How to Cut Galvanized Pipe

Introduction

Galvanized pipes are one of the most common items used in plumbing. These pipes are used for the water supply line at home and in various business organizations. For more than thirty years, these pipes are being used for sewer pipelines. The stability of these pipes is very high. For this reason, in the construction sector, these galvanized pipes are used for making scaffoldings.

You can also use galvanized pipes as a supporting device in the construction sector. But sometimes, the size of the pipe that is available in the market does not conform to the users’ requirements. You have to cut the pipe in such cases, but cutting the galvanized pipes is quite challenging. In this case, you have to follow some rules, and we are going to help you make the task easier.

Procedure

We have already got an idea about the tools that are must be needed for the process. Now we are going to discuss the chronological steps that should be followed for this process. Our team has done extensive research on this process, and they have marked out a smooth process that will help you quickly cut the galvanized pipe. The steps included in this process are discussed below.

• Step One

The first step of this process is securing the pipe properly. For this, you have to use the vise grip or clamp. This will hold the pipe in the right place, and the pipe will not slip from the position. But before attaching the pipe to the clamp, you need to wrap the pipe with a white cloth. This is highly required because the pipe might get damaged due to the camps’ pressure created on the pipe body.

This pressure can easily damage the internal of the pipe. For this reason, it is highly recommended that you wrap the pipe with a cloth and then attach it to the clamp. Sometimes having a vise grip is unnecessary for this process, and the users might not have it in their store. So in this scenario, it is better to use a clamp stand.

First, you have to attach the clamp to the table, and then you have to connect the pipe to the clamp. The clamp arrangement should not take much space on the cutting table. It would help if you kept the table clear for cutting purposes. Sometimes the length of the pipe might be more significant than the table. In such cases, you must use props for making the pipe steady and then attach the clamp to it. This will prevent the pipe from bending, and the stability of the pipe will be increased manifold.

• Step Two

This step is concerned with the safety precautions that the user should follow before starting the primary cutting process. For the entire process, you need to wear hand gloves. This will protect your hand from the metal. Because while cutting, the metal pipe’s temperature may rise, and the gloves will protect your hands from damage due to heat generation.

Then you will need to wear a face mask and eye goggles. There will be a metal flair generation while cutting the pipe, which can quickly get into the user’s eyes, and facial damage is also possible. For preventing such a catastrophic event, you should follow these safety precautions. Besides, metal swinging in the air can damage the bare skin, and there might be situations when the pipe may fall on the legs of the person.

For this reason, you have to wear proper footwear before entering the work area. Following all these aspects will readily protect the person from harmful accidents. The electrical supply line, which will be used to run the hacksaw and other machines, should be checked appropriately. All of these are highly beneficial for cutting the galvanized pipe.

• Step Three

Now you have to start the cutting process. The pipe is already attached to the clamps, and you have to check the steadiness of the pipe. You have to turn on the hacksaw and start cutting the pipe from the portion you have marked. You have to apply the hacksaw to the pipe slowly, and the pipe will start to get detached. It is time-consuming because hacksaw is the slowest machine, but the vibration is very less, and the pipes will get disconnected smoothly.

• Step Four

You have to start connecting the blade gently to the surface of the pipe. It would help if you never pushed the blade hardly on the pipe. This will surely damage the pipe. This will also prevent the pipe from getting a smooth cut. After the pipe is correctly detached from the main body, sharp edges are created on the pipe’s apexes. And you have to make these portions smooth. In this case, you can use some metal file or sandpaper. Usually, the pipes which are cut using a hacksaw require more sanding than ordinary cutting machines.

• Step Five

In this step, you have to make the edges smooth using the metal file. You have to rub the file in a single direction. In this manner, the pipe will be cut appropriately, and you can now take off the clamps from the table.  Lastly, you have to clean the pipe using a fresh cloth, and then you can start using the pipe for the required purposes. It would help if you also cleaned the total work area because the metal scattered during the process is always a threat to the people.