• Contact Us|
  • Terms & Conditions|
  • Team Members
  • Products
    • Product Catalog
    • Ductile Iron Pipe
    • Request Product Information
    MJ Mechanical Joint

    View the different joints and sizes we offer for ductile iron pipe.

  • Learning Center
    • Specifications
    • Submittal Sheets
    • Installation Guides
    • Downloadable Tip Sheets
    • Iron Strong Blog
    • Training Opportunities
    • Archived Catalogs
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Videos
    • Pocket Engineer
    DIP Production

    We provide all the necessary product-related information to our customers.

  • Sales & Support
    • Sales Team
    • Distributors
    • Treatment Plant Sales
    • Customer Service
    • Sales Operations
    DIP MJ Joint

    Our sales team strives to exceed customer expectations every day.

  • Corporate Responsibility
    • Code of Conduct
    • Environment
    • Health & Safety
    • Community
    • Awards

    A clear vision from our leaders, places environment, health and safety at the core of our business.

  • About Us
    • Company History
    • Executive Team
    • Locations
    • Associations
    • Contact Us
    McWane Ductile Iron Pipe

    We are a proud and experienced manufacturer of ductile iron pipe products.

  • Communications
    • Publications
    • McWane News Articles
    • Press Releases
    • Media Contacts
    Ductile Iron Pipe

    We strive to keep our team members, customers, and vendors informed of all happenings at the company.

  • Careers
  • Home
  • Learning Center
  • Iron Strong Blog
  • How to Cut a Ductile Iron Pipe to Length
Back to Blog

How to Cut a Ductile Iron Pipe to Length

By Jason Barnes   04/05/2018  In Installation

It’s important to know the proper way to cut a Ductile iron pipe (DI pipe) in the field. Some pipe jobs happen in remote locations where an avoidable mistake could become very costly, adding days or even weeks to your installation time. In this article we will discuss the correct way to measure and cut a DI pipe.

Ductile iron pipe passes through the annealing process during manufacturing.

Getting Started

Before you cut a DI pipe, it is very important that you select the right piece to cut. During the manufacturing process, pipe can experience slight changes in shape due to heating up and cooling off during the annealing process.

Ductile iron pipe markings.

All of the pipe are checked during the manufacturing process at the factory. The DI pipe 14 inches and larger that are marked with green tabs on the bell face are deemed ready to be cut in the field. This also signifies that the pipe is “gauged full length” and can be cut with assurance your new spigot end will fit properly into the pipe or fitting bell during installation.

Note: McWane Ductile recommends measuring before every cut even if the pipe is marked as gauged full-length pipe to avoid any possible problems during installation.

Having trouble viewing this video on YouTube? Click here to view on Wistia. 

6 Easy Steps to Cutting DI Pipe

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools:

Below is a list of recommended tools you should have available for cutting DI pipe in the field:

  • Outside Diameter (OD) tape measure
  • Chalk, Crayon, or marking paint pen
  • K-12 gas powered saw with abrasive wheel
  • Angle grinder
  • Company required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Measure the outside diameter of the pipe.

Step 2: Pipe Selection if very important before making a field cut.

Before a cut is made, always check to ensure the pipe is suitable for cutting as per the recommendations above.

In general, all pipe 12 inch and smaller can be cut starting two (2) feet from the face of the bell to the end of the spigot. For pipe 14 inches and larger, look for the green paint tabs on the bell face. It is helpful to set these pipe aside at the time of delivery for use when a field cut is needed.

Step 3: Once a pipe is selected, measure to be sure.

Using an OD tape and the DI pipe outside diameter chart, check the circumference and ovality. This can be done by measuring around the pipe and across the horizontal and vertical axis. This will verify the OD is within the min/max limits and that the pipe will make a good seal.

In the video, a 16-inch pipe is being cut and is first checked to see if it is within 17.32-inch to 17.45-inch. If the pipe had been smaller or larger than this range, we would have needed to find another pipe to cut.

Pro Tip: In the field, a Mechanical Joint (MJ) gland can be used as a gauging device.  

This table contains the minimum and maximum outside diameter tolerance range for each size of pipe McWane Ductile manufactures. From 4 inch up to 36 inch.

Step 4: Mark a line all the way around the pipe.

Have a coworker help you roll the pipe as you hold the chalk or crayon to mark where the cut will be made.  Be sure to keep this line straight as the pipe is moving as it will be much easier to make a clean cut if you have a straight line to follow. McWane likes to use Markal Paintstik’s to write on pipe in the foundry. 

Tech Tip: Our inspectors check the bell and spigot end of every length of DI pipe we manufacture. And while the bell and spigot can be correct, the middle of the pipe may have changed shape just enough to cause a problem. This is why McWane Ductile and the American Water Works Association recommends that you measure and double check using and OD tape before making any cuts.

McWane Ductile inspects the DI pipe during manufacturing.

Step 5: Use the K-12 saw to make your cut.

Use the saw to make your cut along the line. Have a co-worker help you roll the pipe so you can stay focused on safely while handling the saw during the cut. This will also help you follow the line in order to make a straight and clean cut.

Safety Tip: The PPE worn by the saw operator in the video is leather chaps, welding gloves, steel toe boots with metatarsal protection, safety glasses, and a hard hat with face shield. Your company may have different requirements, so be sure to check with your supervisor or safety representative before using the saw.

Inspecting the Outside Diameter of Ductile Iron Pipe.
A beveled edge of Tyton® Joint.

Step 6: Use an angle grinder to bevel the edge of the pipe.

