Pipe Cutters: The Ultimate Guide

If you’re a plumber, engineer, or pipefitter, you’re probably more than passingly familiar with pipe cutters. This versatile tool is great for working on the go, helping you save time and energy to get the job done.

But, if you’re less sure (or are looking for a refresher), the team here at The Hosemaster have put together a comprehensive guide to pipe cutters – including what they are, what they do, and how to choose the right one for your needs…

What are pipe cutters?

As far as tool names go, pipe cutters are fairly self-explanatory. But, not all pipe cutters are made equal – as you will find out further down in this guide.

At their core, pipe cutters are designed to quickly and easily cut pipes and tubing. Because they’re relatively small, and frequently handheld, pipe cutters are particularly popular with plumbers and tradespeople who work in situ as a more convenient option to alternatives like hacksaws (or other heavier pieces of equipment).

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What are the different types of pipe cutter?

There are a wide range of different types of pipe cutter; either designed to work in a different way, or cut a specific material. Choosing the right pipe cutter is essential to make sure you can complete your job on time, and in the most efficient way possible.

Top tip: always make sure you use the correct pipe cutter for your needs. Specific materials have their own qualities that will affect how well a pipe cutter works.

Pipe cutters by mechanism

One way to choose a pipe cutter is to look at the mechanism it uses to cut through your material.

• Adjustable pipe cutters: these may look like clamps which can be fixed around the diameter of your pipe. At the top, adjustable pipe cutters are fitted with a small cutting wheel, which can be used to score your pipe and cut through neatly.

Top tip: since they’re adjustable, these are ideal for working with multiple pipes of differing diameters. Much like a wrench, the arm containing the wheel can be moved closer or further away.

• Ratchet pipe cutters: these look more like a pair of pliers, with a blade that can cut through your pipe material. However, the ratchet handle helps to hold pressure each time it’s cranked, relieving the strain on the operator.

Top tip: these pipe cutters are ideally used on soft metals, like copper, or PVC. They’re not typically strong enough to cut through harder materials like steel.

• Auto-cut tool (aka wheel cutter): auto-cut tools are a circular tool that can be fitted around your pipe. Using one hand to twist, the internal wheel steadily cuts through your pipe. Remember, these are a set size, so you may need more than one if you work with multiple diameters of pipe.

Top tip: wheel cutters are ideal for small spaces, and use on soft metals like brass or aluminium – they will not have the power to cut through steel.

• Hacksaws: hacksaws have jagged teeth, which can be used to cut through thicker or stronger pipes.

Top tip: hacksaws are larger and need more room to use them, which means you cannot use them in situ – for example, cutting a pipe in a small or confined space beneath a boiler system.

Pipe cutters by material

Alternatively, you may wish to choose your pipe cutter by the material you work with. However, this may limit you – and you might have to spend more to get a range of pipe cutters to meet your requirements.

• PVC pipe cutters: PVC is a relatively hard plastic often used in water supply management. Many PVC pipe cutters have a single blade which is used like a pair of scissors to chop through the pipe.

Top tip: because of the nature of PVC, pipe cutters can cause cracks or damage – especially on older or colder pipes. In these cases, you may wish to use a cutter with a wheel blade.

• Copper pipe cutters: copper is a relatively soft metal, which means it can be cut fairly easily without too much effort. Wheel cutters are ideal for this, especially if you’re working in a small area (such as below or around boilers).

Top tip: copper pipe cutters need a sharp blade to ensure you get a clean, precise cut.

• Plastic pipe cutters: similarly to PVC, other plastic pipes can be cut with ratchet or manual pipe cutters.

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How to use a pipe cutter

Once you’ve chosen the best pipe cutter for your needs, you can crack on with the job at hand – as long as you know how to use your tool. To help make sure you’re using your pipe cutter correctly (and safely), we’ve put together some basic guides and advice below…

How to use a pipe cutter with a wheel blade

Auto-cut tools and adjustable pipe cutters both use a blade to score through your pipe, progressively cutting with each turn. So, it’s vital that you use them correctly…

Auto-cut tools

To use your auto-cut tool:

1. Press the pipe or tubing into the mouth of your pipe cutter.
1. If you have an auto-cutter with a gate, shut this around the pipe to complete the circle.
2. Twist the cutter around your pipe.
1. These tools are self-tightening, so there is no need to worry about changing the pressure of your grip. 

