1 1/4 copper pipe cutter for tight space

[branimal]

I need to cut behind the boiler to install a ball valve and drain . I don't have a lot of swing back there b/c of the concrete. And I don't want to trench anymore back there.

Can anyone recommend a tube cutter with 1 1/4" capacity that won't break the bank. I don't want to buy a powered cutter. Just need to make a couple cuts.

Here's a pic - note I have to cut further back than the picture.

 

[mike93lx]

Do you have an oscillating multi tool?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Exhaust tubing cutter. Has a bunch of circular cutters on a chain.

 

[willf650]

I’d just bust out a sawzall with a fine tooth blade. No reason to buy a new tool.

You also don’t look like you have the space to swing a tubing cutter that will do 1 1/4”. At least none that I’ve ever seen. The “Imp” style tubing cutters I’ve had are only sized for 1/2” or 3/4” but think they make one that will do 1”

 

[Prairiedawg]

This one will work. It goes to 1-1/8" but there's a stop that can be removed and it can open wider. I think I have done as wide as 1-5/8 with it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/IMPERIAL-3-8-in-to-1-1-8-in-10-mm-to-28-mm-O-D-Tubing-Big-Tube-Cutter-174-F/333128018?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&fp=ggl&srsltid=AfmBOopnX4iM1fBpWR-em_eAcM3sBrkmgis6RnfFzSbMC4Il-0zAFLDODIw

A dremel tool with a cutting wheel will easily go right through the copper though. That has all kind sof uses.

 

[branimal]

This one will work. It goes to 1-1/8" but there's a stop that can be removed and it can open wider. I think I have done as wide as 1-5/8 with it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/IMPERIAL-3-8-in-to-1-1-8-in-10-mm-to-28-mm-O-D-Tubing-Big-Tube-Cutter-174-F/333128018?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&fp=ggl&srsltid=AfmBOopnX4iM1fBpWR-em_eAcM3sBrkmgis6RnfFzSbMC4Il-0zAFLDODIw

I have a similar Ridgid cutter. I'll see if there's a removable stop.

 

[T45]

Take a look at this one also...[ETA updated link]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-1-4-in-to-1-3-8-in-Model-35S-Stainless-Steel-Tubing-Cutter-with-Quick-Cutting-X-CEL-Knob-Contoured-Frame-Tubing-Tool-29963/303203847

 

[KnurledNut]

If I was on that job secularly, I would use the Rothenberger cutter I keep in my plumbing kit. The nice thing about this design is the cutter retracts into the handle so it stays the same size regardless of pipe diameter being cut unlike the Ridgid style shown above. Mine looks like this, but they offer several different styles:


Keep in mind copper pipe is sized by inside diameter. Judging by the stated O.D. that should be 1" pipe.
There are lots of close quarters cutters available in that size.
I have some the C-style auto cutters like below but I try to avoid them unless absolutely nothing else will work:

 

[neophyte]

An oscillating tool with a fine toothed metal blade can easily cut copper pipe, just try to make the cut mostly straight. (If you have an oscillating cutter like a Fein Multimaster).

A hacksaw blade could be used in a pinch, although would likely be awkward depending on the layout of the confined space.

Ratcheting tubing cutters are also a thing, and are old enough of a design to be out of patent protection.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I replied once before, this time I'm adding a picture of an exhaust tube cutter. Tell me why this wouldn't work?

 

[mike93lx]

I replied once before, this time I'm adding a picture of an exhaust tube cutter. Tell me why this wouldn't work?

I bet that wouldn't work well on something so small diameter. Certainly wouldn't make sense to buy one for this purpose

 

[pcmeiners]

I’d just bust out a sawzall with a fine tooth blade. No reason to buy a new tool.

Agree about using a Sawzall but it sacrilegious to use the words "no reason to buy new tool"
.....there is always a reason.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I bet that wouldn't work well on something so small diameter. Certainly wouldn't make sense to buy one for this purpose

They are adjustable but you may be right re; diameter.
But no need? This is GJ, when have we ever let need justify tool purchases... Lol

 

[drmarkr]

Agree with above....all jobs dictate at least one new tool.

