
- Mark the copper pipe where you want to cut it. ...
- Up against the copper pipe, place a mini-hacksaw. ...
- When the mini-hacksaw is almost all the way through, use one hand to hold the piece of copper pipe steady. ...
- Once the copper pipe has been cut through, remove the cut section. ...
- Before cutting through the copper pipe, make sure your mini-hacksaw blade is sharp. ...
How to cut copper pipes in small or tight spaces?
To cut a copper pipe using a pipe slice, follow the steps below:
- As pipe slices are so easy to use you don’t need to clamp your work up but if you feel you need to, go ahead. ...
- If you know the size (diameter) of the pipe you need to cut select the correct sized pipe slice. ...
- Slip your pipe slice over your copper pipe ensuring that the cutting wheel is over the exact spot you want to make your cut. ...
Can you use a hacksaw to cut copper pipe?
Use a hacksaw with a small gap between its teeth so it cuts cleanly through the copper pipe. Look for a hacksaw with a 32-TPI blade since it has the shortest distance between the teeth. If the gap between the teeth is too large, the hacksaw will snag on the pipe.
How to cut copper pipe with a hacksaw?
How to Cut Copper Pipe Against a Wall
- Mark out the copper pipe at the desired cut location. To ensure a straight cut through the pipe, mark the pipe around its entire circumference.
- Place a mini-hacksaw up against the copper pipe. Slowly push and pull the hacksaw along the copper pipe.
- Hold the piece of copper pipe steady with one hand when the mini-hacksaw is almost all the way through.
How to cut copper pipe close to wall?
What You'll Need
- Pipe cutter – Since you will need to cut a lot of pipes during the process, a pipe cutter is essential for the job.
- Propane torch – In some cases, a little help from a propane torch will be required.
- A drill – This job requires a lot of drilling since the pipes are usually behind a wall.
What is the best tool to cut copper pipe?
What is a copper pipe cutter?
How much does a Milwaukee M12 copper cutter cost?
What size key for copper tubing?
Can reciprocating saws cut straight?
Can you use a copper pipe cleaner to solder under a sink?
Can you use a circular saw for pipe cutting?
See 2 more

What is the best tool to cut copper pipe?
A copper tubing cutter (also called an autocut tubing cutter for some reason) is the best way we know how to work in close quarters. It ensures a straight, even cut and doesn't deform the shape of the pipe. These cutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
What can I use to cut a copper pipe?
Copper pipe can be cut using a tubing cutter or hacksaw. Most copper in the home is found in the installation of copper water supply pipes, usually either 1/2 or 3/4 inch in diameter. Before joining the pipe sections together, the pipes are cut to length.
What is the fastest way to cut copper pipe?
0:072:26The Easiest Way To Cut Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd snug down the cutting wheel onto the pipe. With this adjustment knob slowly rotate the tubeMoreAnd snug down the cutting wheel onto the pipe. With this adjustment knob slowly rotate the tube cutter around the pipe or rotate just the pipe until it completes the cut.
How do you cut copper pipe without a cutter?
Using a Hacksaw One of the most obvious “go-to” tools for cutting copper pipe and most other metals for that matter is the hacksaw as it is cheap and in most cases even if you are only an occasional DIY'er you will have one knocking around in the garage or shed somewhere so this is an obvious choice.
Is copper easy to cut?
Copper Sheets Available in thicknesses up to 0.254 millimeters (0.010 inches), this material is easily cut by any of our cutters, knives, or scissors.
Can I use a grinder to cut copper pipe?
Cutting Copper - Here's how: To cut copper sheets, cut along the marked line using metal shears. However, you may need to use an angle grinder if the sheet is thicker.
Can you cut copper pipe with a jigsaw?
Jigsaw: Fitted with the right blade, a jigsaw can cut nearly any plumbing pipe up to about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A wood-cutting blade easily cuts plastic pipe; use metal-cutting blades (and a slow saw speed) when cutting copper or other metals.
How do you cut copper pipe with a hacksaw?
Use a hacksaw with a small gap between its teeth so it cuts cleanly through the copper pipe. Look for a hacksaw with a 32-TPI blade since it has the shortest distance between the teeth. If the gap between the teeth is too large, the hacksaw will snag on the pipe.
How do you cut copper pipes in tight spaces?
1:263:29How To Cut Copper Pipe In Tight Spaces - Fast & Easy! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what you want to do is you want to actually turn it first clockwise. And make sure that it's it'sMoreSo what you want to do is you want to actually turn it first clockwise. And make sure that it's it's a you know your it'll mark it'll put a real light mark on the copper.