Top tip: some auto-cut pipe cutters will only turn one way, whilst others are multidirectional. Make sure you turn the cutter correctly to achieve the desired results.

1. Keep twisting until you have cut the whole way through your pipe.

These pipe cutters are incredibly simple to use, and can even be used one-handed if necessary (due to space requirements).

Note: the twisting mechanism is guided by internal rollers, which help sustain the momentum required to move the pipe or tube.

Adjustable pipe cutters

To use an adjustable pipe cutter:

1. Adjust the mouth diameter to fit your pipe by unwinding the knob.
2. Place the pipe between the two rollers.
3. Tighten until your pipe is held securely between the cutting wheel and the rollers.
1. Don’t overly tighten your cutter; it still needs to be loose enough to allow for rotating around the pipe or tube.
4. Twist your cutter, following the stated direction (if given).
1. As you twist, you will need to steadily tighten the jaws of your cutter because the diameter is getting smaller.

Top tip: tighten the jaws of your pipe cutter every two to three turns for plenty of security as you work.

1. Continue twisting until you’ve fully cut through the pipe.

Adjustable pipe cutters are more fiddly to use, as you need to ensure you’re consistently retightening the jaws during use. However, by adjusting the mouth, you have more options of pipe size – without the addition of extra tools that will take up more space in your toolkit.

How to use a PVC pipe cutter

PVC pipe cutters look like a thick pair of single-bladed scissors, and use a ratcheting mechanism to tighten without requiring the operator to use a lot of force. 

Note: there are more moving parts with this type of pipe cutter, so we’ve included a labelled diagram.

To use this type of cutter, you need to:

1. Open out the cutter until it’s wide enough to insert the pipe.
2. Place the pipe onto the bottom of the cutter so that it’s cradled in place.
1. Always use this tool with the blade on top.
3. Squeeze the handles to make the first cut.
4. Release gently until the next tooth engages.
5. Squeeze the handles again to cut deeper.
6. Repeat steps 4 - 5 until you’ve fully cut through your pipe or tubing.

If you’re new to using this type of pipe cutter, we recommend working slowly to avoid disengaging the teeth too quickly. Once you have more experience, it will be more comfortable to work with.

Using a pipe cutter: tips and advice

In addition to these general instructions, we’ve collected some useful advice to make sure you’re working safely at all times:

• Remember, if you’re cutting a pipe that’s part of a larger system, make sure the water/fluid supply is closed and turned off before you begin.
• Use a deburring tool to smooth the cut and remove any sharp edges.
• Clean your pipe cutter regularly, and make sure you check for damage after use.

How to choose the best pipe cutter for you

Looking for the best pipe cutter, but still not sure which is right for you? Ask yourself the following questions to make your decision even easier…

• Where are you working?: if you’re working in a confined space, you’ll need something small that you can use with relatively good dexterity – like the auto-cut tool. If you’re working away from a main site, any of these pipe cutters would be suitable as they’re portable and lightweight.
• Is a straight cut a priority?: pipe cutters that you twist are better at delivering a smooth, straight, and accurate cut according to your markings.
• What size is your pipe?: make sure you get a pipe cutter that will fit the pipes you’re working with. Adjustable cutters offer you more leeway, but they will still have an acceptable working range that you’ll need to stay within.
• What pipe material are you using?: always make sure you choose the right pipe cutter for your material. Copper pipe cutters, PVC pipe cutters, and plastic pipe cutters are specifically designed for specific purposes, and may damage other materials or be unsafe to work with if used incorrectly.

Looking for high-quality plumbing supplies?

You’ve come to the right place. At The Hosemaster, we’ve specialised in selling hoses and couplers since 1976. With decades of experience under our tool belts, and a broad range of products to choose from, you’ll be sure to find everything you need to get the job done.

Of course, if you need additional support or buying advice, we’re always happy to help. Contact us online with any sales or technical questions, or give us a call on 01282 604 002 to speak to one of our team.

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