PVC is one of the most versatile and useful structural building materials available, but you still need a method to reduce it down to the right size.  We’ve provided a few methods and tools, shown below, to cut PVC pipe easily and safely:

Using a Hacksaw to Cut PVC Pipe:

The hacksaw is the most common method of PVC pipe cutting, as most individuals already have one in their toolbox or garage.  Hacksaws work well, but are somewhat time consuming and can cause additional work to de-burr the edges of the cut pipe.  The hacksaw is ideal if you only need to cut one or several pieces of pipe.  Here's how do use it:

	Mark the point at which you want to cut the pipe.		Clamp, or securely hold, the pipe to a table or other work surface.
	Make sure that the adjustment nut(s) on the hacksaw are tight.  A loose blade will cause the cut to wander and not make a straight, even cut down the diameter of the pipe.		Place the rear of the hacksaw blade on the cut mark, then draw it backwards to create a notch in the PVC pipe.
	Begin cutting with a back-and-forth motion SLOWLY; making sure that the cut is straight as the hacksaw cuts further into the pipe.		When you reach the bottom of the pipe, slow down and complete the cut smoothly and easily at an angle to avoid ‘blowout’ of the edge of the pipe.

Using a Scissor-Style Pipe Cutter to Cut PVC Pipe:

The scissor-style pipe cutter is inexpensive and easy to use.  They are available at most hardware stores or home improvement centers.   They are, however, limited in their cutting capability and can add stress to the hands.  Scissor-style plastic pipe cutters should only be used for 3/4” or smaller diameters of PVC.  Here's how to use it:

	Mark the point at which you want to cut the pipe.		Hold the pipe in one hand with the mark you made facing up, and place the pipe inside the pipe cutter mechanism.  Be sure that the blade of the cutter is on the cut mark.
	Grasp the handle with pressure, then slowly rotate the pipe cutter around the pipe, making sure that you remain straight.  If the pipe cutter begins to make a ‘spiral’ and go off to the left or right, restart the cut, and attempt to keep is straight (this is usually caused by gripping to hard).		Once you have made one pass around the entire pipe, apply additional pressure and repeat the rotations around the pipe until it is cut through completely.

Using a Ratcheting-Style Pipe Cutter to Cut PVC Pipe:

The ratcheting-style pipe cutter is slightly more expensive than the scissor style pipe cutter; however, you can do larger pieces of PVC with less effort (up to 1-1/2” pipe) and there is no need to ever turn, or rotate the pipe.  The ratcheting plastic pipe cutters are available at your local hardware store, or home improvement center.  They can cause stress on the hands and forearm, when performing a lot of cuts.  Here's how to use it:  

	Mark the point at which you want to cut the pipe.		Open the pipe cutter completely, so that you can fit your pipe in between the blade and jaw of the pipe cutter.
	Hold the pipe one hand with the mark you made facing up, and place the blade of the pipe cutter on the mark.		Grasp the handle with pressure until it comes into contact with the mark, then release the handle to begin the ratcheting action. Continue ratcheting down onto the pipe until you are completely through.

Using a Miter Saw to Cut PVC Pipe:

A miter saw is ideal when you need to cut a large quantity of PVC pipe.  Miter saws are however, expensive.  If you already own one, or have access to one and you know how to safely use it, you can use the existing wood blade to cut PVC, without buying a special blade.  Here's how to use it:

	Mark the point at which you want to cut the pipe.		Line up the pipe on the cut mark on the miter saw throat plate.
	Secure the pipe to the miter saw table with clamps to the miter saw fence (NEVER use your hands).		Pull the switch trigger and slowly bring the miter saw arm down into and through the pipe.

Standard wood saws are not recommended as they don’t produce the accurate results that a hacksaw does. Hacksaws have a much thinner blade and cut more precise.	Band Saws are not recommended as the band saw may catch the edge of the PVC pipe and cause the area being cut to crack and chip.	Table Saws are not recommended, as the curvature of the PVC pipe is difficult to hold and can become loose, causing bodily harm either by the propelling of the PVC pipe, or can cause injury by the table saw itself.

DISCLAIMER:  The information provided within this website is  for informational purposes only.  FORMUFIT accepts no responsibility, and excludes all liability, for damage and loss which may be suffered by any other party as a result of using or in connection with such use or loss of use of this information, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of opportunity, loss of business, indirect damages, incidental damages, special or consequential loss, injury or loss of life.