Most pipe cutters can be used for applications including:
- Cutting piping to the required length prior to installation
- Carrying out piping repair work
- Cutting out, removing and replacing damaged sections of pipework before replacement
What are pipe and tube cutters used for?
Smaller pipe and tube cutters are commonly used to cut plumbing pipes made of plastic, copper, brass, and aluminum by using a steel or zinc blade. Heavier duty pipe and tube cutters are designed to cut cast or ductile iron, stainless steel, or large-diameter plastic pipes.
What are the different types of pipe-cutting tools?
You will have several dedicated cutters to choose from, designed to cut specific materials, as well as some general-purpose cutting tools that can be adapted to cut plumbing pipes. Copper tubing cutters are specialized pipe-cutting tools that come in many shapes and sizes, from small thumb cutters to quite large tools designed for big pipes.
What is a ratcheting pipe cutter used for?
A ratcheting cutter is larger, and has hinged metal arms between the handles. These engage a ratchet inside the tool which adjusts the angle of the blade to cut gradually into the pipe. [8] These can get pretty-heavy duty, but the largest PVC pipes may require an adjustable cutter. Check your model's product info for the maximum pipe diameter.
What kind of pipe cutter do I Need?
Most adjustable cutters work best on soft metals. It's a safe bet that any pipe cutter with an adjustable jaw width will work fine on copper, brass, and aluminum pipes. To cut through steel or iron, you'll need a special model with hardened wheels, and—if you're getting really heavy-duty—an extra-long handle for more leverage. [16]
What is a Pipe Cutter?
A pipe cutter is an instrument used most often by plumbers or electricians for cutting or slicing through pipes and tubing. These tools are very popular with professionals because they are exceptionally efficient in providing clean cuts with greater ease, more so than, for instance, the common hacksaw. They are also incredibly reliable and durable as tools.
How does a pipe cutter work?
They will generally contain a sharp wheel inside the cutter. When the pipe is inserted into the cutter, and the cutter tightened to hold the pipe securely, the tool will be rotated. As it rotates, it cuts into the pipe’s surface, initially scoring it but gradually cutting deeper. The number of rotations requires to cut through a pipe entirely will depend on the pipe material, its diameter, and the thickness of the pipe.
How to make a tube fit in a cutter?
Place the tube in the cutter tool and tighten the tool blade enough to create a snug fit. Do not overtighten as the tube may bend.
How to rotate a pipe cutter?
With the cutter wheel touching the pipe, rotate the pipe cutter completely around the pipe 360°. The cutting wheel or blade should not be moved as you could end up with an uneven cut or a damaged pipe if it is new.
How to remove burrs from a cut?
Use a deburring tool at the end of cutting to remove any burrs and ensure that the cut is smooth.
How to cut a tube?
To cut, rotate the cutter around the tube. Repeat until the cutting is complete , and your tube separates into two pieces.
What is an automatic pipe cutter?
Automatic pipe cutter – a highly efficient and compact cutter, it is often called a splice and is shaped like a “C”.
How does a wheel pipe cutter work?
A wheel pipe cutter works by spinning around a pipe. The spinning motion allows the cutter wheel to cut the pipe with minimal effort. The wheel pipe cutter also has an adjustable knob that allows you to tighten the cutter wheel onto the pipe for a more effective cut. Simply slide the pipe into the wheel pipe cutter, tighten the cutter blade, and begin spinning. Do not overtighten the blade as that will make cutting the pipe more difficult.
What is a 4 wheel pipe cutter?
A 4 wheel pipe cutter is similar to a standard wheel pipe cutter. The only difference is that rather than having 1 or 2 cutter wheels, it has 4.
