The Best Copper Pipe Cutter: 2024 List
Brandon Forder Apr 25, 2024 3:57 PM
Pro plumbers face the issue of cutting through copper pipe practically daily when repairing or replacing pipes. Emergency situations involving leaking or broken portions of pipe require immediate attention.
However, modern copper pipe cutters make short work of the task, with their quick, clean cuts making them ideal for a variety of applications. They are also significantly more trustworthy when dealing with tubes and pipes in restricted or inaccessible areas.
Time to buy the right equipment for the job, whether you're remodeling or fixing anything. I've included my recommendations for the top copper pipe cutters currently available.
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![Pipe Cutter [1/8" - 1 1/8"] Tube Cutter Tool for Copper Pipe, Stainless Steel Tubing, Metal, Plastic, Brass - Copper Pipe Cutter - Compact & Tight Space Rigid Tubing Cutter Set for Plumbing](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41e6-Jdo5xL._SL500_.jpg "Pipe Cutter [1/8\" - 1 1/8\"] Tube Cutter Tool for Copper Pipe, Stainless Steel Tubing, Metal, Plastic, Brass - Copper Pipe Cutter - Compact & Tight Space Rigid Tubing Cutter Set for Plumbing")
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Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
Auto cutter
In addition to a manual pair of cutters, an auto-cutter is useful for cutting in tight, inaccessible spaces. These cutters keep on cutting even if the tool isn't tightened after each rotation. The apparatus does this mechanically for you. Try to find a name brand that you can trust to last.
Thumb Cutter
A thumb cutter is more practical than a pipe wrench when working in confined spaces at an angle.
Cutter size and Handle
Look for a cutter with a larger body and handle if you need to cut larger copper piping, such as for a new installation. The rotation around larger pipes will be easier with this in place. Even better, some of them might have an integrated ream for clean, accurate cuts. The use of a larger cutter is recommended when working with larger pipes. Any soldering you need to conduct will also be possible at this point.
Power
Pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and manual types of copper pipe cutters are all available. Manual ones predominate because of their lower cost and higher portability. Larger pipes are easier to cut using an electric pipe cutter because the engine does the work.
Cutter Strength
When working with manual pipe cutters, it is essential to choose a cutter that is both the right size for the pipe's diameter and suitable for cutting copper.
Versatility
Although this discussion focuses on tools for cutting copper tubing, it would be helpful if the tool could also be used to cut other metals. A good pipe cutter should have no trouble sawing through copper or iron pipes, as well as stainless steel or PVC tubes. A copper pipe cutter should have little trouble slicing through other metals, though this isn't always the case.
Adjustment
Can you tell me the cutter's maximum nominal pipe capacity? Is it limited to trimming only a single diameter of pipe, or can the diameter be modified? Cutting wheels may usually be adjusted to fit snugly around pipes of varying diameters. If the cutter can only be used on one size of pipe or tube, it is not very adaptable.
Precision
Exactly how precise is the cut? Whether automatic or manual, the cutter should tighten around the pipe as you turn it. For a clean, precise cut, it's best if the pipe cutter can be wrapped as tightly as possible so that the tool can't slip. The blade's sharpness is, of course, also crucial.
Cutting Capacity
Make sure the PVC cutter can readily cut through the pipe by measuring its diameter. Hand tools come in a wide range of cutting capacities, from 1/4 inch to 4 inches, thus measuring their maximum cutting capacity is essential. There are PVC cutters that can rip through thicker pipes, and there are others that are made just for thin ones.
Outer Diameter vs Inner Diameter
When a product's specifications list a "cutting capacity," they are referring to the pipe's outer diameter, not its inner diameter. The diameter of a cylinder is the distance between its two outer edges, while the diameter of a cylinder's inner edge is the distance between the cylinder's two inner edges. Always take the outer diameter dimensions into account when selecting a PVC cutter; for instance, a PVC pipe with a 1.62-inch diameter will have a greater outer diameter on the schedule of the pipe.
Blade Material
There are several varieties of blades available for pipe cutters, each with its own set of advantages in terms of performance, strength, cut sharpness, and ease of use. The blades on virtually all PVC pipe cutters have been hardened through heat treatment, allowing for cleaner, more precise cuts. Blades made from heat-treated steel are both flexible and strong enough to withstand repeated uses without breaking.
Is it easy to cut copper?
There has been a recent surge in the use of copper pipe for both practical and aesthetic purposes in the realm of home improvement and renovation. Beautiful in appearance and simple to work with, this lightweight material requires no special equipment for cutting. An autocut tool can be fastened to pipes smaller than 1 inch (2.5 cm) in diameter.
Regarding this, what is the best way to cut copper?
Modifying Copper Pipe Using an Oscillating Multi-tool Multi-tools that oscillate have greater cutting efficiency when using blades with finer teeth. The objective is to be able to work in close proximity to walls and even make flush cuts. The oscillating multi-tool starts looking like a good investment when you can't get a copper tubing cutter or equivalent tool around a pipe.
In this regard, is it OK to cut copper pipe with a hacksaw?
The copper pipe can be cut using a hacksaw, but no matter how strong you are, it will be difficult to hold the pipe still enough to make a clean cut. The pipe's excess movement can cause future joint failure if it is attached to other plumbing at the time of sawing.
Besides, what tool should you use to cut copper pipe?
The greatest tool we've found for working in tight spaces is a copper tubing cutter, also known as an autocut tubing cutter. It guarantees a clean, precise cut that won't distort the pipe's original form.
Anyone who works on plumbing in their home needs to have copper pipe cutters on hand. If you're up for the challenge, you may find a copper pipe cutter that will provide you easy access to the pipes in your home or company if you research the sizes and locations of the pipes beforehand.
