
Pipe and tube cutters are frequently used:
- to create custom piping systems both for residential and commercial buildings
- for industrial plumbing or processing lines for fluid transfer systems
- for waste water treatment
- for fluid or gas handling
- for heating and cooling systems
What is a pipe cutter used for?
A pipe cutter (also called a tube cutter) is a plumbing tool designed to cut pipes and tubing. Pipe cutters come in different shapes and sizes, and are often used by plumbers and other tradespeople.
What size pipe can a copper tubing cutter cut?
This type can normally cut pipe up to one inch in diameter, but it requires a bit more effort. Standard copper tubing cutters have a larger body and handle that makes it easier to rotate the tool around the pipe.
What is an adjustable pipe cutter?
An adjustable pipe cutter looks a bit like a wrench, and is primarily for metal pipes. One side of the jaws has rollers that keep the tool in place on the pipe, while the opposite side has a cutting wheel.
How do you use a pipe cutter with rollers?
Place the rollers of the pipe cutter against the pipe. Turn the tightening screw clockwise until the cutting wheel makes contact with the other side of the pipe. An adjustable pipe cutter looks a bit like a wrench, and is primarily for metal pipes.

What is the difference between a pipe cutter and a tubing cutter?
The blade of a tube cutter is also different to a pipe cutter. A tube cutter's blade is made out of stainless steel, whereas the cutting wheel of a pipe cutter is made from hardened and tempered steel which is much stronger. Pipe cutters need a harder cutting wheel as they have to cut through tougher materials.
How do tube cutters work?
A tube cutter works using its sharp blade to cut through plastic tubing when pressure is exerted by the user. This is done by squeezing the tool's handles together. Some tube cutters cut the tubing in a circular motion by rolling the blade around the plastic tubing, slicing further through the plastic on each turn.
What tool is used to cut a tubing piece?
Heavy-duty steel pipe and tube cutters are usually the easiest to use, but for tight spaces, an angle grinder or reciprocating saw may be needed. When using a metal pipe cutter, align the tool around the marked place on the galvanized pipe and rotate so that the wheel cuts deeper into the pipe until severed.
How do you use a metal tubing cutter?
1:352:48Learn How To Use A Pipe Cutter To Cut Copper Pipe - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd go on around a couple times. And there a couple times you go around tighten up on a wheel that'MoreAnd go on around a couple times. And there a couple times you go around tighten up on a wheel that'll sink the blade ur the blade deeper into the copper. And it doesn't take a whole lot to cut. It.
Can you cut PVC with a tubing cutter?
If you have decent hand strength, you can easily ratchet the cutter until it cuts right through PVC pipe. These cutters are also great for cutting CPVC and PEX. PVC tubing cutters are not recommended for ABS pipe, which is too brittle to be effectively cut by a PVC tubing cutter.
Can a pipe cutter cut steel pipe?
Pipe cutters are a simple hand-held tool that easily cuts through steel, copper, bronze and aluminium tube sections.
How do you cut a tube?
0:211:19How to cut pipe by hand - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAgain continue turning the pipe cutter and tightening the screw. Until you break through the pipe.MoreAgain continue turning the pipe cutter and tightening the screw. Until you break through the pipe. This whole process can take a couple minutes depending on how thick the pipe.
What tool that is used to cut tubing by passing a sharp wheel around and around the tube?
Wheeled pipe cutters are used to cut pipes made from copper, brass, plastic and thin-walled electrical metal tubing (EMT). Unlike a saw, this tool makes a clean uniformed cut using a sharp metal wheel. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC workers, and use wheeled pipe cutters.
How do you cut a tube cutter tube?
0:182:22How to cut copper tube with a pipe cutter tool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd things like that you clamp it on you tighten it just enough. So that this cutting wheel bites itMoreAnd things like that you clamp it on you tighten it just enough. So that this cutting wheel bites it ok. And then you spin it around. And you can see faintly.
How do you use a mini tubing cutter?
0:001:05How to Use a Mini Tubing Cutter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo use a mini tubing cutter insert your tubing or pipe into the jaw. And lightly turn the knob untilMoreTo use a mini tubing cutter insert your tubing or pipe into the jaw. And lightly turn the knob until the cutting wheel just touches your tubing.
What is copper tubing used for?
Copper tubing is most often used for heating systems and as a refrigerant line in HVAC systems. Copper tubing is slowly being replaced by PEX tubing in hot and cold water applications. There are two basic types of copper tubing, soft copper and rigid copper.
