October 10

Can Hacksaws Be Used To Cut PVC?

Most people think it is really difficult to cut any type of piping, particularly pvc pipe, but that is just not the truth.

However, it always makes a huge difference when you have a bit more knowledge under your belt before you start.

You wont need a lot of equipment for this task which is perfect as a lot of people don’t always tend to have all the tools for the DIY project they are working on.

This is great because it only involves having 3 tools!

This guide will be helping you understand whether hacksaws can be used to cut PVC and how effective it can be.

This will include steps and tips for the best cut you can make but it does make a hell of a difference when you know a good process and have the right tools so keep ready for more information. 

Things You’ll Need

Cutting pvc pipe is actually very simple. When carrying out this task, you will not need to worry about having too many tools depending on what method you want to use.

You will only need to make a list of three small things! There’s usually no need to head to the hardware store for all of the things you need.

Most people will already have all of these pieces of equipment in their house already which is ideal. 

  • Hacksaw
  • Tape Measure 
  • Pencil 

It is one of the easiest methods to cut PVC pipe with a Hacksaw, very straightforward and there is no worry of any confusion.

Can Hacksaws Be Used To Cut PVC (1)

However, this method does need a little bit more force than some of the others. That being said, cutting pvc pipes only takes a few steps.

Step 1 

You need to make sure that you have measured and marked out where you want to cut the material.

You should also ensure you wear eye protection when doing any DIY work as this protects you from serious harm.

This requires using two of your pieces of equipment, the pencil and the tape measure.

It might also be a good idea to try and keep the pipe as still as possible to make sure you are accurate.

If your pipe is wobbling all over the place it could affect where you end up cutting it, so ensure you clamp the pipe down to the bench you are cutting it on.

Step 2 

Now you need to use where you have marked the pipe to start the cutting process.

You need to grab your Hacksaw and start doing the regular motions of back and forth as straight as possible.

You need to continue doing this until you are fully through the pipe from one end to the other. 

Step 3 

Due to using the Hacksaw method, you are likely to see a few rough edges on the part of the pipe you have cut which is not ideal and needs to be smoothed out.

These are known as burrs and will need to be removed, maybe using a knife.  However, a sharp blade may not do the trick. A deburring tool will be better.

There are also other options if you find that this one is not working very well for you. The Hacksaw method can be quite a bit of effort for some people.

There is the alternative option of a pipe cutter which is much easier in comparison. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Hacksaw?

One benefit of using the hacksaw is that if you are putting pipe in your home, most people are likely to already have one in the tool box.

They are also really easy to move around in comparison to the machines.

They are smaller and lighter and much more convenient for smaller needs. 

It is also a really flexible saw that can be used in many applications. 

You can use them in any environment as they do not require you to have power cords. 

Method 2: Pipe Cutters

PVC Pipe cutters are a really simple way of cutting pvc pipes. The clue is in the name!

These are specifically designed pvc cutting tools that cut the pipe efficiently and quickly. If you participate in a lot of DIY projects, then this is one tool you need in your toolkit!

  1. Similar to the last set of steps, you need to measure the place where you want to cut the pipe. You will then want to mark the desired cutting point.
  2. You now want to level up the pipe cutter up to the line that you have marked. You need to make sure this is as accurate as possible because it is quite a quick movement and any sudden movements will cut in a different direction. This is why it is important that you are very calm and not distracted. 
  3. This method could be better for you if you are working with a smaller pipe because a pipe cutter works the best for these. You may struggle to use a pvc cutter on larger pipes or thicker pipes, and so an electric miter or miter saws can provide more precise cuts in these cases.
  4. There should be a clean break when the pipe cutter has gone through the material. If you have done it correctly, there should be no need to get rid of any rough bits at the end as well. However, if there is a slightly rough edge, then simply use any deburring tools to get rid of jagged edges for that smooth finish.

Conclusion 

Overall, you can definitely use a hacksaw on PVC pipes and it is a very good and easy method to use because most people will already own one.

There is also an alternative method in this piece too just to give you a different option if you can’t get your hands on a hacksaw.

If people aren’t used to using tools of any kind, using a hacksaw might be a bit difficult for them because it requires accuracy and force. 

Hopefully this guide has helped you understand the certain steps you need to take to be able to cut pvc with a hacksaw or maybe another option if you prefer.

They are very simple steps and will be very difficult to get wrong. You just need to make sure you also have the measurements and the penciling done properly when you mark it. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind Of Saw Is Needed To Cut Pvc?

A Hacksaw

A hand saw is the most common way to cut PVC pipe, but can be a little messy. You can use almost any kind of saw, but a hacksaw is best as it gives you much more flexibility.

For more information on cutting tools, see What Tool Should Be Used.

Can You Cut Pvc Trim With A Hand Saw?

Cut with carbide-tipped saw blades and bits

Cut PVC trim boards with the same hand and power tools that you use for wood. But use only carbide-tipped saw blades; plain steel ones will dull quickly.

In general, the more teeth a blade has, the smoother the cut edges will be. We recommend standard combination saw blades.

Should You Use A Utility Knife To Cut PVC Pipes?

No, you should not use a utility knife, or any kind of knife to cut PVC pipes. A plastic pipe cutters or a hacksaw will be far more efficient.

We recommend using heavy duty pvc cutters or a ratcheting style pipe cutter as these are the best way to cut PVC.


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