How do you cut copper pipes around the wall?
A mini hacksaw is the best copper pipe cutter for tight spaces. Begin sawing back and forth slowly on the side of the pipe furthest from the wall. As you continue to cut, be careful not to damage the wall behind the pipe. Don't use too much pressure but you'll need enough for the saw to cut through the copper.
How do you cut a large diameter copper pipe?
5:4326:52How to Cut Copper Tubing / the easy way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAll right guys these are the tubing cutters that i currently use in my everyday plumbing. Practice iMoreAll right guys these are the tubing cutters that i currently use in my everyday plumbing. Practice i have been using this number 10 cutter for as long as i can. Remember. It's an all staple it's
How do I connect copper pipe without soldering?
0:001:03Connect Copper Pipe Without Solder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLooking for an easy way to join solid copper together and you don't like to solder you don't knowMoreLooking for an easy way to join solid copper together and you don't like to solder you don't know how to these new push fit fittings are an excellent way to join copper.
How do you cut copper pipe with a hacksaw?
Use a hacksaw with a small gap between its teeth so it cuts cleanly through the copper pipe. Look for a hacksaw with a 32-TPI blade since it has the shortest distance between the teeth. If the gap between the teeth is too large, the hacksaw will snag on the pipe.
Can I use a jigsaw to cut copper pipe?
Jigsaw: Fitted with the right blade, a jigsaw can cut nearly any plumbing pipe up to about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A wood-cutting blade easily cuts plastic pipe; use metal-cutting blades (and a slow saw speed) when cutting copper or other metals.
How do you cut copper pipes next to a wall?
A mini hacksaw is the best copper pipe cutter for tight spaces. Begin sawing back and forth slowly on the side of the pipe furthest from the wall. As you continue to cut, be careful not to damage the wall behind the pipe. Don't use too much pressure but you'll need enough for the saw to cut through the copper.
Will a PVC pipe cutter cut copper?
0:536:45How to Use a Pipe Cutter on PVC Pipe and Copper Pipe ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLet's do it on this copper pipe it's actually really easy to cut piper or copper. You put the pipeMoreLet's do it on this copper pipe it's actually really easy to cut piper or copper. You put the pipe inside. And then tighten it up the little pipe cutter this one's a cobalt pipe cutter.
How to cut copper pipe in tight space?
1. Select an autocut tool. If you're cutting copper pipe in a tight space (such as up against a corner), use an autocut tool . Measure the diameter of the pipe you want to cut and purchase an autocut tool for that exact size. Autocut tools are spring loaded so you won't be able to adjust the size of the cut.
How to cut copper pipe with auto cut tool?
Clamp the autocut tool onto the copper pipe. Set the pipe into the center of the autocut tool where you'd like to make the cut. Secure the gray clamp down onto the pipe. The pipe should not be able to wiggle or slide out of the tool.
How to cut a pipe with a hacksaw?
Saw firmly into the pipe. Move the blade firmly across the pipe and lift it up as you bring the hacksaw back towards you. Set the blade back into the grove you've begun cutting and continue to push the saw blade into the pipe until the cut piece falls off.
How to clean copper pipe?
Clean the cut copper pipe. Use a 4-in-1 cleaning tool to clean the cut pipe of any metal debris. Use the ends of the tool to brush inside the end of the pipe and place the center circle of the tool around the pipe itself. Rub the tool around the end so the metal bristles of the tool can brush and clean the pipe.
How to keep a pipe cutter on the same track?
Watch the blade to ensure that it's cutting into the same line and not spiraling down the pipe. Use the small knob on the base of the tool to tighten the cutter as you go. This will keep the blade on the same track.
What is tubing cutter?
The tubing cutter acts like a vise to hold the pipe to the blade that's in the tool.
What to do if pipe doesn't snap off?
If the pipe doesn't easily snap off, use the tubing cutter to make a clean cut through the pipe.
How to cut copper pipe?
Using a Pipe Cutter 1 Position your copper pipe in the pipe cutter and tighten the blade just enough so it is snug—any tighter and you may bend the pipe. 2 Once it’s snug, give your pipe a couple of turns within the tool’s grasp. Pull out the pipe to inspect it, and you should see a groove cut around its circumference. 3 Slide the pipe through the pipe cutter so the groove aligns with the blade, and tighten it once more until it’s just snug. 4 Twist until your pipe is cut.
What is the best tool to cut copper pipe?
