31 October 2025
Electrofusion welding is an important method of pipeline installation across many utilities. But when it goes wrong, it can result in faulty joints, which may lead to failures like leaks or even explosions. One of the biggest mistakes that can compromise the electrofusion joint is inadequate pipe preparation. For it to be done correctly, you must follow a rigorous process, with pipe scraping being a key, non-negotiable step in this.
Pipe scraping is a vital preparation procedure that helps to ensure a successful weld. This process in itself is one that must be done in a controlled, precise manner using only high-grade tools to achieve airtight fusion and longevity.
Here’s everything you need to know about this critical step in the electrofusion process. We’ll cover a step-by-step guide to pipe scraping, focusing on achieving precise and consistent scrape depths, and which tools deliver the most effective results.
What is pipe scraping?
Pipe scraping is the process of mechanically removing the outer surface of PE pipes using a dedicated tool. This is a mandatory surface preparation procedure for electrofusion welding, including pipe-end couplings and mid-pipe saddle fittings.
Over time, PE pipe surfaces develop an oxidised outer layer from pipe extrusion and UV exposure. This can restrict molecular diffusion, resulting in a weak weld which can affect the electrofusion process. Using proper pipe scraping tools ensures a strong, reliable welded joint. Typically, electrofusion requires 0.2mm of the outer layer to be scraped off, but this can vary depending on pipe size and welding specifications.
How does pipe scraping work?
The pipe scraping process is a simple but important one. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Check over the PE pipe for any damage, clean the pipe scraping area of any dirt or contamination, and ensure the area is dry before the tool is mounted. The pipes are often cleaned with alcohol or isopropyl wipes.
- Determine the required scrape length, which is the insertion depth (for pipe ends) or the perimeter of the desired mid-pipe area, plus a small amount of excess.
- Use a suitable pen to mark on this desired area.
- Assemble and tighten the tool onto the pipe.
- Rotate the scraper smoothly around the pipe in the direction of the arrow indicated on the tool. The hardened blade will shave off a controlled, consistent thickness of the outer surface of the pipe.
- Continue scraping until the entire marked area is shaved off.
- Inspect the surface to ensure that the entire oxidised area is removed for proper welding to take place.
- Carefully dismount the tool from the pipe, taking care not to touch or contaminate the freshly scraped surface.
Your essential pipe scraping checklist
To guarantee a safe and robust electrofusion joint, it’s important to ensure consistent aspects of pipe scraping everytime. Here’s a handy checklist for your reference:
Preliminary checks
- Confirm that the pipe material and fitting sizes are suitable.
- Pipe ends should be evenly cut square.
- The pipe surface should be cleaned of dirt, grease and debris before scraping can begin.
Scraping process
- Ensure that the correct scraper tool is used. It should be suitable in type and size for the PE pipe you’re working on. The tool should be thoroughly inspected beforehand, making sure it is in good condition with a sharp and clean blade.
- Check that the scraping length is correct for the pipe before you begin the scrape, covering the full fusion area, plus a small amount of excess.
- Check that the oxidised layer is fully removed by seeing a uniform, clean surface.
Post-scraping handling
- The scraped area should not be contaminated and should be kept clean until fusion takes place. This means keeping the area off the ground and away from dirt, oil, and fingerprints.
- Fusion should be performed within a few minutes of the pipe scraping process. This will allow for optimal welding and minimal chance of contamination of the scraped area.
The importance of using high quality pipe scraping tools
Pipe scraping is a non-negotiable step in electrofusion welding that is the key for ensuring a successful, long-lasting PE pipe weld. It is crucial to use quality tools that deliver consistent, controlled scrape depths across a wide range of PE pipe diameters that result in airtight fusion and successful welds every time.
At Hy-Ram, we manufacture a range of specialist equipment and tooling for sales or hire services. Within our product range, we have precision-engineered pipe scraping tools that are specially designed for consistent scrape depths, efficiency and accuracy.
All of our pipe scraping tools expertly include these design features:
- Comprehensive spare part availability
- Simple and quick rotational operation
- Constructed from high-quality material steel & aluminium to ensure tool robustness
- Additional zinc plating added to all steel parts, providing a long lasting quality finish and performance
Here’s a breakdown of our pipe scraping tools for electrofusion surface preparation:
PatchMaster Mono
New for 2025, our PatchMaster Mono is available in MONO pipe diameters, from 63mm to 315mm outer diameter. This new tool features in-house bespoke designs, enhancing performance and accelerating the entire end-to-end pipe scraping process.
The new hardened and tempered blade, with its modified cutting angle, offers long-lasting cutting performance. This design facilitates wider swarf removal, significantly improving efficiency by reducing scraping time.
The spring-loaded handle clasp is another new feature to our PatchMaster tool series, allowing for a quicker tool setup and removal time, speeding up the entire scraping operation. The spring also ensures the clamp is securely fixed while counteracting pipe diameter variances when in operation by continually applying a set load.