Kidding aside, I will admit that my M12 tubing cutter is clearly the LEAST used of my entire M12 arsenal. But when you need it, it is *really* nice to grab it, pop a battery in, and have the cut made in about 60 seconds total time.

 

[LXCam]

https://www.acmetools.com/milwaukee-m12-cordless-copper-tubing-cutter-bare-tool-2471-20/045242158577.html?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22235510819&gbraid=0AAAAADub60uknUZjDRyn6TJRKXdJSNHEL&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIz_PD2JbrkgMVvypECB0YPS_UEAQYFSABEgKrNvD_BwE

 

[LopezBart]

One of these has worked for me in the past if there was sufficient room.

 

[The Cobbler]

sawzall or hack saw with fine blade . dremel tool or something with a drum sanding disc to clean up the burrs

 

[The Cobbler]

looking closer at the picture, can you sweat off the 90° put your valve on there , then turn it down with the 90. cut back the steel pipe in the floor & reconnect with a fernco coupling?

 

[willf650]

looking closer at the picture, can you sweat off the 90° put your valve on there , then turn it down with the 90. cut back the steel pipe in the floor & reconnect with a fernco coupling?

Ferncos are only for drain lines. Not for anything with pressure nor temperature.

My only question would be he says 1 1/4” so it the pipe 1 1/4” pipe size or is he talking 1 1/4” diameter.

1 1/4” is a common pipe size that would be an 1 3/8” OD in copper.

If he means he measured it at an 1 1/4” OD it’s probably 1” copper which would be 1 1/8” OD. They do make close quarter tubing cutters that will do 1” copper.

Still say bust out the sawzall.

 

[The Cobbler]

Ferncos are only for drain lines

I believe this is a drain line>?

 

[willf650]

I believe this is a drain line>?

He mentions a boiler and he wants to install a drain valve. I assume he wants a low point drain here for a reason.

I've never seen a drain run in black steel pipe as pictured but I can be wrong. You used to see drains in galvanized but that doesn't look like galvanized. Also that copper 90 is a pressure fitting. Back in the day they did make DWV copper fittings and they had a longer radius and the solder cups were about 1/3 the depth of a regular copper fitting.

Winded response but I've been day drinking.

 

[KnurledNut]

He mentions a boiler and he wants to install a drain valve. I assume he wants a low point drain here for a reason.

I've never seen a drain run in black steel pipe as pictured but I can be wrong. You used to see drains in galvanized but that doesn't look like galvanized. Also that copper 90 is a pressure fitting. Back in the day they did make DWV copper fittings and they had a longer radius and the solder cups were about 1/3 the depth of a regular copper fitting.

Winded response but I've been day drinking.

I've worked on 3.5" copper sewer lines. One of the locations I service still have old 1-1/4 copper drain lines. I've also worked with residential hot water heating systems and radiators that used large size copper lines.
I've replaced old iron pipe drains that were completely corroded and no water would go through.
Working on old plumbing is a never ending adventure and a great learning experience!

 

[Aileron]

I wouldnt buy a cutter, I'd use a sawall or if thats too tight a electric body saw. Its copper. It will clean and file. Once its sweated on, no one will ever see if the cut is not exactly square. I'm asumimg its only a drain or a blow down drain since it isnt insulated and runs down into black iron.

 

[branimal]

its a wet return for a steam boiler. im replacing the entire line. 1 1/4" TYpe L copper pipe. 1 3/8 OD. Not a lot of pressure, but the line will be full of water 24/7/365.

I ordered the cutter @Prairiedawg listed. It won't get here till next week. (Hopefully its still modifiable). In the mean time I might just use a hacksaw. I have a few laying around. Or I can wait to do that section.

these wet returns were done 100 years ago in black iron. laid right down on the slab. corrosion everywhere. Only one leak I can see surprisingly.

IF i wanted to get a fancy close quarters tube cutter i'd order this: https://www.grainger.com/product/42...R3YzaiLrdnss9lm0gzrhcCRbxjm220IBoCO6gQAvD_BwE