Pipe Cutters

A pipe cutter is an essential plumbing tool used by professionals and DIYers to produce a clean and precise cut to a pipe. Also known as tube cutters or copper pipe cutters, these tools prove faster than using a hacksaw and can also provide a cleaner external cut on the material.

While highly effective, pipe cutters can leave a burr around the inside of the tubing, which should be cleaned and reamed before the pipe is used. This step is critical for projects involving electrical conduits, as internal burrs can strip the insulating coating on wires, and for plumbing or fluid-handling projects, where they can restrict internal flow and compromise system integrity.

Because pipe cutters come in many shapes and sizes, ensuring the cutter is compatible with the material you need to cut—be it copper, steel, brass, or plastic pipes—is an important consideration before making a purchase. For more detailed information, please see our comprehensive pipe cutters guide.

How Pipe Cutters Work?

Pipe cutters utilise a mechanical leverage system to sever the pipe material with minimal force and high precision. The tool is designed to clamp around the pipe, typically featuring a sharp, circular cutting wheel and two rollers. The rollers hold the pipe firmly in place and guide the cutting wheel around the circumference.

By slowly turning the cutter around the pipe and gradually tightening an adjustment knob, the user drives the cutting wheel deeper into the material. This continuous rotation and tightening action creates a clean score that penetrates the pipe wall, resulting in a smooth, perpendicular cut.

This method relies on controlled compression and scoring, rather than tearing, which minimises deformation and delivers a superior result compared to sawing.

Applications of Pipe Cutters

The ability of pipe cutters to provide quick, straight, and clean cuts makes them indispensable tools in any field requiring the modification or installation of tubular materials.

Plumbing

In plumbing, pipe cutters are essential for sizing and fitting pipes made of materials like copper and plastic. They allow plumbers to make clean, straight cuts necessary for creating leak-proof joints, which is crucial for water supply lines and drainage systems. Their superior cut quality reduces the time spent preparing the pipe ends for soldering or joining.

Electrical Conduit Installation

Pipe cutters are vital during the installation of electrical conduit, especially when dealing with metallic or PVC tubing. Achieving a clean, burr-free internal finish is particularly important to prevent the sharp edges from damaging the insulation of the wires as they are pulled through the conduit, thereby maintaining the safety and integrity of the electrical circuit.

Automative Repairs

In automotive repairs, pipe cutters are frequently used for working on brake lines, fuel lines, and exhaust systems, which often utilise small-diameter metallic tubing. Their ability to make precise, localised cuts in confined engine spaces without creating excessive debris is a key advantage for technicians.

General Metalwork and Fabrication

For general metalwork and fabrication, pipe cutters provide a fast, efficient method for sizing brass, steel, and aluminium tubing used in frames, railings, or structural components. The smooth external cut they produce minimises the need for extensive filing or grinding before welding or assembly.

Pipe Cutters Types

Pipe cutters are differentiated primarily by their operating mechanism, the material they are designed to cut, and their intended application. Choosing a cutter based on these factors ensures efficiency and prevents damage to both the tool and the pipe.

By Mechanism

• Automatic Pipe Cutter: This cutter automatically tensions the cutting wheel onto the pipe with a spring mechanism after initial adjustment. It maintains constant pressure during rotation, allowing for swift, hands-free operation once set.
• Adjustable Pipe Cutter: This is the most common type, featuring a manually adjustable screw feed to gradually advance the cutting wheel. This mechanism allows the user to control the feed rate and accommodate a range of pipe diameters.
• Ratchet-Style: Designed primarily for plastic (PVC/PEX) pipes, this mechanism uses a ratcheting action on a blade to quickly slice through the material. It requires less rotation around the pipe than traditional wheel cutters.

By Material

• Copper Pipe Cutter: Specifically optimised for the softness of copper, these cutters feature a thin, sharp wheel to make fast, deformation-free cuts. They are the go-to tool for residential and commercial plumbing tasks.
• Metal Pipe Cutter: Built with hardened steel wheels and more robust frames, these cutters are designed to cut through harder materials like steel, brass, and thick-walled conduit without dulling or breaking the blade.
• Plastic Pipe Cutter: These cutters often use a shear or ratchet-style blade mechanism to cleanly slice through PVC, PEX, or ABS pipes, providing a smooth, clean edge that doesn't require reaming.

By Application

• Conduit Cutter: These specialised cutters are used for cutting electrical conduit, particularly for rigid or metallic types. They often prioritise a precise external cut and are sometimes designed to minimise internal burr formation.
• Plumbing Cutter: This term generally refers to any cutter used in fluid-handling tasks, typically focusing on copper, PEX, or PVC pipes, where creating a clean, un-restricted internal flow is paramount.

How to Install Pipe Cutters

Unlike powered tools, pipe cutters do not require complex installation. The process primarily involves setting up the cutting wheel and adjusting the frame for operation.

Before use, ensure the cutting wheel is clean, sharp, and correctly seated in the tool's frame. If the cutter has interchangeable wheels for different materials, select and install the appropriate wheel according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

• Install the Cutting Wheel: Remove the retaining pin or clip holding the existing wheel, replace it with the new wheel, and secure the retention mechanism.
• Check the Rollers: Ensure the rollers are clean and spin freely, as they are essential for guiding the pipe and maintaining a straight cut.
• Apply Lubrication (If Required): For certain heavy-duty metal cutters, especially those used for steel, a drop of cutting oil may be required on the wheel and the pipe to minimise friction and prolong the wheel's lifespan.

How to Choose the Right Pipe Cutters

Selecting the best pipe cutter ensures efficiency, accuracy, and longevity in your cutting tasks. The key is matching the cutter's design to the material and access constraints of your project.

• Material Compatibility: Always verify that the cutter's wheel is rated for the pipe material (e.g., copper-specific wheels for copper pipes, and robust wheels for steel).
• Size Range: Ensure the cutter's adjustable range spans the minimum and maximum outside diameters of the pipes you intend to work on.
• Access and Space: For pipes in confined areas, choose a compact cutter with minimal swing clearance; for open runs, a standard adjustable cutter is typically sufficient.
• Reaming Tool: Look for models with an integrated reaming tool to efficiently clean up the internal burr after cutting, saving time and ensuring proper flow.

Buy Pipe Cutters Online from RS

When you require professional-grade tools that deliver precision and durability, RS is a trusted supplier and distributor of pipe cutters. We offer a curated selection of tube cutters suitable for cutting all common pipe materials, including copper, plastic, and various metals. Our inventory features products from industry-leading brands such as Virax, Knipex and Festo, ensuring you have access to reliable and high-performance equipment.

In addition to our wide range of pipe cutters, we also offer other essential cutting and fabrication tools such as cable cutters for wiring, pliers for gripping and bending, and hole cutters for creating precise openings.

Explore our comprehensive range of pipe cutters today. For detailed information regarding our delivery options and policies, please refer to our dedicated delivery page.