cutting pvc pipe

does anybody have any tricks to cut pvc square i have pvc cement does anybody know if i need primer i only have a hacksaw

 

Hacksaw is fine and probably the safest way to cut it by saw. I've had it shatter and explode cutting it on my compound miter saw. Just keep the blade as square with the end of the pipe as you can. Don't tilt your hand to one side or the other or the blade will stress and take the cut path out of square.

 

I have one of these that I had purchased while doing my backyard landscaping works like a charm

RIDGID PC1375 PVC and Tube Cutter - 23493 at The Home Depot

 

i guess i dont have a steady hand maybe next time ill ask the store to cut it

 

It doesn't have to be exactly square, just a nice clean cut and glue is all you'll need. Buy a cheap pair of hand pvc cutters not ratcheting prob around 12 bucks or so. Place cutters around pipe and squeeze until your making contact with the pvc and then twist the cutter while applying pressure. It will slice right through it this way. Then roll your glue around the pvc once or twice and place in fitting and give it a quarter twist...hold 10 seconds and move on.

 

thanks i like the bulk reef supply method

 

I see I just watched that video on there website for cutting pvc, I do irrigation for a living and have for close 15 years. Most jobs are between 50 to 100 psi and way more than youll find under your tank, if I went to those lengths on every cut I would never get jobs done lol. I've never encountered a pvc leak from a joint after doing exactly what I said. If you evenly distribute the glue around the pvc and give it a quarter turn and hold it will bond. That glue is called weldon for a reason, it doesn't glue the pipe together it welds it and makes the two pieces one. After around 15 minutes of set up time its good to 120psi.

 

use clean it makes a better bond. Just using glue alone with age the joint can be twisted apart.

 

I use something similiar to the link above - no need for these cuts to be square. just get all the shoavings off if you use a hacksaw.

As for primer, yes - use it as it's a good idea. It's not 100% necessary but if you are doing it you might as well do it right. It will clean up the plastic and get it ready to be chemically bonded.

 

Yes use primer. Most people and companies call it primers but the 'primer' is actually more of a cleaner. PVC is produced with a protective film layer on its outside/inside edges. Without chemically removing this film you might not potentially get a good solid seal and drips and leaks down the road.