If you are working with a Tyton® Joint (TJ), you will need to bevel the edge of the pipe to a 30º taper before installing it so it doesn’t cut, push, or roll the gasket. If it is a Mechanical Joint (MJ), no bevel is needed and other than removing any rough edges, the pipe will be ready to install as soon as it’s cut.

Safety Tip: Some contractors use the K12 saw to both cut the pipe and bevel it. This may be faster than tracking down a generator and a grinder, but McWane Ductile recommends using the proper tool for the job.

Pro Tip: Cutting Ductile iron pipe with the K12 saw will add to your overall installation time. You should factor in about one minute for each inch of pipe. 16-inch pipe will take about 16 minutes to cut.

Don’t be too frustrated if you make mistakes in the beginning. After you cut a few pipe, you should begin to feel more comfortable when handling the saw and you should be able to make a clean cut every time.

If you have more questions please reach out to your local McWane Ductile sales representative.

New call-to-action

Need Assistance With Your Waterworks Project?

McWane Ductile offers multiple services to our customers extending far beyond manufacturing Ductile iron pipe. From estimating to design, from production to installation, we take great pride in providing education and assistance to water professionals throughout the water industry.

Check out all our digital offerings:

  • More articles and videos from our Iron Strong Blog
  • Engage with us on LinkedIn
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Contact Us via email

Share on social media

  • Print this Article

Jason Barnes

Jason Barnes, Territory Sales Rep, covers Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, E. Washington, and Hawaii.

My entire career has consisted of Operations & Logistics, and Sales. I have been in the utilities industry with McWane Ductile for 16 years. My roles have been from sales/shipping coordinator, production planning and scheduling, general shipping foreman, inside sales manager, and territory sales rep.

Jason received his MBA from the Woodbury School of Business at Utah Valley University. He currently serves on the MBA Alumni committee and occasionally teaches the evening capstone strategy class for the outgoing graduating students to help support the school. He is also a proud member of the Idaho and Montana Rural Water Associations. He continues to support the Boy Scouting (BSA) program and has been a member of the National Eagle Scout Association since 1994.

There is a great satisfaction that comes over me when looking at a completed construction project that improves the lives of others. What can be better than helping develop and build the American utility infrastructure that is in much need of improvement. The small part I have and even knowing that much of the building is underground and unseen still provides great pride to myself, my associates, and McWane Ductile, the company I work for.

I have always been the one people come to for creative thinking and ideas. I enjoy the challenge of coming up with solutions for hard problems. This has been helpful in my career working with engineers and contractors in the field. I have also enjoyed using this skill with several acquaintances, family, and friends with their companies and start-ups as they have asked for my consulting help regarding strategy and marketing.

I can never get enough time with my family and they have become my passion. I met Erin in college and married her in 2001. We enjoy the outdoors with our 4 kids (1 boy and 3 girls). I have always been an avid motorcycle rider and have enjoyed helping my kids develop a love of riding as well. We go as often as we can.

jason.barnes@mcwaneductile.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/r-jason-barnes-mba/

  • Learning Center
  • Specifications
  • Submittal Sheets
  • Installation Guides
  • Downloadable Tip Sheets
  • Iron Strong Blog
  • Training Opportunities
  • Archived Catalogs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Videos
  • Pocket Engineer
  • Blog
  • Categories
  • Environmental & Safety
  • Installation
  • Our Company
  • Products
  • Services
  • Technical

Careers

Apply or view job opportunities

Search Careers

McWane Pocket Engineer

McWane Pocket Engineer

The one tool you never want to be without

Learn More

Buy American

Your trusted provider of guaranteed American-made waterworks products.

Learn More

Recognized as a proud member

  • ISI Member
  • DIPRA Logo
  • American Water Works Association
  • Water and Sewer Distributors of American WASDA
  • National Association of Water Companies
  • Water Environment Federation WEF
  • Products|
  • Learning Center|
  • Sales & Support|
  • Corporate Responsibility|
  • About Us|
  • Communications|
  • Careers

McWane Corporate

  • About|
  • Our Businesses|
  • Responsibility|
  • Environment|
  • Safe Operations|
  • Communications|
  • Careers|
  • Multimedia Library
Learn about McWane’s Environmental Focus

© 2021 McWane Ductile. All rights reserved

Privacy Policy | California Privacy Notice | Terms & Conditions | California Transparency in Supply Chain Disclosure | Sitemap | Contact Us

  • Products
  • Product Catalog
  • Ductile Iron Pipe
  • Request Product Information
  • Learning Center
  • Specifications
  • Submittal Sheets
  • Installation Guides
  • Downloadable Tip Sheets
  • Iron Strong Blog
  • Training Opportunities
  • Archived Catalogs
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Videos
  • Pocket Engineer
  • Sales & Support
  • Sales Team
  • Distributors
  • Treatment Plant Sales
  • Customer Service
  • Sales Operations
  • Corporate Responsibility
  • Code of Conduct
  • Environment
    • Protecting the Environment
      • Our Environmental Legacy
      • Investments
      • Environmental Management System
      • ISO & State Certifications
      • Environmental Excellence
      • Pollution Prevention Challenge
    • Sustainability for Generations
      • Sustainable Products
      • Sustainable Operations
  • Health & Safety
    • Culture of Safety
    • EHS Policy
    • McWane EHS Program
    • Ergo Cup
    • ISN & Contractor Safety
    • EHS Awards
  • Community
    • McWane Commitment
    • Partnerships
    • Community Advisory Panel
    • Charitable Giving Guidelines
  • Awards
  • About Us
  • Company History
  • Executive Team
  • Locations
  • Associations
  • Publications
  • Contact Us
  • Communications
  • McWane News Articles
  • Press Releases
  • Media Contacts
  • Careers
  • Team Members