How to cut PVC pipes.

What you’ll need:

• A hacksaw or backsaw
• A scissor-style pipe cutter or tubing cutter
• A ratcheting pipe cutter
• A power miter saw 
• Tape measure
• Pencil or marker
• Clamps
• Safety goggles or other eye protection
• A mask or respirator

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing and using these tools:

A hacksaw (or backsaw) is one of the most common ways to cut a plastic pipe, as almost everybody has this at home. However, they can be time-consuming and create rough edges you need to deburr.

If you want a cutter that performs a clean cut, you can get a scissor-style pipe cutter from your local hardware store. Tubing cutters can only cut PVCs with a smaller diameter of about 1 inch.

A ratcheting pipe cutter is more expensive than tubing cutters but can cut larger-diameter PVC pipes. However, they can cause a little stress on the hands and forearm, especially if cutting several pieces.

If you plan to cut several pieces of PVC pipe, you’ll save a lot of time and energy with a power miter saw. It can cut large quantities of PVC pipe without tiring your hands. You have to know how to operate it safely, however.

Step 1: Measure the area where you will place the pipe.

Be as accurate as possible, so you only need to cut the pipe once. Don’t accidentally cut it too short.

Step 2: Measure the PVC pipe.

Use the tape measure and pencil to measure and mark the pipe. Again, double-check to ensure you're going for the size you want. If you cut too short, you may have to start all over again.

Step 3: Clamp down the pipe to secure it.

Clamp the PVC pipe to a solid surface, like a table. If you’re using a miter box, secure the box itself to the table.

Step 4: Cut with your choice of tool.

How you cut the PVC pipe depends on the PVC pipe cutter you’ll be using.

How to cut PVC pipe using a hacksaw or a backsaw:

• Make sure the adjustment nuts are hand-tight. Don’t over-tighten, and double-check that it isn’t too loose. A loose blade will make the cut wander, resulting in uneven cuts down the pipe’s diameter.
• Create a notch on the pipe with the rear of the hacksaw blade. This notch guides you in moving the saw back and forth to cut the pipe.
• Cut the pipe slowly. With a back-and-forth motion, start sawing the pipe. If you slice too quickly, the saw may wiggle, and you might cut beyond your mark.

How to cut PVC pipe using a scissor-style pipe cutter:

• Insert the pipe into the scissor-style cutter. The mark must be facing up so you can see it.
• Rotate the cutter around the pipe. Grasp the handle tightly, and rotate the tubing cutter around the pipe so you perform a straight cut.

How to cut PVC pipe using a ratcheting pipe cutter:

• Open the handles of the ratcheting pipe cutter. When you do this, the blade will also lift.
• Insert the pipe into the cutter. Slide it between the blade and jaw, ensuring the mark faces up.
• Grasp the handles and press them into the pipe. Do this until the pipe cuts.

How to cut PVC pipe using a power miter saw.

• Clamp down the PVC pipe to the table. Never use your hands, as you could accidentally hurt yourself.
• Pull the switch trigger. Gently bring the miter saw arm down and through to cut the pipe.
• Release the switch trigger. Check that the blade has stopped spinning before you remove the pipe or raise the blade.

Do’s and don’ts of cutting PVC pipe:

Do ensure your safety first before anything else.

Wear your safety gear before cutting your PVC pipe — no matter what cutting tool you use. Wear gloves. Also, put on safety goggles and a mask or respirator to protect yourself from the tiny particles that could come from the pipe as you cut it.

Don’t use wooden tools.

Many people believe you can use tools made for other materials, such as wood, to cut PVC pipes. Wood and PVC, however, have different characteristics, and their tools are unique. Most wood tools have large teeth and thick blades, which could ruin your PVC pipe — resulting in additional work.

Do use a deburring tool to clean the cut edge.

Rough edges can be annoying, create scratches, and make a mess. You can remove the burrs to keep things clean by using any of the three methods below:

• A deburring tool — a tapered cone that spins back and forth inside the pipe to remove the burrs.
• A utility knife — run it along the inside edge of the pipe to remove the burrs.
• Heavy-grade sandpaper — run it along the pipe’s interior, so it loosens the burrs.

Don’t use power tools with static or fixed blades.

When cutting a PVC pipe with power tools, avoid using power cutting tools with static or fixed blades. These kinds of tools require you to move the pipe into the blade. The blade may bounce off the pipe’s curvature, causing injuries or producing undesirable results (like an uneven pipe cut).

Use a power cutting tool where you move the blade toward the pipe, such as a miter saw or (in some cases) jigsaws or circular saws. Always secure the PVC pipe to a surface with hose clamps before cutting it.

Don’t want to DIY? Hire a plumber instead.

It can be challenging to cut PVC pipes when you don’t have the tools or aren’t sure how to use them. If you don’t want to DIY it, you can hire a plumber to do the job for you.

Download the Thumbtack app now to see a list of top-rated plumbing services near you. Start requesting free cost estimates for your project today.