Cutting copper pipe with a tool built expressly for that purpose—a pipe cutter —is an easy, exact, and complication-free process. Here’s an example of such a tool on Amazon. One caveat: Pipe cutters recommended primarily for pipes of larger diameters. For small-diameter copper pipe, which can be soft and pinchable, stick to the pipe slice method described later.
What is a pipe slice?
A pipe slice will get the job done without pinching or complications, even more easily than the pipe cutter. The pipe slice’s blade is spring-loaded; slip it around your pipe, and it automatically determines how much to tighten for a clean cut so all you’ll need to concentrate on is twisting the pipe within its grip.
How to inspect a pipe?
Once it’s snug, give your pipe a couple of turns within the tool’s grasp. Pull out the pipe to inspect it, and you should see a groove cut around its circumference.
What happens if you saw a pipe?
In plumbing, if the pipe is affixed to other plumbing when you’re sawing, the excess movement can result in future joint failure. If you’re not working on plumbing, a little movement is not so much of a problem, but it’s undeniably grunt work. Brace the pipe securely and saw it as you would anything else.
Do you need to clean copper tubing after cutting?
Although much less important for most plumbing jobs, copper tubing destined to brighten a DIY home accent may need a cleaning after cuts have been made. If you forgot to don gloves before beginning your copper project, you’ll probably find that your fingerprints stained the metal surface.
Can you use a burr remover on a pipe cutter?
When you’re done, use the pipe cutter’s built-in burr removal tool to shave any burrs or raised lips left on the inside of the pipe, as those would inhibit smooth water passage. No burr remover on your pipe cutter? A round file worked around the interior of the pipe will do the trick.
How to rotate a copper pipe cutter?
With the cutter wheel touching the pipe, rotate the pipe cutter completely around the copper pipe 360°.
How to mark a pipe?
Measure the desired length of pipe and mark it. To mark accurately in a straight line, you can roll cardboard or heavy paper around the pipe and mark your line along the edge .
What to do if pipe is not stationary?
Clamp your pipe into position if it is not stationary.
How to score pipe with hacksaw?
Using your hacksaw, position its blade onto the cut line. Push gently in a forward and backward motion to score the pipe . The score groove will help the blade remain correctly positioned during cutting.
What is copper used for?
It is most often used for the supply of water, hot and cold, to showers, sink faucets, radiators, and centralized heating systems.
How to remove burrs from a cut edge?
Using a file or sandpaper smooth the cut edge to remove burrs or rough spots.
Can you cut copper pipes?
If you need to substitute copper piping in your home or on your property at some point, it will require cutting. Is cutting through copper pipes easy? Here are the principal tools and methods used when cutting copper pipes.
How to cut copper pipe?
A pipe cutter makes cutting copper pipe easy. Simply hand tighten the pipe cutter onto the mark where you want to trim the pipe. Rotate the cutter around a couple of times to create a groove around the outside, and then each time you rotate the cutter, tighten the blade a little. Each rotation will cut a little deeper into the pipe, ...
How to clean a pipe fitting?
First, cut the pipe to length and remove any burrs. Since any debris can interfere with the joining process, you'll want to clean the end of the pipe that will be inserted into the fitting using a piece of emery cloth or some steel wool. Clean the inside and outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting as well .
What is the tool used to flaring a pipe?
Flaring the end of a pipe requires a special two-piece tool called a flaring tool. One piece holds the end of the pipe in place. The other piece is essentially a rod, called a compression cone, that is slightly wider than the pipe. This cone is pushed into the open end of the pipe, forcing it back and forming the lip on the end of the pipe.
What happens if a pipe is hot enough to solder?
If the joint is hot enough, the solder will melt and literally be sucked into the tiny seam.
How to remove burrs from a pipe?
After cutting, remove any burrs inside the pipe with the burr removal tool built into regular pipe cutters ( or you could use a round file). You want to remove all the burrs because they will cause water passing through the pipe to swirl and make noise if you leave them.
How far from the tip of a pipe should you bend to solder?
Before you start to solder anything, unroll about 12 inches of solder off the roll and then make a right angle bend about three inches from the tip. This will make it easier to apply the solder to the hot fitting, particularly on the backside of the pipe.
Can you work with copper pipe?
There you have it—a quick primer on working with copper pipe. Since virtually any time you need to work on plumbing you're going to bump into copper pipe, knowing something about it and understanding the techniques to work with it will make your plumbing projects much easier.
How to use a tubing cutter to cut copper pipe?
Secure the tubing cutter to the copper pipe: You should operate the handle to open the tubing cutter’s jaws. Then fixed the pipe into the jaws where you would wish to cut. Rotate the handle to constrict the jaws firmly against the pipe. The tubing cutter worked like a vise to grasp the copper pipe to the blade in the tool.
