[cozye]

For those that have done DIY exhaust modifications, which chain style exhaust pipe cutters did you use and were you happy with them? There are a plethora of options on Amazon with mixed reviews. Many do not call out stainless. I know the basics, keep the pressure light, use oil, let the tool do the work, take your time, etc.. Just seeing if I can narrow down the right tool that doesn’t give me fits when I do the job.

Thanks

[MIM5]

Originally Posted by cozye

For those that have done DIY exhaust modifications, which chain style exhaust pipe cutters did you use and were you happy with them? There are a plethora of options on Amazon with mixed reviews. Many do not call out stainless. I know the basics, keep the pressure light, use oil, let the tool do the work, take your time, etc.. Just seeing if I can narrow down the right tool that doesn’t give me fits when I do the job.

Thanks

I just did my midpipe last week. I just went to harbor freight and got this. https://www.harborfreight.com/exhaus...ter-58678.html
It worked great. Just started off with little pressure to score the initial cutting line. Then keep applying more pressure. Surprisingly it cut through pretty quickly and a very clean cut.

[aktif8]

Important point to note is that these tools are basically one time use. Super easy on the first usage, then they all but fail. Best bet is to just dispose of them after you use them.

[nosbocaj]

Harbor Freigh's chain pipe cutter worked great for me. Took about a minute per side. I've never used one before this and I was blown away with how easy it was.

[kgelfen360]

Originally Posted by MIM5

I just did my midpipe last week. I just went to harbor freight and got this. https://www.harborfreight.com/exhaus...ter-58678.html
It worked great. Just started off with little pressure to score the initial cutting line. Then keep applying more pressure. Surprisingly it cut through pretty quickly and a very clean cut.

How did u lift the car? Just jack stands? All 4?

[MIM5]

Originally Posted by kgelfen360

How did u lift the car? Just jack stands? All 4?

Yeah, jacked up from front and rear center points and dropped it on 4 jack stands.

[Luc@Speed&Tech]

This is what we use at the shop. It does the cleanest cuts and the cutting wheel is replaceable. The only downside is it requires more clearance than a cutting chain so the exhaust will need to be dropped rather than cut on the car.

https://www.eastwood.com/eastwood-ex...-diameter.html

[Dnshift]

I’ve used a sawzall from harbor freight, cuts thru pipes very easily.

[M4Lou]

Originally Posted by Dnshift

I’ve used a sawzall from harbor freight, cuts thru pipes very easily.

This. Metal cutting blade. I think 6" blade.

[vasillalov]

Originally Posted by aktif8

Important point to note is that these tools are basically one time use. Super easy on the first usage, then they all but fail. Best bet is to just dispose of them after you use them.

No they are not. My local group has been using the same exhaust cutter. Most people just don't know how to use them properly. The cutting wheels are either not lubricated enough or the get dull from people squeezing them too hard.

[Dnshift]

Originally Posted by vasillalov

No they are not. My local group has been using the same exhaust cutter. Most people just don't know how to use them properly. The cutting wheels are either not lubricated enough or the get dull from people squeezing them too hard.

Agreed, these tools are all very multi-use. Been my experience as well.

[cozye]

Originally Posted by MIM5

Yeah, jacked up from front and rear center points and dropped it on 4 jack stands.

This is my plan. I assume you got some of those blocks for the top of the jack stand to sit in the lift point?

[cozye]

Originally Posted by Dnshift

I’ve used a sawzall from harbor freight, cuts thru pipes very easily.

Off the car I assume ?

[forcefed]

Originally Posted by cozye

This is my plan. I assume you got some of those blocks for the top of the jack stand to sit in the lift point?

https://g80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...1&postcount=52

[geko29]

Originally Posted by vasillalov

No they are not. My local group has been using the same exhaust cutter. Most people just don't know how to use them properly. The cutting wheels are either not lubricated enough or the get dull from people squeezing them too hard.

Yep. It should only require modest force to rotate. I liken it to how a bolt feels when its been broken, but the threads are a little sticky so it turns fairly easily but doesn't just spin freely. When there's no resistance, you tighten it back to the initial state and keep going.

If you've gotta grab it with both hands or slide on a cheater bar, it's way too tight.