Safely Cutting Metal Pipe

Metal pipe is used more than any other kind of pipe in water distribution systems. 

When you are installing new pipe or repairing existing pipe, you may need to cut a section of metal pipe. This can be done using a target saw or a nonabrasive cutting tool. (A cutting tool is not as effective for ductile-iron pipe.) 

Both types of cutting operations involve some hazards, which can be reduced if you remember the following  

If the section of pipe is not in service, chock each side of the pipe before cutting it to keep the pipe from rolling. 

Before cutting the pipe, check the saw blade to be sure it is designed to cut metal pipe and that the rpm (revolutions per minute) rating on the blade is con atible with the saw specifications. 

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