Last updated on August 20th, 2021
Copper pipe is very common in homes and is used to supply water through various means. They are aesthetically pleasing and possess antibacterial properties that eliminate bacteria, germs and keep your water clean. Your home will likely feature copper pipes, and at some point, you’ll need to cut them. Luckily, it’s not very hard to do that. However, the internet is bombarded with articles that provide half information on cutting copper pipes. There are different ways of cutting copper pipes, and this article shows you how you can do that using an auto-cut tool, a multi-functional tool, and a pipe cutter.
Using An Auto Cut Tool
Things You’ll Need:
- Auto cut tool
- Safety gloves
- Protective glasses
Step1: Choose Your Auto Cut Tool
The auto-cut tool is highly recommended if you’re going to be cutting pipes in a tight space (e.g., up against a corner). Measure your copper pipe’s diameter and buy an auto-cut tool for that precise size. For instance, if your pipe is ½ inch in size, purchase a ½ inch size auto-cut tool. Since the cutter is spring-loaded, it’s impossible to modify the size of the cut.
Step2: Clamp the cutter onto your pipe
Position your pipe into the middle of the cutter where you want to make the cut. Next, secure down the gray clamp onto the copper pipe. Check and ensure that the pipe is unable to wiggle or slide out of the auto-cutter tool.
Step3: Turn The Auto Cut Tool 20-30 Times
Your auto-cut tool will feature an arrow that shows the direction where you should turn the cutter. Use one hand to hold down the copper pipe and use the other to turn the cutter in the specified direction. You’ll have to turn 20-30 times until the copper pipe is cut. You’ll obtain a clean and smooth cut, so you don’t have to clean the pipe afterward.
Using A Pipe Cutter
Things You’ll Need:
To cut copper pipes using a pipe cutter, you’ll need the following tools:
- Protective goggles
- Ear protection
- Face mask
- Work gloves
- Pen
- Ruler
- Pipe cutter
Step1: Mark Where You Want To Cute
After you’ve gathered all your tools, use the ruler to measure the dimensions and use the pen to mark the area where you want to cut the pipe. Always make sure that you’re using all the safety equipment to prevent injuries.
Step2: Secure The Pipe
Next, turn your pipe cutters knob counter-clockwise to open the jaws so that you can fit in your copper pipe. Once the pipe is set in place, turn the knob clockwise to securely clamp down your copper pipe.
Step3: Cut The Pipe
Once the cutting wheel is in contact with the pipe, turn the pipe cutter’s body a full 360 degrees around to score the copper pipe and offer a guide for the cutting wheel to follow. Turn the knob again and rotate the pipe cutter around the copper pipe again. You must keep repeating this process until the copper pipe gets cut in half. Whenever a turn is completed, make sure that the cutting wheel is following the right path. If maintained properly, a pipe cutter can last you a lifetime, but you’ll need to replace the wheel every now and then as they’ll go blunt after some uses.
Using A Multi-Functional Tool
Things You’ll Need:
As with any DIY task, you’ll need certain tools and equipment. For cutting copper pipes, you’ll need the below-mentioned tools, which are easily available in hardware stores:
- Protective goggles
- Ear protection
- Face mask
- Work gloves
- Cloths
- Acetone
- Pen
- Sanding block
- Ruler
- Metal shears
- 240 grit metal sandpaper
- Multi-functional tool saw attachment
- Multi-functional tool
Step1: Gather All Your Tools In One Place
First of all, make sure that you have all the necessary tools and keep them neatly organized in one place for easy access while working. It’s best if you use a hardware toolbox for organizing the necessary tools. Additionally, make sure that you’re wearing all necessary protective gear and equipment for ensuring safety, especially if you’re a beginner.
Step2: Mark The Required Dimensions
After that, use the rule to measure the pipe and after the right measurements have been traced, use the pen to mark the desired cut line.
Step3: Cut The Copper
Once you’ve marked the line where you want to cut the pipe, you can begin cutting. Wear your face mask, ear protectors, work gloves, and protective goggles. Before cutting, make sure that the copper pipes are securely clamped. Next, use the multi-functional tool and saw attachment to cut the copper pipe along the line that you drew previously.
For copper sheets, you can use the metal sheers to cut. However, if the sheet is thicker, you’ll need to use an angle grinder. After that, use the screw clamps to secure the sheets and prevent them from slipping.
Step4: Sand and Deburr The Edges
After you’ve cut the edges, you’ll see some burrs, which are tiny metal splinters or notches that were left behind. You can use sandpaper to smoothen and eliminate these burrs. Its recommended that you use 240 grit sandpaper so that you don’t damage the pipe while sanding. The easiest and best way to smooth the edges and corners is by hand, utilizing a sanding block for broader surfaces.
Step5: Clean Up
After you’re done, use the metal cleaner or acetone with a cloth to wipe clean the material. You can simply spray the tube or pour a generous amount of acetone onto the cloth and remove any remaining unwanted materials. That’s it! You’re all done.
This brings us to the end of our article on how to cut copper pipes. Copper pipes are installed in almost every home, and if you learn to cut them by yourself, it’s a skill that’ll surely come in handy. Cutting a copper pipe is a very straightforward task, and with the right tools, you can get it done very quickly. You can use the methods mentioned above to cut copper pipes safely and effectively.