How do you cut small metal tubing?
This is done two ways- bandsaw or a chop saw. A chop saw, which is what most shops use, looks like a radial arm saw for wood, but instead of a metal blade, it has a large abrasive disc. The tubing is clamped into the jaws of the built-in vise (very important to use this feature), and the disc cuts through the pipe.
How do you cut a tube cutter tube?
0:182:22How to cut copper tube with a pipe cutter tool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd things like that you clamp it on you tighten it just enough. So that this cutting wheel bites itMoreAnd things like that you clamp it on you tighten it just enough. So that this cutting wheel bites it ok. And then you spin it around. And you can see faintly.
Which way do you turn a tubing cutter?
Open the cutter by turning the feed handle counter clockwise and place the cutter on the solidly held pipe so that the rollers are in contact with the pipe. Turn the screw handle clockwise until the cutter wheel makes contact with the pipe.
How do PVC cutters work?
0:041:51How to Use PVC Pipe Cutters - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis style of cutter uses the ratchet mechanism which allows you to apply continuous force with aMoreThis style of cutter uses the ratchet mechanism which allows you to apply continuous force with a minimal amount of motion and effort to begin using these pull the handles all the way apart.
How do you keep pipe cutters straight?
1:142:58How to Use a Pipe Cutter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd spin it around the pipe. And you want to tighten. The dial about every every turn or every otherMoreAnd spin it around the pipe. And you want to tighten. The dial about every every turn or every other turn about as often as you feel the tension releasing.
What is a pipe cutter?
Pipe and tube cutters are hand-held tools or machines that use a rotating cutting wheel, blade, or other tool head to separate a long piece of tubular material into two or more parts. Pipe and tube cutters can be manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically powered. The type of cutter used depends on the material, diameter, ...
What is a hand held pipe cutter?
Specifications. Hand-held cutters come in a wide range of sizes to accommodate the many different sizes of pipes and tubes on the market. 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.
What is a pipe cutter?
Pipe cutters are used for cutting pipes to ensure the correct pipe length for an installation. They are also used in situations where damaged sections of a pipe need to be removed and replaced.
What are the advantages of using a pipe cutter?
Pipe cutters have some advantages to them. The main advantage is that that they can provide a cleaner cut to a pipe than a hacksaw would. This advantage means less deburring is required, thus minimizing the overall effort needed to complete a project.
How do pipe cutters work?
How does a pipe cutter work? 1 Wheel pipe cutters are cutters are round, and contain a wheel that acts as a blade. As the pipe cutter rotates around the pipe, the wheel begins to cut the pipe. 2 Ratcheting pipe cutters have a ratcheting function that allows you to adjust the width between the blades. This function allows you to cut pipes of various sizes. Simply squeeze the handles of the pipe cutter for the pipe to be cut. 3 Inside pipe cutters attach to a power drill and allow you to cut pipes from the inside. Simply power on the power drill to begin cutting the pipe.
Can a pipe cutter cut stainless steel?
Will a pipe cutter cut stainless steel pipes? Yes, stainless steel pipes can be cut by pipe cutters. You will need to get a pipe cutter specialized in cutting stainless steel, such as the Ridgid 65S or the Ridgid 35S.
How to use a pipe cutter?
1. Use a pipe cutter when you need a smooth surface. The pipe cutter leaves behind a smooth, mostly burr-free cut. This is great for any pipe used in plumbing, but especially for metal pipes that you plan to solder, or plastic pipes that you plan to solvent-weld.
What is an adjustable pipe cutter?
An adjustable pipe cutter looks a bit like a wrench, and is primarily for metal pipes. One side of the jaws has rollers that keep the tool in place on the pipe, while the opposite side has a cutting wheel. A screw on the side of the tool or the end of the handle adjusts the width of the jaws.
How to cut PVC pipe?
1. Open the cutter to engage the ratchet, if there is one. A PVC pipe cutter looks like a pair of scissors with a single blade. Open the handles to see if there's more to it than that: The simplest models are just a single blade that clamps down onto the pipe when you squeeze the handles.
How to cut a pipe with a circular tool?
1. Push the pipe slice onto the pipe. These tiny, circular tools have an opening on one side, and a curved interior that contains rollers for gripping the pipe, and a cutting wheel to slice through it. They are great for narrow spaces, but each one only cuts one diameter of pipe.
