Best Pipe Cutters of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 14, 2025

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Pipe cutters are essential tools for any plumber or DIY enthusiast. These handy devices are designed to make the task of cutting pipes easier and more efficient. They come in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different needs and applications. From manual cutters that require physical effort to electric models that make the job almost effortless, there is a pipe cutter to suit every need. Some cutters even have adjustable blades to ensure a precise cut every time. Whether you're working on a small plumbing project or a larger commercial job, a pipe cutter is an essential tool to have in your arsenal.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

YAKUHY Ratchet Pipe Cutter Cover #TOP 1
YAKUHY Ratchet Pipe Cutter
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Bates Ratchet-Type PVC Pipe Cutter Cover #TOP 2
Bates Ratchet-Type PVC Pipe Cutter
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter Cover #TOP 3
Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Pipe Cutters

YAKUHY Ratchet Pipe Cutter

H351W9486NO2100CV3D595
as picture show
Black
YAKUHY Ratchet Pipe Cutter Cover
Ratchet-type Pipe Cutter, One-hand Fast Pipe Cutting Tool, for Cutting 5/16-1-1/8 inch Stainless Steel Copper Aluminium,for Home Working(Black)

The YAKUHY Pipe Cutter is designed to make cutting pipes a breeze. With its innovative ratchet mechanism, you can efficiently cut through stainless steel, copper, and aluminum pipes without needing to rotate the tool fully around the tubing. This feature is especially useful in tight spaces, allowing you to work comfortably in narrow areas. The cutter ensures clean cuts while minimizing the risk of material damage. Plus, its ergonomic design helps reduce hand fatigue, making it safer and more comfortable for extended use, whether you're a professional or a DIY enthusiast.

What We Like
Efficient cutting in tight spaces
Clean and precise cuts
Reduces hand fatigue
Convenient one-hand operation

Bates Ratchet-Type PVC Pipe Cutter

PIPC01B131
Orange
Bates Ratchet-Type PVC Pipe Cutter Cover
Bates- PVC Pipe Cutter, Cuts up to 1-1/4", Ratcheting PVC Pipe Cutter Tool, Pipe Cutters PVC, PVC Pipe Shears, PVC Cutter, Plastic Pipe Cutter, PEX Pipe Cutter, PVC Cutter Tool, PVC Ratchet Cutter

The Bates Ratchet-Type PVC Pipe Cutter is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for cutting through plastic pipes and tubes. It features a ratchet mechanism that makes cutting through pipes quick and easy, and a rubber-textured handle for a comfortable grip. The triangle design at the edge of the knife allows better access to the pipe, while the unique structure design makes it easy to cut pipes with a few presses. It is an essential cutting tool for handymen, plumbers, electricians, and vehicle mechanics.

What We Like
Effortless cutting through PVC
Clean, smooth cuts
User-friendly ratcheting mechanism
Comfortable ergonomic design
Good for DIY projects
What We Don't Like
Feels less durable
Flimsy latch design

Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter

900920
Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter Cover
Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter, Up to 2-1/2", Ratchet Pipe Cutter Heavy-Duty, Pex Cutting Tool for Cutting PEX, PVC, PPR Plastic Hoses and Plumbing Pipe

The Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter is a heavy-duty ratchet pipe cutter designed to cut a variety of plastic pipes and tubes, such as PVC, CPVC, PP-R, PEX, PE, and rubber hoses. It features a durable aluminum alloy steel body, a thick 3mm SK5 blade with precision sharpening and Teflon coating, a spring-loaded ergonomic handle for a reliable grip and powerful bite force, and a Quick Change system for easy blade replacement. This professional pex cutter is ideal for home handymen, plumbers, electricians, and vehicle mechanics.

What We Like
Great build quality
Clean cuts on PVC
Easy to operate
Affordable
Good for tight spaces
What We Don't Like
Inconsistent cut accuracy
Poor instructions

Libraton Pipe Cutter

900915
Navy Blue
3/16" to 2"
Libraton Pipe Cutter Cover
Libraton Pipe Cutter, Tubing Cutter 3/16" to 2" Outer Diameter, Copper Pipe Cutter, Tube Cutter with Deburring Tool, Copper Cutter, Pipe Cutter Tool for Copper, and Thin Stainless Steel Tube

The Libraton Pipe Cutter is a high-quality tool that is designed to cut copper, aluminum, and thin stainless steel tubes. It features a SKD-grade blade, a bearing for smoother and cleaner rotation, a deburring tool, and a solid ergonomic PVC knob for improved cutting efficiency. Customers have praised its cutting efficiency, ease of use, and affordability.

What We Like
Effective cutting performance
Sturdy construction
Good value for price
Easy to use
Includes useful deburring tool
What We Don't Like
Reamer feels lightweight
Some parts may feel cheap
#TOP 5

Edward Tools Harden Pro Mini Pipe Cutter

Edward Tools Harden Pro Mini Pipe Cutter Cover
Edward Tools Harden Pro Mini Pipe Cutter 1/8” to 7/8” - Cuts Copper, Aluminum, Metal - Multi Use Tube Cutter, PVC Cutter - Cuts Arrows, Lines - Heavy Duty Steel Blade Pipe Cutter Wheel

The Edward Tools Harden Pro Mini Pipe Cutter is a convenient and versatile tool for cutting aluminum, hard and soft copper, brass, and plastic tubing. It can cut pipes and tubing between 1/8” up to 7/8” and can also be used as a brake line cutter, arrow cutter, tubing cutter, and fuel line cutter. It features a heavy duty steel blade and is great for cutting items in tight spaces. It comes with a lifetime warranty.

