General Tools PVC Pipe Cable Saw #858 24-Inch Review: Your Ultimate Solution for Cutting PVC, PE, and ABS Pipes

When we first encountered the General Tools PVC Pipe Cable Saw during a basement renovation project, we were skeptical. Could a simple cable saw really outperform traditional hacksaws and power tools? After months of putting this orange and silver workhorse through its paces, we’re here to share our honest findings about this surprisingly versatile hand tool.

What Makes the General Tools 24-Inch Cable Saw Stand Out?

The General Tools #858 is not your average pipe-cutting tool. This 24-inch serrated cable saw combines simplicity with exceptional functionality, and we’ve found it indispensable for those challenging jobs where conventional tools simply can’t reach. The braided steel cable construction with hardened teeth cuts through PVC, polyethylene (PE), and ABS pipes like butter, making it an essential addition to any DIYer’s or professional plumber’s toolkit.

Price: $5.99
(as of May 27, 2026 17:51:38 UTC – Details)

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Our Hands-On Experience: Testing the Cable Saw in Real-World Scenarios

We’ve used the General Tools cable saw in various challenging situations, from tight crawl spaces to cutting pipes flush against walls. What impressed us most was its ability to access areas where bulky saws and cutting tools simply won’t fit. During a particularly difficult bathroom remodel, we needed to cut a PVC drain pipe that was sandwiched between floor joists with barely two inches of clearance. Traditional tools would have required tearing out additional framing, but this cable saw slipped right in and made clean cuts in minutes.

The Serrated Edge Advantage

The serrated design isn’t just for show. We noticed that the aggressive teeth bite into plastic piping immediately, eliminating the frustrating slippage you often experience with smooth cable saws. Each pull-and-push motion removes material efficiently, and we appreciated how the saw maintains its cutting performance even after multiple projects.

Key Features That Impressed Us During Testing

24-Inch Length: The Sweet Spot for Versatility

After testing various cable saw lengths, we found the 24-inch size offers the perfect balance. It’s long enough to wrap around pipes up to approximately 6 inches in diameter, yet compact enough to maneuver in confined spaces. We’ve successfully cut everything from 1/2-inch PVC conduit to 4-inch drain pipes with this single tool.

Triple Material Compatibility: PVC, PE, and ABS

During our extensive testing, we deliberately challenged this saw with different pipe materials:

– **PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)**: Clean cuts through schedule 40 and schedule 80 PVC in under 60 seconds for 2-inch pipes
– **PE (Polyethylene)**: Smoothly sliced through flexible PE tubing without crushing or deforming the material
– **ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)**: Handled the tougher ABS drain pipes with minimal effort

Durable Construction We Could Feel

The orange and silver color scheme isn’t just aesthetically pleasing—it makes the tool easy to spot in a cluttered toolbox or dimly lit workspace. More importantly, the braided steel cable construction feels robust in hand. After cutting through dozens of pipes, we examined the teeth closely and found minimal wear, suggesting this tool will last for years of regular use.

Benefits You’ll Actually Notice on the Job

Access the Inaccessible

We can’t overstate how valuable this tool becomes when you’re working in tight quarters. Whether you’re dealing with pipes behind walls, under sinks, or in cramped mechanical rooms, the flexible cable design allows you to wrap around the pipe and cut from virtually any angle. This saved us countless hours of demolition and repair work.

No Power Source Required

In situations where electricity isn’t available or safe (like wet basements or outdoor installations), this hand-powered tool shines. We appreciated not having to drag extension cords or worry about battery life during longer projects.

Minimal Cleanup

Unlike power saws that create clouds of plastic dust, the cable saw produces clean, curly shavings that are easy to collect. We found this particularly beneficial when working in finished spaces where dust control matters.

Safer Than Power Tools

With no spinning blades or electric components, the risk of injury significantly decreases. We felt confident using this tool in awkward positions where power tool kickback could be dangerous.

What We Discovered About Performance

During our testing phase, we timed ourselves cutting various pipe sizes:

– 1-inch PVC pipe: approximately 30-45 seconds
– 2-inch PVC pipe: approximately 45-75 seconds
– 3-inch PVC pipe: approximately 90-120 seconds
– 4-inch ABS pipe: approximately 2-3 minutes

These times reflect moderate effort with a back-and-forth sawing motion. The key technique we learned is maintaining consistent tension on both handles while using smooth, controlled strokes rather than aggressive jerking motions.

Real Customer Feedback: How Our Experience Compares

General Tools 24″ PVC Pipe Cable Saw – Cuts PVC PE ABS Pipes has garnered substantial attention from professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews, we found our experience aligned closely with the broader user base.

What Customers Love (And We Agree)

**Accessibility in Tight Spaces**: The overwhelming majority of reviewers, like us, praised the saw’s ability to reach impossible spots. One professional plumber mentioned using it exclusively for under-slab repairs, while a homeowner shared how it saved a kitchen remodel by cutting drain pipes without removing cabinets.

**Value for Money**: Customers consistently noted the affordable price point relative to the tool’s performance. We concur—this tool punches well above its weight class in terms of value.

**Durability**: Long-term users reported the cable saw lasting through hundreds of cuts without significant degradation. Our testing period confirmed the robust construction, though we’ll continue monitoring its performance over time.

Common Critiques We Investigated

**Physical Effort Required**: Some reviewers mentioned that cutting larger pipes (3-4 inches) requires considerable arm strength and endurance. During our testing, we found this accurate—cutting a 4-inch pipe does demand sustained effort. However, we discovered that proper technique (using your whole body weight and momentum rather than just arm strength) significantly reduces fatigue.

**Learning Curve**: A few customers reported initial difficulty getting the saw started in the cut. We experienced this too until we learned to create a small groove first by applying firm downward pressure while making short strokes. Once the groove is established, the saw tracks beautifully.

**Handle Comfort on Extended Use**: For marathon cutting sessions, the wire handles can become uncomfortable. We validated this concern during a project involving 20+ cuts. A simple solution we implemented was wrapping the handles with electrical tape or using work gloves, which completely resolved the issue.

Professional Tips We Learned Through Experience

1. **Mark Your Cut Line**: Use a marker to draw a complete line around the pipe circumference. This helps maintain a straight cut as you work your way around.

2. **Start with Tension**: Begin with the cable pulled taut against the pipe before making your first stroke. This prevents slipping and creates an initial groove faster.

3. **Let the