How to Cut PVC Pipe

Choose the best cutters based on the diameter of the pipe and the number of cuts you’ll need to make. 

• A hacksaw is a good choice if you need to make just a few cuts. 
• Scissor-type plastic cutters are effective for small pipes of 1 inch in diameter or less, but they require more effort by hand.
• Ratchet-style cutters tend to be more accurate than scissor-type. They can cut larger-diameter pipes up to 1 1/2 inches.
• Power miter saws work on all sizes and are the best choice when cutting large quantities of pipe.

Make the cuts as straight as possible to ensure the best possible fit. Here’s how:

• Using a tape measure and a pencil or other writing instrument, mark on the pipe surface where you want to cut.
• Secure the pipe with a vise , clamp, miter box or even duct tape to keep it from shifting out of place while cutting.
• With the pipe secure, slowly draw the hacksaw blade back and forth, making sure that the cut is straight. Reduce speed near completion to provide a clean cut at the end.

Safety Tip: It is unsafe to secure the pipe with just your hand while cutting

Mark the pipe as you would if you were cutting with a hacksaw. Place the pipe inside the jaws of the cutter, making sure that the blade lines up with the mark. 

For scissor-style cutters, apply pressure to the handles and slowly rotate the cutter around the pipe. Making sure the cut is straight, continue to rotate until you cut through the pipe. 

For ratchet-style cutters, arrange the blade over the mark, then squeeze and release the handle. Continue the ratcheting action until the pipe is cut into two pieces.

Mark the pipe. Align the mark under the saw blade at the workbench. Secure the pipe under the miter saw. 

Put on ear protection and eye protection. Activate the saw and slowly bring it down until it cuts through the pipe. Turn off the saw and wait for the blade to stop spinning before removing the pipe. 

Tip: Use a composite material or plastic circular saw blade instead of a standard wood saw blade.

Cutting or sawing pipe leaves rough edges and stray fragments of PVC. Deburring removes the shavings or burrs and leaves a smoother edge. A smoother edge will ensure a better connection during the gluing process.

To prepare the pipes and fittings for connection:

• Deburr each pipe by using a deburring tool or utility knife to remove shavings or other particles. 
• Dry-fit the pipes and fittings to make sure the pipe is sized correctly and does not bend or twist.
• For ABS pipes, remove any ink, oil or dirt with chemical pipe cleaner and allow it to dry.

• Use a dauber to apply an even coat of primer at the end of the pipe and the inside of the fitting. Do not use the same dauber for the cement that you used on the primer. 
• Use the appropriate kind of cement that matches the material and follow the instructions on the package.
• Apply cement to the end of the pipe and inside the fitting.
• After applying cement, quickly push the connectors together with a twist until properly sealed.
• Hold the connected pipes for 30 seconds to ensure that they stick together.
• Wipe away any excess cement with a rag. 

Tip: The types of glue used for cementing the pipes together can vary. Read the label to make sure you choose the correct glue for your pipe and project. 

PVC Pipe Sizes (Schedule 40):

Pipe size: 1/2 inches

Outer diameter: 0.840 inches

Inner diameter: 0.622 inches

Wall thickness: 0.109 inches

Pipe size: 3/4 in.

Outer diameter: 1.050 inches

Inner diameter: 0.824 inches

Wall thickness: 0.113 inches

Pipe size: 1 inch

Outer diameter: 1.315 inches

Inner diameter: 1.049 inches

Wall thickness: 0.133 inches

Pipe size: 1 1/4 inches

Outer diameter: 1.660 inches

Inner diameter: 1.380 inches

Wall thickness: 0.140 inches

Pipe size: 1 1/2 inches

Outer diameter: 1.900 inches

Inner diameter: 1.610 inches

Wall thickness: 0.145 inches

Pipe size: 2 inches

Outer diameter: 2.375 inches

Inner diameter: 2.047 inches

Wall thickness: 0.154 inches