Best Ratcheting Pipe Cutters of 2026
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Ratcheting pipe cutters are an essential tool for any plumber or DIY enthusiast. These cutters are designed to make clean, precise cuts on a variety of pipe materials, including PVC, copper, and steel. The ratcheting mechanism allows for easy, one-handed cutting, while the sharp blade ensures a smooth cut with minimal effort. With their compact size and lightweight design, ratcheting pipe cutters are easy to carry and store, making them a must-have for any toolbox. Whether you're working on a plumbing project at home or on the job site, ratcheting pipe cutters are a reliable and efficient tool that will help you get the job done quickly and easily.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Ratcheting Pipe Cutters
Bates Ratchet-Type PVC Pipe 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.
DOMINOX Ratchet PVC Pipe Cutter with SK5 Blade
The DOMINOX Ratchet PVC Cutter makes cutting pipes easier and more efficient. Its high-quality SK5 blade stays sharp and resists rust, so you can rely on it for long-lasting use without worrying about blade damage. The aluminum alloy handle is lightweight yet strong, giving you a tool that won’t tire your hand during extended work. Thanks to its sharp blade and pointed angle design, you’ll get smooth, clean cuts quickly, almost like slicing through butter. Plus, the ratchet mechanism lets you apply steady pressure with less effort, reducing strain on your hand and wrist. This cutter is comfortable to hold and practical for any plumbing job.
Klein Tools 50063 Ratcheting Pipe Cutter
The Klein Ratcheting Pipe Cutter is designed to make your plumbing tasks easier. It can cut pipes with an inner diameter of up to 1-1/4 inches, making it versatile for various materials like PVC, CPVC, and PEX. The lightweight design, featuring soft-molded handles, provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to work without straining your hand. With its durable ratcheting blade, you can effortlessly retract the blade when not in use, enhancing safety. Plus, the tool's one-handed operation means you can easily manage cuts while holding other tools or materials.
Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter
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.
SHALL PVC Pipe Cutter
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.
Bates Choice PVC Ratcheting Pipe Cutter
The Bates PVC Pipe Cutter is designed to give you clean and precise cuts for pipes up to 2-1/2 inches wide, making your plumbing tasks easier and more professional. Its durable, rust-resistant materials ensure that the tool will last through many tough jobs, so you don’t have to worry about frequent replacements. The compact and lightweight design helps you maneuver in tight spots and carry it around without any hassle. Plus, the sharp blade combined with an ergonomic, non-slip handle means you can work comfortably with less hand strain, allowing you to cut efficiently and confidently every time.
Generic Ratchet Pipe Cutter 5/16"-1-1/8"
The Generic Ratchet Pipe Cutter is designed for easy one-handed use, allowing you to cut through PVC, copper, and plastic pipes even in tight spaces like corners or near walls. It comes with ComfortGrip gloves and a metal deburring blade to protect your hands and improve your grip, making your work safer and more comfortable. The tool features a two-in-one ergonomic design that switches quickly between modes for fast cutting, while its extended handle reduces hand strain by 40%, helping you work longer without discomfort. With a precision micro-calibration knob, you can easily adjust the cutter to fit pipe sizes from 5/16" to 1-1/8", ensuring clean, burr-free cuts every time.
RIDGID RC-2375 Ratchet Action Pipe and Tubing Cutter
The RIDGID RC-2375 Ratchet Action Pipe and Tubing Cutter is a versatile tool designed to cut plastic and multilayer tubing. Its "Burr-less" cutting operation ensures a square cut with minimal effort. It features an easily replaceable X-CEL quick change blade and is constructed with sturdy aluminum to withstand heavy-duty use. With a 1/8-inch to 2-3/8-inch outer diameter capacity, this tubing cutter is perfect for a variety of applications.
S2U PVC/PEX Pipe Cutter
The S2U Pipe Cutter is a versatile tool that easily cuts various plastic pipes like PVC, PEX, and rubber hoses, so you won’t need multiple tools for your plumbing or garden projects. Its sharp stainless steel blade ensures smooth, clean cuts without rough edges, saving you time on extra sanding. The cutter’s ratcheting design means you use less hand strength, making it easier and faster to cut pipes, perfect if you have many cuts to make or less hand power. Plus, its lightweight and ergonomic handle lets you work comfortably with one hand, reducing hand fatigue even during longer tasks.
Libraton Ratchet PVC Pipe Cutter
The Libraton Ratchet Pipe Cutter is designed for easy and efficient pipe cutting. Its durable 3CR13 blade with a protective coating resists impact and corrosion, so you can rely on it for long-lasting use. The cutter features two adjustable size ranges, allowing you to customize the tool for different pipe diameters, which helps you cut more precisely and steadily. Thanks to the ergonomic ratchet mechanism, you can operate it with just one hand, making your work faster and less tiring. It also includes a deburring tool to smooth out rough edges, ensuring your cuts are clean and professional every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a ratchet cutter?
Ratchet chain pipe cutters are similar to single-stroke manual chain cutters, but feature a ratchet-action cutting capability. Ratchet chain pipe cutters ease the strain involved in producing a cut. Wheeler-Rex ratchet chain pipe cutters consist of a flexible chain that wraps around the pipe and locks in place.
2. What is the best tool to cut copper pipe?
A copper tubing cutter (also called an autocut tubing cutter for some reason) is the best way we know how to work in close quarters. It ensures a straight, even cut and doesn't deform the shape of the pipe. These cutters come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
During our ratcheting pipe cutter research, we found 24 ratcheting pipe cutter products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 50,960 customer reviews through our big data system to write the ratcheting pipe cutters list. We found that most customers choose ratcheting pipe cutters with an average price of $15.26.
The ratcheting pipe cutters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of ratcheting pipe cutters, including Bates Choice, DOMINOX, KLEIN TOOLS, LIBRATON, SHALL. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,437 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
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.