How to shorten a copper pipe?

[mephisto]

As a newbie DIYer I've been going round the house installing TRVs in place of the old manual radiator valves. Everything went okay upstairs where there are floorboards and plenty of movement in the pipes but I've run into a snag downstairs where the pipes go straight into the concrete floor.

The new TRVs sit 3-4mm higher on the pipe than the old valves and don't line up with the radiator tails so I've come to the conclusion that I need to trim a bit off the end of the pipe. The question is, what's the best way to do it? I don't think I can cut it off with a hacksaw or pipe-cutter as there is so little material to take off I think I'd just mangle the end of the pipe. In the end I have shortened one with a (very blunt) file, but it took ages and I've got four more to do. Is there some trick I'm missing or should I just invest in a better file?

Cheers
Keith

 

[Terry lambert]

I would normally use a junior hacksaw for this, or you could cut the pipe back shorter and put in a straight compression with a piece of pipe the right length.

You would trim the tail into the rad with a hacksaw and then knock the nut and olive on a bit and fit the valve

 

[Dan Robinson]

I can see your future....

A nice shiny new Junior hacksaw is playing an ever increasing role.

 

[Terry lambert]

Oh, and a box of plasters

 

[Gasop]

Should be no problem cutting 2-3mm off the pipe with a decent
junior saw and blade.

Forget the file. Goodness knows how much crap and filings dropped
down the pipe into the system.

 

[mephisto]

Thanks for the advice, guys. I'll give the junior hacksaw a go.

Terry - I'll have the emergency services on standby

Gasop - I take your point about crap dropping down the pipe. Luckily the radiator I was experimenting with is right next to the drain-off point so I'll flush it through before I refill.

 

[SpecialK]

Take rad off wall and see if brackets have been fitted via slots - If so loosen and move rad to position needed (worth a try).

 

[mephisto]

I'm pretty sure they're not on slots, SpecialK, as I had them off for decorating last year. Thanks for the suggestion though.

 

[DP]

Forget the file. Goodness knows how much crap and filings dropped
down the pipe into the system.

Same will happen when junior saw is used

 

[DeltaT2]

Hacksaw blade holders are very good if access is tight;
http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/110832075471?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&cbt=y

Also, you can modify a junior hacksaw by cutting the angled end short, cut another slot & Bob is a close relative............