Maintaining your PVC pipe cutter blade is important, especially if you cut PVC pipes often. A dull blade will make cutting PVC pipes much more difficult, and will add unwanted complications. A damaged pipe cutter blade will need to be replaced before it can be used again. This guide will cover what you must know to properly maintain your PVC pipe cutter blade and ensure it lasts as long as possible.
How do you sharpen a PVC cutter blade?
To sharpen your PVC cutter blade, you will need to first make sure you have the proper tools. You will need:
- Protective Gloves
- Screwdriver
- Sharpening Stone
Step 1: Once you have the proper tools, disassemble the blade of your PVC pipe cutter. This can be done by using a screwdriver. Check your pipe cutter’s manual as the process will vary depending on the type of pipe cutter you have. A common procedure is to first remove the spring connected to the blade by unhooking it from the blade. Once the spring is unhooked, use the screwdriver to remove the screw connecting the blade to the pipe cutter. Make sure you are wearing protective gloves to prevent any injury when handling the blade.
Step 2: Once you have disassembled the blade, grab the blade and begin sharpening it on the sharpening stone.
Step 3: Once the blade has been sharpened, screw the blade back onto the PVC pipe cutter using the screwdriver, and then reconnect the spring.
Step 4: Cautiously test the pipe cutter on a PVC pipe or soft tubing to ensure the blade is secured and working properly.
How do you change the blade on a pipe cutter?
If you are looking to replace the original pipe cutter blade with a replacement blade, the steps will look similar to the steps required to sharpen a blade.
You will need to first make sure you have:
- Protective Gloves
- Screwdriver
- Pipe Cutter Replacement Blade
Step 1: Remove the spring connected to the blade by unhooking it. You will need to widen the handles of the pipe cutter in order to access the spring properly.
Step 2: Once the spring is unhooked, use the screwdriver to remove the screw connecting the blade to the pipe cutter.
Step 3: Once you have disassembled the blade, grab the replacement blade carefully.
Step 3: Screw the replacement blade onto the PVC pipe cutter using the screwdriver, and then reconnect the spring.
Step 4: Cautiously test the pipe cutter on a PVC pipe or soft tubing to ensure the blade is secured and working properly.
How do you maintain a pipe cutter?
PVC pipe cutter blades are corrosion resistant materials, so you do not need to worry about issues with rust. That being said, make sure the blade is clean after each use, and make sure you store it in a dry safe place to avoid any unnecessary damage. This will ensure the blade lasts as long as possible.
Another tip is to buy a high-quality PVC pipe cutter in the first place. Quality pipe cutters will be more expensive, but will last longer and will come with a long-term warranty.