If you're a homeowner or new plumber and you're looking for the right tools to cut PVC pipe, look no further than a PVC pipe cutter. PVC pipe cutters are specifically made to cut PVC, CPVC & various types of plastic pipe. However, while they seem straightforward and easy to use, there's a trick to using certain types of PVC pipe cutters.
There will be different instructions for each pipe cutter, depending on the type of cutter you choose. In general, however, the key is to mark the spot on the pipe where you want to make your cut. Next, tighten the jaws of the cutter around the pipe so that the cutter blade is on your mark. Once you're ready, either squeeze or rotate the pipe cutter until the blade slices through your pipe.
If you're curious and want to know more about the different types of pipe cutters and how to use them, you've come to the right place.
What is a PVC Pipe Cutter Tool, and What is Its Purpose?
As its name indicates, a PVC pipe cutter is a tool made specifically to cut PVC pipe. However, because of how they're designed, most PVC pipe cutters can also cut PEX pipe, CPVC, and other plastic pipe materials.
PVC pipe cutters will often use a ratcheting or tightening mechanism to cut the pipe. However, they can also operate by sheer brute force in their most basic capacity.
Different Types of PVC Pipe Cutter Tools
There are four basic types of pipe-cutting tools used to cut PVC pipe to size, and here they are.
Ratcheting Pipe Cutter
Pipe cutters that operate with a ratchet mechanism are often considered the best overall PVC pipe cutters. These cutters are big enough to cut most pipe sizes from 1/2" to 1 1'2" in circumference, but anything bigger may require a miter saw or Sawzall.
Ratcheting pipe cutters are a type of manual pipe cutter, but the ratcheting feature makes them easier to operate. Rather than having to apply constant squeezing pressure, every time you squeeze the cutter it ratchets up a notch and holds in place. This feature makes it faster and easier to cut thick or large pipes by hand.
How to Use a Ratcheting Pipe Cutter
1. Unlock the cutter to release the ratcheting mechanism.
2. Pull the bottoms of the handles apart to fully open the blade.
3. Start squeezing the handles together to start the ratcheting process. You should hear a click every time the ratchet moves up a notch and the blade closes.
4. Continue squeezing and ratcheting until you have cut completely through the PVC pipe.
Rotating Pipe Cutter
If you don't want to pay for a ratcheting pipe cutter, which can be somewhat pricy, you also have the option of using a basic rotating pipe cutter. This tool operates very similarly to the ratcheting pipe cutter, except without the handy ratcheting feature. As such, you'll need to rely on sheer force to complete the cutting process.
How to Use a Rotating Pipe Cutter
1. Pull apart the handles on the pipe cutter to fully open the blade.
2. Squeeze the handles together to close the cutting blade around the point where you want to cut your pipe.
3. Tightly squeeze the handles to apply pressure to the blade, and gently rotate it around the diameter of the pipe.
4. Continue squeezing and rotating to make an even cut.
Because these cutters are more difficult to operate, they're better for plastic tubing, PEX, CPVC, and thin PVC.
Manual or Adjustable Pipe Cutter
If you want to opt for a more versatile and heavy-duty cutting tool, you can use an adjustable pipe cutter. Adjustable pipe cutters have strong cutting wheels, a rotating blade, locking jaws, and a turntable clamp at the end to tighten the jaws. These tools require more effort to operate, but they're also capable of cutting through metal, copper, aluminum, and other hard materials.
How to Use an Adjustable Pipe Cutter
1. Align the pipe so that it's sitting between the wheels on the pipe cutter and can turn easily.
2. Line up the blade where you want to cut the pipe.
3. Turn the clamps clockwise to tighten the cutter, and the blade gets closer to your mark.
4. Once the blade makes contact, perform a half-turn to make a small groove or cut mark on the pipe.
5. Continue tightening the clamp and rotating the cutter around the outside of the pipe.
6. Continue going all the way around the pipe until you've cut it through completely.
Adjustable pipe cutters come in a wide range of shapes and sizes and are the best way to make a clean cut on a pipe.
Always Keep a PVC Pipe Cutter Handy
There are plenty of situations where you might need a PVC pipe cutter. Whether you're a homeowner, plumber, HVAC technician, or electrician, a pipe cutter should be in every handyman's toolbelt. Depending on how much cutting you do, you should have multiple pipe cutters to accommodate any need.