The PatchMaster Mono has also been created with enhanced user-friendly operator guidance in mind. For ease of use, directional arrow aids and product information have been incorporated into the tool design.
PatchMaster Multi
In the same series of mid-pipe scraping tools, our PatchMaster Multi offers versatility and easy operation, available in three models for a range of large pipe diameters from 20mm to 315mm. This adjustable design ensures operators can handle varied pipe schedules on site with confidence.
PrepMaster Mono
The PrepMaster Mono tool is designed to provide an exact fit from 20mm to 63mm pipe diameters, ensuring an accurate and consistent scrape depth for service diameter scraping. To use, the tool is secured internally onto the end of the PE pipe. The operator then rotates the tool to shave off the outer oxidized layer, precisely preparing the pipe surface for electrofusion.
PrepMaster Multi
The PrepMaster Multi is designed to offer versatility and controlled scraping across a broad range of pipe diameters from 63mm to 710mm. This tool features a four sided long-lasting TCT blade and easy adjustment for many differing pipe walls, allowing for efficient surface preparation in the electrofusion process. These tools are also suitable for imperial pipe applications from 2” IPS to 28” IPS.
Frequently asked questions about pipe scraping
As a leading manufacturer and supplier of pipe scraping equipment, we receive many questions about this process and its best practices. Here are our answers to some of the most common queries:
What are the minimum and maximum recommended scraping depths?
There are some variations in specifications between different sectors of the market, and different countries around the world, therefore it is important to check the guidance specific to the network asset owner and specification that you need to adhere to.
UK examples:
Water – WIS-4-32-08:2016 (version 4) advises:
“Using the pipe end preparation tool, remove a thin layer of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm uniformly from the entire surface of the pipe, preferably as a continuous strip of swarf over the area identified, i.e. in excess of penetration depth. Once prepared, the pipe surfaces shall never be touched and may benefit from wrapping in a clean, dry polythene bag secured with adhesive tape.”
Gas – GIS/PL2-5:2018 advises:
“12.2.4 The pipe surface shall be removed to a depth of between 0.05 mm and 0.1 mm for pipe diameters less than 63 mm and between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm for pipe diameters equal to or greater than 63 mm.”
Maximum scrape depths are rarely advised, however the electrofusion coupler should be a suitable fit for the pipe and it’s therefore not recommended to overscrape.
How long should you wait between scraping and welding the pipe?
Fusion should be done immediately after scraping. This will prevent any contamination or reoxidation affecting the scraped area.
How should the scraped pipe surface be handled?
Once the pipe is scraped, do not touch the surface or place it on the ground. Use clean gloves and keep the area away from dust, dirt, and moisture.
Can the PatchMaster scraper be used for different pipe sizes?
Our PatchMaster series of pipe scraper tools, including the Multi and new Mono models, can be used on pipes ranging in size from 20mm to 315mm.
How do I check if the pipe scraping is adequate?
A properly scraped pipe will have a uniform, clean appearance without shiny or coloured patches. Uneven or patchy surfaces may indicate incomplete scraping. You should scrape the whole surface that was initially measured and marked on with a pen. When using quality, precise tools, the scraping area should be done at a suitably controlled and consistent depth. The swarf that comes off should ideally be continual, and can be measured by a vernier calliper to ensure that the scrape depth is adequate to meet the specification.
Can I re-scrape a pipe if contamination occurs after scraping?
Yes, but you must clean, then re-scrape the entire fusion area again to ensure a clean bonding surface.
How should scraping tools be maintained?
After each use, ensure that the blades are thoroughly cleaned to remove any trace of oxidised layers or dirt. After each use, check over the tool for any wear or damage, and that the blade is sharp enough for efficient and accurate scraping. This frequent inspection ensures that the tool remains suitable and safe for future use.
Our PrepMaster tools come with a four-sided TCT long-life blade, offering an efficient and cost effecting long term solution.
Our pipe scraping tools are also all supplied in a plastic foam insert storage box for protection between uses. At Hy-Ram, we offer specialist repair services to fix any damage that may occur to our hire equipment.
What standards cover scraping for electrofusion joints?
Below are some common UK and International standards for pipe scraping:
- WIS-4-32-08:2016 (version 4)
- GIS/PL2-5:2018
- ISO 21307: Plastic pipes and fittings – Butt fusion and electrofusion jointing procedures
- ASTM F1290: Electrofusion joining of PE pipes
Find the right tools with Hy-Ram
Pipe scraping is a critical step in the electrofusion welding process. A strong, long-lasting weld relies on this important pipe surface preparation, so it’s essential that you use high-quality tools designed for consistent, controlled scraping in every use.
At Hy-Ram, we have decades of experience and expertise in the best practices and must-haves for pipe scraping processes. We provide access to a range of high-performance pipe scraping tools for sale or available to hire.
Contact the team today to learn more and discuss the best tool for your project.
