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DIY & Home Improvement

WorseBeforeBetter

(11,441 posts) Sun Jun 9, 2013, 08:29 PM Jun 2013

Shortening a metal pipe... [View all]

The downstairs bathroom was retiled, and now the pedestal sink doesn't go back together at the right height. I'm trying to avoid paying a plumber... I KNOW I CAN DO THIS!

Any ideas on what can be used to shorten a piece that looks like this? I'm guessing around 1/16". A file? Some sort of blade? It's the thing on the right that needs to be shortened just a smidge.

$*%@#$ plumbing!

41 replies

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Highlight:

Shortening a metal pipe... [View all] WorseBeforeBetter Jun 2013 OP

A file or a bench grinder should be fine. mbperrin Jun 2013 #1

Thanks. I hit Home Depot (and maybe Ace) tomorrow. WorseBeforeBetter Jun 2013 #3

Angle grinder with a metal cutting blade. JoeyT Jun 2013 #2

Thanks for the reply. WorseBeforeBetter Jun 2013 #4

If you want to cut more off for some reason, you can use a hacksaw or something similar. (nt) jeff47 Jun 2013 #5

I do have a couple of those. WorseBeforeBetter Jun 2013 #7

The tailpipe likely screws out, and you could replace it with a shorter one if need be. X_Digger Jun 2013 #8

Yes, that's the piece I'm now thinking needs replaced/cut... WorseBeforeBetter Jun 2013 #10

The tailpipe threads are very fine and often get seized w/ age. X_Digger Jun 2013 #11

Ah, good point... WorseBeforeBetter Jun 2013 #12

If you are worried about distorting the pipe... catnhatnh Jun 2013 #6

That's good... WorseBeforeBetter Jun 2013 #9

Disaster...starting over. WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #13

Were it me, I'd go ahead and check to see if there's a cleat first. X_Digger Jul 2013 #15

So, that means... WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #17

Yup, installing a cleat is a bit of a pain. X_Digger Jul 2013 #18

LOL! WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #20

Now I'm the idiot... toggle bolts straight into the drywall? WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #21

*nod* Since it has a pedestal, it's supported. X_Digger Jul 2013 #22

Heh heh. WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #24

If it were lag bolted into a cleat, then yes, it could float above the pedestal. X_Digger Jul 2013 #25

Well, you've been very helpful... thanks again. WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #27

The challenge, the frustration, and then the sense of accomplishment at a job well done? X_Digger Jul 2013 #29

Agreed. It sounds like a major PITA now, WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #30

Be sure to post pictures when it's done!! n/t X_Digger Jul 2013 #31

Oh, I will... thanks again! :-) WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #33

Next question -- tailpiece? WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #14

It looks like you have a few pieces missing there.. X_Digger Jul 2013 #16

Hmm. WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #19

The black rubbery piece goes at the bottom, not the top.. X_Digger Jul 2013 #23

Exactly. WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #26

Never seen a black plastic flange, but that could just be my inexperience. X_Digger Jul 2013 #28

The flange and pop-up are oil-rubbed bronze. WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #32

*nod* sounds perfect. X_Digger Jul 2013 #34

Quick and dirty. Since you only want 1/16 pack... TheMadMonk Jul 2013 #35

Oops, I missed this post last night. And I just cut... WorseBeforeBetter Jul 2013 #36

Ta-da! WorseBeforeBetter Aug 2013 #37

Awesome! n/t X_Digger Aug 2013 #38

I'm so freakin' happy to be out of that bathroom. WorseBeforeBetter Aug 2013 #39

Bask in the glory of a project well done. X_Digger Aug 2013 #40

Heh heh. WorseBeforeBetter Aug 2013 #41