You just wrap the chain around the pipe, and start working the leve until the pipe snaps.
Make sure the pipe is on there straight, not angled.
I may have to splice in a section of PVC pipe to the existing cast iron. My research got me a bit worry about those chain cast iron pipe cutter. I have yet to use one so I am just repeating what I was told. The information seems credible and logical.....
The cast pipe in my house is about 100 years old. The section is rusted. Even without the rust, the casting quality from 100 years ago may not be consistent. If one side of the pipe is weaker than the other side, the "snap" you expect may not snap the whole circumference of the pipe and the cut would not be straight, or 90 degrees. It may leave with one side not broken off. The rust just adds to the problem. The risk with the rust can be avoided by going back a bit along the pipe and cut at a "good" section of the pipe.
Another option to minimize the risk is to use an angle grinder with a diamond blade. I was told it'll cut through like butter. I'll have to do a test run on a scrap piece of cast iron pipe first. Another problem with this is there is not enough clearance behind the pipe. It is 2 inches from the wall. So your grinder may only reach 3/4 way around the pipe because it will not clear the wall or ceiling. It still may be do-able. Once 3/4 is cut and removed, the remaining 1/4 of the pipe can be cut from the INSIDE.
Diamond blade on a sawz-all is what I used 18 years ago on a project similar to what you are going to do now, splice in a PVC "T" and boots at both ends. It tooks A LONG TIME TO CUT. Splashed crappy water all over the place. A big mess but it got done. I do not want to repeat that again.
Yet another method mentioned was a cold chisel. Hummm , old rusted brittle pipe ..... Not sure I want to risk it. MAYBE ... MAYBE ... grind a groove to provide the break line and hammer away. With my luck, the 20 feet section of pipe will come down on me.
Oh yeah, everyone advise me to make sure the pipes are supported before cutting.
If the trial run on a scrap cast iron pipe using a grinder works, it would be great.
Another thing ..... after struggling with the first rubber boot, I went and got my gorilla armed buddy to help with the second boot. He used is brain instead of his gorilla arms. He grabbed the dish detergent and lube the pipe and the boot .....
