How to break welds? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Hg · 05-04-2002, 03:27 PM

How would I break a weld that is about and inch or so long on exhaust pipe? I'd really like to not have to cut the pipe if at all possible. Would I just kinda take a saw and cut through the weld? Or take a screwdriver and hammer and chip at it? Any ideas? Thanks.

fahq · 05-04-2002, 04:35 PM

I would probably use a hand grinder or a die grinder with a cutoff wheel to grind the weld away. You might have problems with a hack saw blade because the weld might be harder than the blade.

Hg · 05-04-2002, 05:00 PM

dremel maybe???

Ray87Z · 05-04-2002, 10:44 PM

I'm about to find out, gotta cut the weld on my cat/y-pipe so I can get the bastard off. Hope I don't wear my damn dremel out or screw up the y-pipe (TES headers, $115 to replace y-pipe...)

Hg · 05-04-2002, 11:15 PM

Let me know how it goes

Is it welded completely on? The pipes I'm trying to get off only have about an inch weld on 'em, then clamps...

kfoley · 05-05-2002, 07:05 PM

Dremel might work if you have a hard enough bit for it. Depends on the metal really.

Jza · 05-05-2002, 07:55 PM

A weld is not going to "chip" away. That stuff that does chip away is just slag. It's not the actual weld. You gotta grind/cut/ or both. If it was just a tack-weld, there's a chance you could snap it off, but if it's an inch, you'll just bend the metal around it. I doubt a Dremel would phase it, but give it a shot if you have a whoooole lotta cutoff wheels laying around.

breathment · 05-05-2002, 08:36 PM

ya, chances are the weld is stronger then the actual pipe.. depending on how good the person who welded it was..

DSTA · 11-19-2009, 04:29 AM

A dremel with the fibreglass matrix cutting disc will take it off cleanly.
If you force it the fibreglass disc wears quickly. Keep the rpm's up and
feed it easy. Don't get in a rush.
The grinding stones are tooo slow.