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Best Tubing Cutter : Review And Buying Guide

Brandon Forder
  Mar 28, 2024 3:19 PM

A PVC pipe cutter is a must-have for anyone working with plumbing, irrigation systems, framing, construction, and other similar projects, whether they are professionals or do-it-yourselfers. PVC, PEX, CPVC, and PPR pipes may all be easily cut using a PVC cutter because of the tool's straightforward function. The cutting action of this type of pipe cutter is activated by gripping the handle, making it look like a pair of pliers. However, the blades are extremely sharp and should be used with caution.

Whether you need to cut large-diameter pipes or garden hoses, the type and size of PVC cutter needed will vary depending on the job, the pipe size, and the pipe material (if you're looking for a tube cutter that is able to cut pipe other than just PVC). Some PVC cutters can cut as little as 14-inch PVC pipe, while others, such as the more powerful ones, can handle pipes up to 4 inches in diameter. A PVC pipe cutter is the most effective instrument for making clean cuts in pipe, while there are numerous other cutting tools available for purchase. A straight cut can be achieved by simply marking the area with a pencil, positioning the blade on the mark, and cutting carefully.

The PVC plastic pipe can be easily shredded with the correct cutter, which can be found by consulting the purchase instructions below.


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Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Types of PVC Pipe Cutters

Handsaws can be used to cut PVC pipe with ease, but the process is messy and time-consuming. Because of how easily it can be cut with a handsaw, PVC may be shaped and sized in a wide variety of ways. However, there are a few different types of cutters that are better than a handsaw in some cases; the trick is understanding when to use one tool over another to ensure a project is finished as professionally as possible.

Ratcheting PVC Pipe Cutters

The ratcheting mechanism of a pipe cutter uses ratchet drive technology to repeatedly force a blade on a plastic pipe. Squeeze the handles together, place the blade against the pipe wall, release the mechanism, and repeat as necessary. Follow this procedure until the blade has penetrated the entire pipe.

Single Stroke/Spring-Loaded PVC Pipe Cutters

Any size pipe can be cut with a spring-loaded cutter. The advantage of this design is that the cutting edge is more robust and the spring can keep the tool open. An ergonomic, spring-loaded grip allows for precise, one-motion cuts.

Electric PVC Pipe Cutters

Battery-operated pipe cutters are more efficient than manual PVC cutters and can be used to cut several pipes at once. Electric tools may be more expensive than their manual counterparts, but they get the job done much more quickly. Plenty of shoppers can also agree that this style makes a cleaner cut than others.

Hand Saw

While this method of slicing can be untidy, it often allows for greater versatility. A pipe with a burred end, caused by being cut with a hacksaw, is considered unacceptable in the trade. To have a nice, smooth end to your pipe, you'll need to have these rough spots taken care of by professionals.

Make Sure Your Pipe Will Fit

To be frank, the diameter of your pipe is the single most crucial factor to think about while shopping for a PVC cutter. You can't use a pipe cutter on a pipe that doesn't fit in its jaws. But if it can't cut pipe, a pipe cutter is of no use.

That appears to be an easy solution. The maximum thickness of PVC pipe that can be cut by each tool is specified. Standard cutters have a cutting capacity of 158 inches, while larger 2-inch material is doable and some could cut 212-inch pipe.

However, a regular pair of PVC cutters won't do the job if you need to cut a 15/8-inch pipe. This is due to the fact that the size of PVC pipes is specified by their inner diameter, whereas the size of these cutters is based on the outside diameter of the pipe.

Replace the Blade or Replace the Tool?

Many of these tools boast of having blades that can be simply swapped out for new ones when they become dull, chipped, or worn out. True, however the blades are typically more expensive than the tool itself.

High-end PVC cutters are the only tools worth renewing the blades on, but they can cost an arm and a leg. When deciding on a PVC cutter, keep in mind that the cost of replacement blades will add up to more than the purchase price of a brand new instrument. When a cutter breaks, it may be more cost-effective to merely buy a new tool.

Cutting Capacity

Check the diameter of the pipe to make sure the PVC cutter will work. The size of the cut might range from 1/4 inch to 4 inches, so make sure your hand tool can handle it. There are PVC cutters that can rip through thicker pipes, and there are others that are made just for thin ones.

Blade Material

Pipe cutters typically feature a sharp blade, but there are several other blade options that can increase efficiency, toughness, and the quality of the cut, as well as make the process of cutting less of a chore. The blade on virtually every PVC pipe cutter has been subjected to heat treatment in order to make it harder and sharper. Blades made from heat-treated steel are more flexible and resistant to breaking under heavy use.


FAQS

How Do You Cut a Copper Pipe in a Tight Space?

Cutting a copper pipe in a confined place requires precision to avoid splintering the pipe or causing damage to adjacent pipes. A clean cut with a pipe cutting tool is easier to achieve if you mark out the area you intend to cut before actually using the instrument. For a clean cut with no slippage or misalignment, check that your tool is a proper fit for the pipe size before you start.

Since it requires less area for movement than other types of pipe cutters, a single-handed tool is a sensible choice for tight spaces. A long-handled or ratchet pipe cutter may also be useful if you are having trouble getting to the pipe to make the necessary cut. Slowly and carefully begin cutting to avoid splintering the pipe or slicing through the surrounding material. You can finish the job if you put in the time, effort, and care that are required.

How Do You Cut Metal Pipe Straight?

Pipes that are thick or constructed of a tough to cut material might make it difficult to achieve a clean, straight cut. Metal pipe can be easily cut with a straight piece of tape by wrapping the tape around the pipe first. Making sure the tape overlaps itself will allow you to simply follow the line made by the edge of the tape as you cut, resulting in a clean, precise edge every time. After the pipe has been cut, the tape can be easily peeled off. If you need to cut pipes with a hacksaw, this tip will come in handy.

What tools are used to smoothly cut tubes?

Cutter devices designed specifically for cutting pipelines. Because of their dependability and effectiveness, plumbers frequently employ them. Compared to tools like hacksaws, pipe cutters are easier to operate, faster, and more convenient.

Also question is, what will a tube cutter cut?

The tube sections of steel, copper, bronze, and aluminum may all be easily cut with pipe cutters, which are basic hand-held tools. The tool has a 'C'-shaped body with rollers and a cutting blade housed in its inner edge.


Conclusion

You might not think it would be hard to choose between PVC pipe cutters, but throughout our research for these reviews, many of the cheaper tools broke. If you choose the wrong tool, you may experience difficulty. But the correct tool can save you a lot of time and work, allowing you to finish each task quickly and efficiently.


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