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Materials needed:
tubing cutter
emery cloth
How to cut copper pipe properly:
Because copper pipe is very soft and easily deforms, the proper tool must be used for cutting.A copper tubing cutter can be purchased in any hardware store or home center. Cutters look similar to a "C" clamp with rollers on the inside of the "C", and a knob on the end. They come in a wide range of sizes, from very small (for tight spaces and small diameter pipe), to very large (for copper drain pipe). Choose the one that's right for the job you're doing. If you'll be working in tight areas, then choose the compact model with the short handle. If you'll be working
in an open area, then a cutter that's medium sized and allows for good leverage will be the best choice.
To begin the cut, open the cutters wide enough to accept the pipe you're cutting. Center the cutting wheel over the mark and tighten the cutters until snug on the pipe. Slowly make one full turn of the cutter around the pipe making sure that the score mark ends up in the same place it started. Tighten the cutter clamp another 1/2 turn and spin the cutter around the pipe another full turn. Keep repeating the tightening and turning until the pipe sections fall apart. Check the cut to make sure it's burr-free. Any burrs can be removed with a piece of emery cloth. Use the reamer that comes with the tubing cutter to remove any burrs inside the pipe (arrow shaped attachment). |
Although it is very easily cut with a hack saw, copper pipe should never be cutin this manner. Saws produce rough, jagged and uneven edges which will cause problems when the time comes for soldering. These problems may lead to total joint failure quickly, or years from now.