How to cut copper pipe in tight space?
The pipe slice is pushed onto the pipe within the correct place and is just turned. As you switch, the wheel cuts into the pipe, and therefore the spring applies only enough pressure to push it during a tiny bit more. Keep turning, and the slice keeps cutting, and seconds later, the operation is complete. Once again, the pipe’s top is neatly cut with no need for files or steel wool.
What happens if you have a rough edge on a copper pipe?
For plumbing purposes, you must always end with excluding burrs or any raised edge inside the tube. If not dismissed, these burrs could cause water flowing through the copper pipes to swish, building high sound as water travels through the tube. The rough inward edges could cause lead to pipe pitting and attrition that may turn into loophole seepage. It would help if you took the time to sand down the rough edge now. After employed with a rough edge, your tubes will operate effortlessly for upcoming years.
How to score copper pipe?
Score the pipe lightly: You should grasp the copper pipe with one hand to spin the handle around the copper pipe once or twice. There will create a faint line around the copper pipe created by the blade cutting lightly into the pipe.
What is copper pipe?
Copper pipe is cover up with rich color, texture, sheen and effective for patina; this metal carries eccentric to any project and looks different in everything from furniture legs to lighting fixtures. No matter how you expect to utilize this stylish material, you can cut properly to make the desired shape.
How to fix a tarnished copper pipe?
Hopefully, the fix is normal-You should put a coat of Ketchup or Heinz A1 Steak Sauce over the copper pipe, then exit it for a while and clean it with a dry towel or paper towel. The acidic spice quality will take the tarnish right off. Buff with a fair microfiber cloth, then rinse, dry, and esteem your glossy new copper accent.
Can copper tubing be cleaned?
Copper tubing intended to lighten a DIY project emphasize may need cleanup after cuts despite much less significant for most plumbing tasks. If you neglected to don gloves before inception your copper project, you would probably find that your fingerprints spotted the metal surface.
How to Cut Copper Pipe Close to Wall
When a close-quarter copper pipe fails or breaks, you should replace it with a new and resilient fitting.
Step-by-Step Procedure
To cut copper pipe that runs close to a wall, there are four up-front steps involved
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Copper pipes that lie close to the wall need a specialized tool to cut. The auto-cut tool is the best alternative handy tool. However, you can use an oscillating multi-tool or an angle grinder if you do not have the auto-cut tool for copper pipes.
Conclusion
Cutting a copper pipe that is close to the wall is easy if you are using the correct tool and if you have the precise step-by-step guide.
What is the best tool to cut copper pipe?
Some of the best oscillating multi-tools include vibration control that gives them lots of control. Since many of them also use battery power, this makes them a new go-to power tool for cutting copper pipe. Oscillating multi-tools cut best with finer-toothed metal blades. The idea is that you can get in close and even flush cut to a wall.
What is a copper pipe cutter?
A copper tubing cutter (also called an autocut tubing cutter for some reason) is the best way we know how to work in close quarters. It ensures a straight, even cut and doesn’t deform the shape of the pipe. These cutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They range from truly small tools like the Milwaukee 1-inch copper pipe cutter ...
How much does a Milwaukee M12 copper cutter cost?
The Milwaukee M12 copper tubing cutter remains one of the most innovative products we’ve ever seen. This $199 kit lets you quickly and easily get in close and cut copper piping with zero effort. If you can hold the cordless copper tubing cutter in place, you can cut copper.
What size key for copper tubing?
The key sizes fall between 1/2-inch and 1-inch, however. You can get copper tubing cutters that can access both narrow, crowded areas as well as spaces where you may be able to utilize more leverage. Plan on having several styles and sizes just in case (you can also find kits).
Can reciprocating saws cut straight?
While you can get a nice short metal blade for making these cuts, they rarely cut straight. Often leaving an angled cut, reciprocating saws really tend to make a mess of copper tubing. We find it far easier to control an oscillating multi-tool if you feel you must get in there with a powered saw.
Can you use a copper pipe cleaner to solder under a sink?
If you have one, and you don’t need to access the pipe in place or underneath the sink, the tool works great. Just ream the pipe or use a copper pipe cleaner before you do any soldering.
Can you use a circular saw for pipe cutting?
It also should go without saying that we don’t recommend the use of any circular saws or miter saws for this type of cutting. While technically possible for prep work, other tools (like that Milwaukee M12 pipe cutting tool) do a much better job.
