How To Cut PVC Pipe Straight With Sawzall

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is one of the most popular and commonly used materials across the globe because of its low cost, ease of installation, durability, and strength. PVC pipes come in different forms and sizes and you can use various instruments to cut them.

Using a sawzall makes cutting PVC pipe relatively easy and safe. However, cutting it straight can be tricky because the powerful motor of Sawzall vibrates and shakes the pipe. Here is a step-by-step guide you can follow to cut a PVC pipe straight with Sawzall.

Cutting PVC Pipe Straight with Sawzall

Sawzall is the name of Milwaukee’s reciprocating saw lineup. All Sawzall products that Milwaukee offers are basically reciprocating saws. But not all reciprocating saws available in the market are Sawzalls. However, products by many other brands like Ryobi and Dewalt are sometimes also referred to as Sawzall.

You can use the following steps regardless of the product’s brand you’re using.

Materials You’ll Need

• Safety gear to protect your eyes
• Cut Resistant Gloves
• Earbuds for noise
• Sawzall with 10 TPI blade
• PVC pipe
• Tripod vise
• Measuring Tape
• Permanent marker
• Two Hose Clamps (that match your pipe’s width)
• Lubricant

Step 1: Choosing a Sawzall Blade

There is a range of Sawzall blades available in the market and choosing the most suitable one is critical to achieving the best results. You want to avoid using blades that come with very fine teeth as they’ll get clogged while cutting plastic.

Choosing a blade with too few teeth is also not advisable because it’ll increase the risk of shattering your PVC pipe. Ideally, you should choose a Sawzall blade that offers 10 TPI (Teeth Per Inch). Not only will it reduce vibration but it’ll also allow you to cut the pipe precisely.

Using a combination Wood/Metal Sawzall blade will allow you to cut PVC pipes straight to achieve the desired results. I recommend you change your Sawzall blade if you don’t have the one with 10 -14 TPI or the quality is not satisfactory.

Step 2: Take Measurements

Take the measurements using your measuring tape. Mark the surface of the PVC pipe using the permanent marker. You don’t need to mark the entire circumference of the pipe, just a little dot will do the job.

Step 3: Secure Hose Clamps

Add the hose clamps to the pipe and tighten them up in a way so that you can see the marked surface of the pipe between them. You’ll also need to make sure that there is enough space between the two steel bands for the Sawzall blade to run.

Step 4: Take Safety Measures

It’s important to keep an eye on your hands while cutting the PVC pipe using Sawzall. Wearing cut-resistant gloves is a wise precaution. It’ll mitigate the risk of injuring your hands accidentally.

Small plastic pieces can be discharged during the cutting process. So, you should also wear goggles or safety glasses to protect your eyes.

Step 5: Apply Lubricant

Before you start the cutting process, apply lubricant to the pipe. It’ll allow you to lower the friction for a smooth cutting experience.

Step 6: Secure PVC Pipe

Secure your PVC pipe in a tripod vise properly. You can also use additional clamps to attach it to a solid surface if you want. It’s a crucial step to ensure a straight and precise cut. You don’t want your pipe to move around while you’re cutting.

Step 7: Start Sawzall

Once your pipe is in place, start your Sawzall and press its foot against the PVC pipe. The vibration of the saw will decrease as soon as it touches the pipe, but you’ll need to maintain the pressure throughout the cutting process.

Using a reci sawzall is relatively easy, but pay attention to be safe.

Step 8: Start Cutting

Pull your Sawzall’s trigger gently to make a small cut in the pipe. Starting the process this way will allow you not to lose control and make a straight and precise cut with your reciprocating saw. 

After making a small cut, place your saw on it and pull the trigger again with full force to speed up the process. Keep your arm open and steady and maintain a safe distance while you’re cutting.

If you’re in the market for a better saw for these kinds of projects, read my reciprocating saw reviews.

Step 9: Finish the Process

The Sawzall will cut your PVC pipe within a matter of seconds. Pick up the pipe and remove the hose clamps. Make sure that you deburr the pipe’s edges before using it for your project. Otherwise, the burrs will stop the pipe from having perfect fit and it’ll increase the chances of a leak.

You can use a utility knife for this purpose. Run it over the uneven edges of the pipe to smooth them out. In order to achieve an even finer finish, consider using sandpaper to make sure that the edges are perfectly straight. Clean the pipe using a dry cloth once you’re done deburring.

Note: Never use a ratchet cutter to compress a PVC pipe, especially during cold conditions. It’ll increase the danger of breaking the plastic. That’s why using Sawzall with a fine-toothed bladed (10 TPI) to cut a PVC pipe is the best method.

You can also use a circular saw to cut PVC pipe if you have one.

Tips of Using Sawzall to Cut PVC Pipe

Make sure that you carefully follow each step and keep the following tips in mind if you want to achieve the best results. 

• Press the Sawzall blade guard firmly against your PVC pipe to minimize vibration. 
• Examine your gear before starting the cutting process and change the ones that are damaged or unsatisfactory. 
• Maintain a well-balanced position to keep things in control.
• Take an extra second to verify your blade’s angle. Realigning the blade during the cutting process will be difficult. 
• Don’t wear loose clothes, remove jewelry, and confine long hair. 

If you’re looking for a good reci saw, read my review on the Makita JR3051t.

FAQs

Final Words

Sawzall is a powerful tool that you can use to make precision cuts on different surfaces. But using the right course of action is important to ensure your safety and achieve the desired results.

To cut PVC pipe using Sawzall, you need to mark the surface and add hose clamps. Then simply run the Sawzall between the metal bands after applying the lubricant to achieve a straight cut. This way, you won’t need to spend a whole lot of time cutting and cleaning.