I'm adding a cutout to my exhaust and wondering what the best tool to make the cut would be.

I used a cut off wheel the first time and I got a fairly straight cut but had to do some filling with the welder.

I'm wondering if this is a good tool - http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/kd2031.html

I'm concerned that the pressure that the tool applies will decrease the diameter of the pipe when i cut it, forming a slight cone on the end.

Am I wrong on my assumption and would this be a good tool for cutting the pipe?

 

 

Nifty tool! I wonder how well it works...?
I'd just use a angle grinder, but a sawzall should work too. Sawzall would probably make the straighter cut, but would take longer and make your arms more tired. I've just put a line of tape around the pipe then cut it.

 

A sawzall AKA reciprocating saw works pretty well. I've used it before. Keep in mind it'll take about 1-2 minutes to cut through a 2.5" pipe.

 

wow dudes what type of recipricating saw yall using, i bought a nice dewalt about a month ago just to cut my exhaust off with, i got some good lennox bi metal blades and it cuts through my exhaust like a hot knife through butter..

 

That's the blades. Most people are going to buy the cheap blades which won't cut well. I sell tools for a living, so trust me when I tell you that no one buys the Lenox even though they are the best blades. A Black and Decker/DeWalt blade isn't going to be as good as a Lenox blade.

 

cool i get ya, they are definately worth the money though cause i burnt up that dewalt blade that came with it in seconds....

 

No doubt it's faster but I'm looking for straightness. I'm also in a tight spot. I'm trying to cut the middle of the I pipe out and I need to not cut any holes in the floor. I can't drop the exhaust because the muffler is welded to the i pipe. So is a recip saw still a good choice? Has anyone used this exhaust cutter?

 

yea use a sawzall (thats how i spell it) worked great for cutting off my cat...

 

Ha Ha 2 minutes.

We cut the 2.25" pipe on my last car with the sawzall in about 2 seconds lol. And that was with the only blade he had left, which was a woodworking blade!

 

A sawzall has a longer blade, so you've got a much better chance of getting it straight, vs an angle grinder.
Run some tape around it, and follow the tape line. If the tape is bunched up when you're wrapping it, then you're off, you just keep pulling the tape around until it lies flat (straight) then cut by that.

 

I've used both a sawzall and the exhaust pipe cutter with all the rollers, I'd go with the cutter. It's slower but you get a better cut and don't have to worry about a blade poking into things and jamming up. Just make sure you lube up the rollers good, I dip mine into oil and wipe off the extra with a rag.

 

ive used the cutting tool and it worked pretty good. gave me a clean cut. and the best thing was i got it as a loan a tool at autozone so once i was done i just returned it and got my money back

 

Thanks a lot guys. I'm going to rent the original tool but bring my sawzaw to try first. I'll cut on the inside so I can till if i'll be satisfied with my results. I also like the tape idea. I'll do that too!

 

I have always use a cutting torch. A sawzall would be a second choice and the tool you showed last. IMO they don't work that well but they do work.

 

i jsut got dont hacking off the i pipe at the muffler with a wood saw... terrible freaking idea, but i need this done now and its a bit late for powertools

 

chain cutter, like in that link up top, is the choice tool. makes sweet cuts and allows you to build nice tight joints. cut is slightly beveled but once welded, it's no big deal.

sawzall is far second, for mild steel. unfortunately, it's top of the list for stainless steel, since the stainless wreaks havoc on the roller blades. They are good for making the cut line, though, initially. Well, I should take a step back. a cold saw is best for stainless, but it's usually out of the range of the backyard mechanic.

hacksaw is last resort for precision cuts. chop saws can work but it's alot of cleanup afterwards.

having a belt/disc sander also makes the job easier for cut cleanup.

 

just dont use a hack saw lol it took me 2 hours to cut my exhaust box off

 

took me about 20 minutes with a wood/hack saw, im sore as hell now though