit in it that only left the amount of blade exposed that was the thickness of the conduit wall.
The new MM's have a saw stop accessory. It won't work with the older ones..
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
I knew someone would figure out a way to use the MM.
Thanks for the suggestion. "I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul." Invictus, by Henley.