Hacksaw or pipe cutter for steerer tube

[Sandwich]

Need to cut a pair of steerer tubes. Was at the depot looking for a pipe cutter last night but they only had two little ones, up to 1 1/8", and one big one at $35. Not wanting to spend that much on a tool I won't use regularly, I balked. Now I'm reading that a hacksaw may be better since it doesn't flare the end of the tube. Is that so? I could certainly use a nice hacksaw around the house...pipe cutter...not so much. I suppose with a good guide it should be easy to cut straight.

[Jim Mac]

I have had good luck with a small pipe cutter - guaranteed straight line. Just use a small file to get rid of the flares.

[CrabJoe StretchPants]

I've used both in the past with equal success. With my newest carbon steerer forks I had to go hacksaw, so I went and bought the Park guide and new blades, etc. As for the flaring from a pipe cutter.....it's true, but nothing a fine file can't take care of in seconds.

If you want to go the hacksaw route and want to borrow my guide, let me know.

[Sandwich]

I'll probably just go for the saw. I need a new hacksaw anyways. If I can wait until we meet up, i'd love to borrow the guide, but I hear a pair of hose clamps or an old stem can also help act as a guide. I've cut some before that were wicked crooked and it caused no issues....but may as well do it right.

[Beef Supreme]

Hacksaw with a guide. A pipe cutter doesn't flair the end of the tube. It can create a bulge below the cut and that is why they are not recommended.

[Carraig042]

The bulge can easily be taken off with a file. You will have to file either way you do it. I prefer the pipe cutter as it seems to be near perfect every time.

-Brett

[Sandwich]

Does anybody know if a pipe cutter that goes up to 1 1/8" will clear a steerer tube? I'd love to buy one of the $15 ones...

[Carraig042]

Just something like THIS.

Is that what your asking?

-Brett

[JustMtnB44]

I bought a pipe cutter that is big enough for a 1.5" steerer tube. I think I got it at Home Depot, it is blue. I don't remember how much it cost.

I have used a pipe cutter many times for steerer tubes, handlebars, and seatposts. I don't mind filing off the bulge, but it would be nice to not have to do that.

Edit: This is the pipe cutter I have

[jonKranked]

sawz-all

[Westy]

Oxy-Acetylene torch or radial linear shaped charge.

[4130biker]

You aren't cutting a sh!t pipe, using a pipe cutter seems more ghetto than a nice sharp high tension hacksaw to me. I'd rather not have any of the steerer squished or flared by a pipe cutter, but that's me.

After using hacksaw, use a file to flatten/ straighten it out if needed. As long as you go slow, and don't push hard, and have a sharp blade, the blade won't dive on you. Also make sure the fork is clamped in place so it's rock solid. A guide would be nice, but isn't 100% necessary.

Either way, this is a perfect excuse to expand your tool collection!

[Sandwich]

Yeah, I'm going hacksaw.

Looks like the dang depot sells ****ty pipe cutters. They had one at like $37, then the one Justin posted is $35 locally and it has horrible reviews. Honestly, you can wobble the cutting wheel with your finger. I didn't think it was a big deal at the time, but it makes sense that that might cut off center. Nothing else they sell cuts over 1 1/8" tubes, so unless I bring my fork in to test it, I can't know if it'll fit.

Besides, the saw will get more use and cost less. Are any still made in the USA?

[Westy]

Do you really think this is a good idea? Doubt it would cut straight with the crossed eyes and all.

[Sandwich]