How To Cut A PVC Pipe Without a Saw (Step by Step Guide)

PVC pipe has become an extremely popular material in the home improvement space. It has expanded far beyond its original use in underground wiring, plumbing, and sewer systems. Today, you can create all sorts of unique and functional elements using PVC pipe, from cord collectors to wine racks and even furniture!

Whether you use PVC for its intended purpose or you’re creating a masterpiece, you probably want to cut the pipe. If you don’t have a saw handy, you can still cut the PVC pipe using several other methods. The easiest is with a PVC pipe-cutter, the hardest is with a drill, but you can also use string. Yep, string.

If you’re about to tackle a project involving PVC and you don’t have a saw, no problem! You can press on with your task and get it done!

Some of the best ways to cut PVC pipe are with a handsaw or electric miter saw; these tools give clean, accurate cuts. However, if you don’t have a saw, you can use a PVC pipe cutter.

You can pick up this tool at any home improvement store for anywhere from about $15 to $100 depending on the quality and size of the device.

PVC cutters are specifically designed for cutting PVC tubing and make the process much easier on your hands. Although not technically a saw, cutters still include a blade, so what do you do if you have no blades?

You can use a piece of string to cut through PVC pipe; it’s a variation on your basic cable saw. When you use string, you rely on friction to do the cutting for you. As you move the string across the pipe, the friction creates heat which starts to melt through the PVC.

There are certain scenarios where string might be your cutting method of choice, even if you have a saw. For example, when PVC is in awkward positions like in the ground or close to other pipes or walls, a string will work better than a saw or cutters.

In cases like this, you can get the string into position without too much extra fuss. You won’t have to dig or move as much around as if you were using a saw.

First, prepare your PVC pipe by measuring and marking where you need to cut. It’s important to provide a resting place for your string. Place the clamp on the PVC pipe along your cutting mark.

The clamp gives the string a barrier that keeps the string from sliding around on the pipe. For a string to cut PVC effectively, it needs to remain in the same position.

For extra string support, you can use the utility knife to create a small groove for your string. This notch gives your string the perfect starting point. It will make double sure that your string cuts in the same place the whole time.

The string technique works well, but there is another way to cut your PVC without a saw. You can use a drill and basic utility knife.

Mark and measure your PVC, and use the drill to create small holes along your cut line. Then use the utility knife to cut between the holes.

This method of cutting PVC is fairly tedious and time-consuming, and it is not the best for larger diameter pipes. It is still difficult to cut through thick plastic with a simple hobby knife.

Related Questions

Can you cut any size PVC pipe with string?

You can use the string method to cut small and large PVC pipe, just make sure to cut your string accordingly. 

Can cotton string be used to cut PVC?

When using string to cut PVC, nylon or butcher’s twine works well. You can use a braided cotton string, but it is more likely to break. 

How long does it take to cut a PVC pipe with string?

It takes about 20 seconds to cut through a piece of 1 1/2” PVC. Obviously, the larger the diameter of the pipe, the longer it will take to cut. Plus, the more practice you get, the faster you will get. 

What other tools are used to cut PVC pipe?

In addition to PVC cutters, PVC pipe is commonly cut with a variety of saws. You can cut PVC with miter saws, handsaws, hacksaws, cable saws, and rotary saws. There are also internal rotary saws that cut pipes from the inside. The best tool for the job depends on the size of the pipe, its location, and how secure the pipe is.