Choosing a pipe cutter for copper pipes

Specialized pipe cutters for copper pipes are necessary for both professional plumbers and DIYers who replace and cut such elements on their own. A wide selection of tools is on sale today, you can find cordless and electric mini-models. To figure out which ones are more suitable for cutting copper and aluminum pipes, a review of the best models with tips for choosing them will help.

The copper pipe cutter is the only correct tool for cutting copper pipes. It is the specialized equipment that leaves an even and clean edge on the metal surface.

All commercially available pipe cutters suitable for household use can be divided into groups based on their characteristics and type of construction.

• Manual. This type of tool is a metal shears equipped with a ratchet mechanism. The movement of the blades is carried out with the help of the master's own muscular strength. Modern hand-held pipe cutters are also presented in a lightweight version, they cut metal by rotating the handle, without significant physical effort. The diameter of metal products that can be processed in this way does not exceed 125 mm, the equipment can be used regardless of working conditions.

• Electric. These devices are relevant for in-line pipe cutting operations. A special machine provides fast and accurate cutting of metal of various diameters and thicknesses. The whole process takes seconds, but the equipment is much more expensive than manual counterparts, requires connection to the power supply.

• Rechargeable. Mini-version of the electric pipe cutter, it is convenient to transport and use it if necessary. A charged battery will last for 20-30 minutes. The technique is more productive than manual counterparts, but does not have such a high power as electric pipe cutters.

• Pneumatic. Such a pipe cutter can be seen in production. The machine is connected to a compressor that supplies compressed air under pressure. The pneumatic tool has a split design. It can cut large diameter copper pipes.

• Hydraulic. The principle of its operation is similar to pneumatic models, only the pressure is created not by air, but by water. The equipment is connected to a hydraulic pump and requires uninterrupted power supply.

In addition, manual equipment models have their own subgroups. They differ in the type of construction, but they always have common features. Each pipe cutter has a metal body, a cutting element, and a clamping device. There is also a control unit, with the help of which metal cutting is carried out. The clamping element is responsible for the correct positioning of the equipment relative to the surface of the part.

Manual pipe cutters are usually divided into the following groups.

• Clamping type. Outwardly, they resemble classic carpentry and locksmith clamps, equipped with a screw stem. A cutter in the form of a wheel is placed in the bracket; on the reverse side there is a pressure block with rollers. The copper tube is inserted into the tool body and the screw is turned until the cutter is pushed through the metal. Work requires some physical effort.

• Telescopic type. Outwardly, they are similar to clamping ones, but the adjustment of the feed screw is carried out here using a handle.The pressure rollers remain stationary during cutting. The tool is fixed on the bend, the rotating element is scrolled, then the steps are repeated. The work is more laborious, the accuracy of the method is lower than in the case of clamp cutting.

• Rollerballs. They have a C-shaped hook-like body and a rotating stem with a cutter. This is the most compact option, allowing you to cut pipes with a diameter of up to 22 mm. The cutting roller is equipped with a spring mechanism that automatically adjusts the pressure on the workpiece. Such a mini-tool is convenient for working in hard-to-reach places.

• With a ratchet. These instruments have a tubular body. It is not necessary to make a complete revolution around the incision site. It is enough to perform oscillatory movements with the handle. This is the best option for working in areas near walls, in corners.

• Chain. They are equipped with 2 handles and are suitable for working with pipes of different diameters. A chain is attached to one end of the tool, to the other it is attached at the desired distance, taking into account the size of the product to be worked with. The tension of the links is adjusted by turning the knobs, which creates vibrations that allow the cutting edge to perform its tasks.

Electrical tools also have 2 subcategories. Detachable models are used on pipelines that have already been put into operation.

Fixed ones are suitable for preparatory cutting of materials, as well as for working with products with large wall thicknesses, non-standard diameters.

For copper, aluminum pipes and other soft metals, a wide range of pipe cutters are used, both the simplest and the most complex. To understand which options are suitable for purchase, the following useful recommendations will help a novice master.

• Type of drive. To perform work at home, the simplest manual pipe cutter will be enough. The mechanical drive makes it possible to easily cope with a single operation, it allows better control of the process with a small diameter of the elements. It is advisable to buy an electric tool if the cutting of copper pipes is performed frequently or if work is to be carried out with a significant thickness of the metal.
• Blade material. The best option is stainless steel or alloy steel. Ordinary ferrous metal will quickly rust or dull.
• Cutter sharpening angle. The obtuse-angled version is more resistant to distortions, but gives a rough cut. Additional machining of the pipe edges will be required. The razor cutter provides high precision and cutting speed. But the blade will tend to shift as you work with it.
• Roller height. For cutting copper pipes, it should be 3.5-5.5 mm.
• The diameter of the processed products. In everyday life, pipes with dimensions of more than 25 mm are rarely found. For larger products, professional cutting equipment is produced.
• Convenience of work. A quality tool has a rubberized or polymer coated non-slip grip. A pipe cutter for home use should be lightweight, compact, and mobile. In the workshop, you can buy a full-fledged machine with a hydraulic or pneumatic drive.
• Purchase budget. High-quality professional mobile pipe cutters are sold at a price of 3500 rubles. Hand tools from leading brands cost 1000-3000 rubles. Budget models with a primitive mechanism can be found on sale even cheaper. On average, such pipe cutters cost no more than 400 rubles.

Given these parameters, you can choose the right tool model for different tasks.

In the assortment of Russian hardware stores, tools for cutting copper or aluminum pipes are presented quite widely. Here you can find products of brands from the USA, Europe, as well as Chinese budget brands and domestic enterprises.

High marks are awarded Stayer, Zubr, Enkor brands... Professionals choose manual ratchet pipe cutter for themselves Rothenberg Automatic I 70030 or products of an American company Ridgid with a similar mechanism. They are adapted to work with communications of different diameters, and are distinguished by a high speed of work.

Among non-professional pipe cutters, there are also many interesting options. The top includes the following models for sure.

• "Zubr Professional". Universal model for non-ferrous metals. Suitable for cutting pipes with a diameter of 6 to 64 mm. Construction type - roller, easy to operate.

• Stayer Pro Cut Professional. The tool is designed to work with copper pipes with a diameter of 3-32 mm. The roller design is easy to operate with just one hand. The blade is made of tool steel.

• "Kraftul". Manual telescopic pipe cutter. Suitable for cutting copper elements with a cross section of 3 to 32 mm.

Paying attention to high quality pipe cutters, you do not have to worry about the tool quickly becoming blunt or breaking. On sale you can find many affordable models suitable for home use.

You will learn how to use the pipe cutter in the next video.