Bests Hacks for Nailing the Cuts on Your Copper Pipes

Copper is one of the popular materials used for piping in homes and commercial facilities. It works well in different plumbing setups, allowing you to supply both hot and cold water without worrying about the piping's integrity. Additionally, copper can connect to various appliances such as taps, radiators and showers to help you make the most of your water supply and HVAC units. For proper installation, you need to cut your copper pipes to the appropriate size so that they can fit your installation needs. Read the following piece to learn all the life hacks for cutting copper pipes: 

Cutting Copper With a Hacksaw

The hacksaw probably quickly comes to mind when you think about cutting most metals, including copper. It is particularly handy for do-it-yourself projects that you can handle with no need of involving a professional technician. Sadly, copper is quite soft and the hacksaw might not give you the best outcome. You need a few tips to get it right. 

First, measure the section you want to cut and mark it. Wrap a firm piece of cardboard to lineup the edge you want to cut, which acts as a guide for a straight cutting line. Next, make sure you have the right blade size for the job. A thirty-two-teeth per inch blade should suffice. Move the saw gently over the copper pipe, using the cardboard's edge as a guide. 

Cutting Copper With a Pipe Cutter

Hacksaws may suffice for your cutting needs, but they come with several limitations. For instance, they leave rough edges that can inhibit good quality joints when joining two or more pipes. A pipe cutter is your next best alternative. It comes with hardened steel components that sandwich the copper pipe during the cutting process. The objective is to limit the vibrations generated when cutting, ensuring that the cut sections have smooth edges. 

When using a pipe cutter, the tool sits over the copper pipe with its roller and cutting wheel overlapping over the pipe. A special knob rotates clockwise to actuate the cutting wheel upwards until it grips the pipe firmly. After that, the cutter rotates over three-hundred and sixty degrees to score the pipe and make a smooth incision. The knob tightens further to allow the cutter to dig deeper into the pipe until the unwanted piece falls off. Certainly, using a pipe cutter is better because it leaves the edges clean and free of excess burr that roughens the edges.

Contact a local copper cutting service to learn more.