How to clean up pipe after using a pipe cutter?
It's still a good idea to clean up the inner surface of the pipe after using a pipe cutter, for instance by running a utility knife around the inside edge.
What does a spiral groove mean on a pipe cutter?
This should score a light, perfectly circular groove into the pipe. A spiral groove means the tool is getting off track. Make sure the pipe cutter is designed for the material you are cutting, and try cleaning the cutting wheel and rollers with a wire brush and tool cleaner.
What is a copper tubing cutter?
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. All types work in essentially the same way: The tool grips a pipe between rollers and a sharp cutting wheel, and as the tool rotates around the pipe, it scores a gradually deepening cut into the walls of the pipe.
How does a soft tubing cutter work?
A soft tubing cutter is a scissors-like tool that operates in much the same way as a PVC tubing cutter, but rather than a ratcheting action, the tool simply cuts through soft tubing with a single squeeze of the handle . Just wiggle the blade back and forth to get it started in the pipe, then squeeze the handle to cut all the way through.
What is a thumb type cutter?
A small "thumb-type" cutter that is ideal for getting into tight locations. This type can normally cut pipe up to one inch in diameter, but it requires a bit more effort. Standard copper tubing cutters have a larger body and handle that makes it easier to rotate the tool around the pipe.
How does an iron pipe cutter work?
They work exactly like the larger copper cutters but have a thicker and stronger cutting wheel to handle the thicker, harder walls of the steel or iron pipe. Turn the handle to clamp down tighter every turn or two until the pipe cutter severs the pipe.
How big of a pipe can a PVC cutter cut?
PVC cutters are made to cut various sized pipes up to two inches in diameter. The most common sizes will handle pipe up to 1 1/4 inches and are priced starting at about $10, so they are very affordable. If you have decent hand strength, you can easily ratchet the cutter until it cuts right through PVC pipe.
How big of a pipe can a jigsaw cut?
Jigsaw: Fitted with the right blade, a jigsaw can cut nearly any plumbing pipe up to about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A wood-cutting blade easily cuts plastic pipe; use metal-cutting blades (and a slow saw speed) when cutting copper or other metals.
What is EMT tubing?
EMT (Electrical Metal Tubing) Using a copper tubing cutter on materials other than copper tends to dull the cutting blade, so if you do this regularly, expect to change the cutting wheel occasionally. Most people who do routine plumbing work find it useful to have at least two copper tubing cutters on hand:
What is a pipe cutter made of?
The frames are usually made from steel or aluminum. There are powered pipe cutters, but most wheeled pipe cutters designed to cut typical plumbing supply lines are manual powered. Some wheeled pipe cutters have spring loaded wheels that don’t require a knob to make adjustments.
What is a wheeled pipe cutter?
Wheeled pipe cutters are used to cut pipes made from copper, brass, plastic and thin-walled electrical metal tubing ( EMT). Unlike a saw, this tool makes a clean uniformed cut using a sharp metal wheel. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC workers, and use wheeled pipe cutters. Here are the basic parts:
What is a blade wheel?
Blade wheel. Threaded bolt that connects knob to blade holder. Roller wheels used to hold and allow the cutter to rotate around the pipe. Larger versions often have a quick release button to open the cutter once the cutting is completed.
Can a plumber use a pipe cutter?
The downside is that they can usually only handle one or two pipe sizes, which means a plumber would require to carry more of them. There are ratchet-style wheeled pipe cutters available that also work well in tight quarters.
What is a pipe cutter?
A pipecutter is a type of tool used by plumbers to cut pipe. Besides producing a clean cut, the tool is often a faster, cleaner, and more convenient way of cutting pipe than using a hacksaw, although this depends on the metal of the pipe. There are two types of pipe cutters. Plastic tubing cutters, which really look much like a pair ...
What is a plastic pipe cutter?
Plastic tubing cutters, which really look much like a pair of pruning shears, may be used for thinner pipes and tubes, such as sprinkler pipe. For use on thicker pipes, there is a pipecutter with a sharp wheel and adjustable jaw grips.
What is the difference between a pipe cutter and a hacksaw?
Pipecutters vs. hacksaws. Hacksaws will cut nearly any size pipe made out of metals and plastics. Pipecutters, on the other hand, are more limited. In the situations where they work, they are generally accepted to leave cleaner cuts on the outer surface of the tube.
