Basic Information to Help You Figure out the Best Pipe Cutters
Cutting pipes is a very common task, be they PVC, aluminum, copper, iron or even plastic. The cut we get with other types of tools is not as perfect or rushed as we will get with the so-called pipe cutter.
It is that this tool, also called plumber pipe cutter, has as its fundamental part the blade: with it is what the cut is made with. The pipe cutters are manufactured by injecting the metal alloy into special molds.
Later some of its parts are painted, melting the paint in the piece so that it adheres. The pipe cutter is essential in tasks of the water and air sector and is widely used to work with air conditioners or gas installations.
Parts of the pipe cutter
We can define four basic parts of the pipe cutter and make sure you choose the cutter with these parts.
- Sliding: advances the cutting blade
- Rollers: to support the pipe we want to cut
- Blade: made of a special material called tool steel. This material stands out for its high carbon content, which is what ensures high hardness.
- Jaw grip: to hold the pipe
Types of pipe cutters
There are 3 main types of pipe cutters, here we tell you a little about each type:
Scissors: it is suitable for soft pipes. As the name implies, it has a scissor shape and one of its leaves constitutes a surface on which the turn that will allow our cut can be made.
Pipe cutter G-shaped: The pipe to be cut is inserted into this G and is thus well secured. It has two rollers on which the blade rotates. The cut is made during this rotation of the pipe through the blade. The mechanism is very simple: some measures can be adjusted to make the blade stick to the pipe.
Slicer cutter: It is used to make cuts in internal threads or outside the pipes. It has a total of three parallel blades that can be moved up. The good thing about this type of pipe cutter is that it allows you to embed it in a lathe and make the cut automatically.
Operation
The mechanism of a pipe cutter is very simple and effective: it consists of being able to adjust the pipe to be cut, turn the wheel and in this way actuate the blade, the action can be repeated until the desired cut is achieved. Its drive is completely manual. As a result, we get a clean and straight cut.
The type of pipe cutter you choose will have to do with the function you need to fulfill. Look at the dimensions of the pipes you normally need to cut. This way you may have enough with a tool of few dimensions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between a pipe cutter and a tube cutter?
Pipe cutters and tube cutters have different applications based on the materials they can cut. Tube cutters are designed for softer materials like PVC, while pipe cutters are more suitable for cutting harder materials like steel and iron.
2. How many types of pipe cutters are there?
There are two types of pipe cutters available. Plastic tubing cutters, resembling pruning shears, are suitable for thinner pipes and tubes like sprinkler pipes. For thicker pipes, there are pipe cutters with a sharp wheel and adjustable jaw grips.
Plumbers use pipe cutters to cut metal pipes to the desired length. These tools are small, easy to handle, and come in various sizes depending on the pipe's size. Additionally, plumbers use plumber's tape, also known as Teflon tape, to seal joints and pipe threads.
4. Will a pipe cutter cut through steel?
Yes, a pipe cutter is designed to cut through various materials, including steel, copper, bronze, and aluminum tube sections. The tool's 'C' shape contains rollers and a cutting blade on the inside edge, allowing for easy cutting of steel pipes.
5. Can you cut PEX with a regular pipe cutter?
Yes, you can cut PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) with a regular pipe cutter, especially one designed for PEX tubing. A pipe cutter ensures a straight cut without much effort, regardless of the tubing diameter.
6. What size of pipe can you cut with the pipe cutter?
Pipe cutters are available in various sizes, but most commonly, they can cut pipes up to two inches in diameter. PVC cutters, for example, can handle pipe sizes up to 1 1/4 inches and are priced affordably, starting at around $10.
Editor's Notes
During our pipe cutter research, we found 24 pipe cutter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 70,882 customer reviews through our big data system to write the pipe cutters list. We found that most customers choose pipe cutters with an average price of $17.90.
The pipe cutters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of pipe cutters, including YAKUHY, Bates Choice, LIBRATON, Edward Tools, RIDGID. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 54 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.
Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.