Hand tools for chamfering plastic pvc pipe

This video shows the various hand tools that people use to chamfer plastic pipe. The video first discusses he reason for chamfering plastic pipe before cementing it into fittings. Many people think that the reason is so that the pipe fits into the socket easier, but in fact it the primary reason, is so that the glue is not scraped off the socket but the sharp edge of the pipe.

A surform is a very poor way of chamfering PVC and ABS pipe as it is far too coarse and will chip the pipe, leaving a ragged edge, rather than a nice smooth chamfer.

A metal file (crosscut) is often the preferred method of many pipe fitters for small diameter pipes - 63mm and below. A scraper is another option, although this is not good for pipes below 40mm as it is hard to control. Scrapers are very good for larger diameter pipes.

A small hand grinder with a zirconium flapper disc is an excellent tool for chamfering larger diameter abs and pvc pipe ends. This tool can quickly put a good, even, smooth chamfer on plastic pipes as large as 12" (315mm).

Our engineers tend to have all three tools, the file, scraper and  zirconium flapper disc on their toolboxes at all times.  This  way they know they can  properly  chamfer almost any plastic pipe they come across.

If making a repair, the ABS and PVC pipe can be in a very awkward position and the normal first tool of choice may be limited due to  space. It is therefore essential to have a range of tools in your box, so that repairs can be quickly carried out.