What We Like
Easy to use
Sharp cutting edge
Cost-effective tool
Suitable for various pipes
Quick cuts
What We Don't Like
Build quality issues
Single-use limitations
#TOP 6

RIDGID 23498 Model RC-1625 Aluminum Ratchet Action 1/8" to 1-5/8" Plastic Pipe And Tubing Cutter

23498
Silver
Small
RIDGID 23498 Model RC-1625 Aluminum Ratchet Action 1/8" to 1-5/8" Plastic Pipe And Tubing Cutter Cover
RIDGID 23498 Model RC-1625 Aluminum Ratchet Action 1/8" to 1-5/8" Plastic Pipe And Tubing Cutter, Silver, Small

The RIDGID 23498 Model RC-1625 Aluminum Ratchet Action 1/8" to 1-5/8" Plastic Pipe And Tubing Cutter is a heavy-duty tool designed to make clean and precise cuts to the length needed on a variety of plastic and multilayer tubing. It features an X-CEL quick change blade system for easy blade changes, an ergonomic handle for easy measuring, and a durable aluminum build for long-lasting use. Customers have praised its ability to make straight cuts and its solid construction.

What We Like
Easy one-handed operation
Clean, straight cuts
Durable and sturdy design
Replaceable blades
Lightweight aluminum frame
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to others
Large size may not suit everyone
#TOP 7

RIDGID 23488 Model PC-1250 Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter

23488
Small
RIDGID 23488 Model PC-1250 Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter Cover
RIDGID 23488 Model PC-1250 Single Stroke Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter, 1/8-inch to 1-5/8-inch Pipe Cutter

The RIDGID 23488 Model PC-1250 Single Stroke Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter is designed to cut through single-layer plastic tubing including PVC, CPVC, PP, PEX, and PE, with a cutting capacity of 1/8-inch to 1-5/8-inches in diameter. It features spring-loaded handles for faster positioning and an X-CEL reversible blade for improved durability. The ergonomic textured handles offer a reliable grip for precise cuts, and the compact lightweight design makes it easy to hold and carry. Customers praise its ability to cut PEX like butter and its durability even with daily use.

What We Like
Very sharp cutting ability
Convenient for heavy pipes
Sturdy and reliable tool
Effective for PVC cutting
What We Don't Like
Replacement blades costly
Clamp design could improve
#TOP 8

SHALL PVC Pipe Cutter

SHALL
SH221002
2-1/2 inch
SHALL PVC Pipe Cutter Cover
SHALL PVC Pipe Cutter, Cuts up to 2-1/2”, Heavy-Duty Aluminum Ratchet Pipe Cutter Tool for PVC, PPR, PE, PEX, Plastic Hoses & Plumbing Pipes, Fast Pipe Tube Cutters with High Performance SK5 Blade

The SHALL Pipe Cutter Tool by SHALL is a high-performance tool designed for cutting various pipes with precision. Its durable aluminum body and SK5 blade with Teflon coating ensure longevity. The V-shape blade design allows for easy pipe penetration, reducing damage. This ratchet pipe cutter can handle pipes up to 2-1/2'' outside diameter, including PVC, PPR, PEX, PE, and more. The ratchet drive technology saves you effort, making one-handed cutting effortless. The ergonomic handle with a non-slip grip ensures comfort during long work sessions. Plus, the safety lock adds peace of mind when storing the tool.

What We Like
Easy to use
Clean cuts
Great for arthritis sufferers
Quick cutting
High quality
What We Don't Like
Slightly off cuts occasionally
Questionable durability
#TOP 9

AIRAJ Ratchet PVC Pipe Cutter

2-1/2“
Orange
2-1/2''(64mm MAX)
AIRAJ Ratchet PVC Pipe Cutter Cover
AIRAJ Ratchet PVC Pipe Cutter,Cuts up to 2-1/2"PEX,PVC,PPR and Plastic Hoses,Pipe Cutters with Sharp SK5 Stainless Steel Blades,Suitable for Home Repairs and Plumbers

The AIRAJ Ratchet PVC Pipe Cutter is a durable and reliable tool for cutting most kinds of plastic and multilayer tubing. It is made of manganese steel and high-quality aluminum alloy for strength and durability, and features a ratchet drive design for auto-locking and easy one-handed cutting. The rubber handle is comfortable and powerful, and the stainless buckle ensures a secure grip. It can cut up to 2-1/2" pipes, making it suitable for home repairs and plumbers.

What We Like
Affordable price
Easy to use
Clean cuts
Durable metal construction
Suitable for tight spaces
What We Don't Like
Slightly difficult ratcheting mechanism
Blade may bend under pressure
#TOP 10

KNIPEX TubiX Pipe Cutter 90 31 02 SBA

903102SBA
Multi
7.25 inch
KNIPEX TubiX Pipe Cutter 90 31 02 SBA Cover
KNIPEX Tools - KNIPEX TubiX Pipe Cutter(90 31 02 SBA), 7.25 inch

The KNIPEX Pipe Cutter is designed for precision performance, making it the top choice for tradespeople around the globe. You will appreciate its comfortable grip, ensuring ease of use during extended tasks. This tool is crafted to meet the demands of various settings, whether you're working in a shop, at home, or in the field. Additionally, each cutter is rigorously tested for durability and functionality, giving you confidence in its reliability for real-world applications.

What We Like
Clean, precise cuts
Easy to use
High-quality construction
Adjustable lever for convenience
Built-in deburring tool
What We Don't Like
Pricey compared to others
Limited to smaller pipe sizes
Buying Guide Image

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.

3. What do plumbers use to cut metal pipes?

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.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

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.