A beginner’s guide to pipe cutters: materials, how to rotate, when to use, and more

Pipe cutters can save you a lot of time once you know how to use them. They are available in designs for all pipe sizes and materials (copper, PVC, etc.), so check the product information to avoid choosing the wrong tool. This wikiHow has put together the most frequently asked questions about pipe cutters to help you.

Table of Contents

How to use the adjustable pipe cutter?

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Tighten the clamp around the tube. Place the tool rollers into the tube. Tighten the screw clockwise until the blade makes contact with the other side of the water pipe. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Adjustable pipe cutter that looks like a wrench, mainly used for cutting metal pipes. One side of the jaw has rollers to fix the tool on the tube, the other side has a disc or blade. The side or top of the tool handle has a screw to adjust the width of the jaw.
If the pipe is horizontal, position the tool with the jaw facing up. Secure the pipe to the workbench with a vise or clamp before cutting.

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Rotate the tool to test a shallow cut in the tube. Now that the blade has made contact with the tube, tighten the screw another 1/4 turn. Hold the handle and rotate the tool 360º around the tube. A shallow and seamless circular groove will appear on the tube. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Spiral cut means the tool has been deflected. Make sure the tool is designed for the material, then try cleaning the cutters and rollers with a wire brush and specialized cleaning solution. If the cutting line is still not straight, you may need to replace the blade. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

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Tighten the tool and rotate again. After cleaning the tool, tighten the screw just enough to secure the tube and turn it another 360º. Continue tightening the screws and repeat this until the blade cuts through the tube. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Do not over tighten the screws as this may damage the tool. ^{[5] X Research Source} Only 1/4 turn should be tightened after one or more turns of the cutter around the tube.
Some high-end tube cutters have multiple blades or cutting discs located around the jaw to cut tubes in different positions. These options are great for tight spaces, as you can rotate the tool back and forth in a small arc instead of a full circle. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

How to use pvc pipe cutter?

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Open the cutter to install the ratchet (if any). PVC pipe cutters look like scissors but with only one blade. Let’s open the handle to see if there’s more you can do:

The simplest model has a structure consisting of only a blade that clamps down on the plastic pipe when you squeeze the handle. You just need to align the blade with the cut mark, squeeze the handle and rotate to complete the cut. ^{[7] X Research Source} This cutter is only effective on the smallest PVC pipes and tubes.
The larger ratchet mechanism cutters have a metal rod with a hinge between the two handles. These add-on cutting pliers are based on a sprocket gear mechanism that adjusts the angle of the blade for a gradual cut into the pipe. ^{[8] X Research Source} The ratchet cutter is capable of handling heavy duty pipes, but the largest diameter PVC pipes will require an adjustable tool. Be sure to check the product model information to understand the maximum diameter of the plastic pipe the tool can cut.

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Squeeze and release the handle so that the ratchet wheel adjusts the cutting angle of the blade. Continue squeezing and releasing the handle to work with the blade until the tube is cut gradually. ^{[9] X Research Source}

Secure the tube to the workbench with a vise or clamp before cutting, then adjust the blade so that the blade is pointing down the horizontal tube below.
The largest diameter PVC pipe cutters are heavy and difficult to use. It will be easier if you place the lower jaw on a table or floor to make the tool more stable. ^{[10] X Research Source}

How to use the mini pipe slicer?

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Push the mini cutter into the tube. These small circular tools have one side of the jaw open, the other side curved, and the inside contains sliders to grip the duct while the blade cuts through. Mini cutters are suitable for tight spaces, but each tool is only for one pipe diameter. If the cutting jaw does not fit snugly around the tube, you need to change to another tool. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Some cutters are designed with a jaw grip. Open this cover, attach the cutter to the position to be cut on the conduit, and then close it to fix it. ^{[12] X Research Source}

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Rotate the cutter around the tube. Normally, the inside of the tool will have a spring that is responsible for pushing the blade into the groove, deepening until it cuts through the tube. This process can be completed in as little as 10 revolutions for copper conduit. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Check on the tool that the arrow indicates which direction to rotate.
Some mini plastic pipe cutters are very versatile; you just need to gently squeeze the tool while rotating.

Which direction do I need to rotate the pipe cutter?

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Rotate according to the arrow on the tool (if any). Circular mini pipe cutters usually have an arrow on the side marking the direction to rotate. ^{[14] X Research Source}

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If there is no guiding arrow, rotate so that the tip of the tool is facing forward. For large pipe cutters with handles, you need to rotate so that the tip of the tool is in front of the handle. ^{[15] X Research Source} Although these tools can cut in both directions, if rotated according to the instructions the blade will cut straight and stable on the tube.

Can I use the pipe cutter on any material?

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Most adjustable cutting tools handle soft metals best. A safe choice for any custom-width jaw cutting tool is copper, brass and aluminum tubing. To cut iron or steel pipes, you need a specialized model with a hard material cutting disc. In addition, long-handled cutting tools add extra leverage to handle heavy pipes. ^{[16] X Research Source}

These tools can also cut through any type of plastic pipe if you want. But doing so will cause the blade to dull faster, so this option is not recommended. ^{[17] X Research Source}

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The performance of PVC pipe cutters will depend on the product. Most PVC pipe cutters can also process CPVC, PP, PEX and PE pipes. You need to refer to the specific model to see if the product can cut ABS, PB or PVDF plastic. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

In terms of different types of pipes, most of the hard, light-colored plastic pipes installed in the house are most likely PVC. ABS plastic is black, PVDF is more commonly used in the industrial field than in civil, and PB pipe has the characteristics of flexibility. ^{[19] X Research Source}
Old plastic pipes are usually more brittle, so if you cut them with scissors or pliers, the ratchet mechanism can break the pipe. An adjustable cutter or saw is a safer option. ^{[20] X Source of Study} The risk of tube breakage is higher at cold temperatures and when blunt blades are used. ^{[21] X Research Source}

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Each mini pipe cutter is designed specifically for a material and size. Most of these mini cutters can only handle one type of copper pipe with a given diameter. Some cutting tools (designed for copper or plastic pipes) have a similar design. These are highly specialized tools, even if it is a medium sized pipe, it cannot be cut with different materials. ^{[22] X Research Source}

When should I use a pipe cutter instead of a saw?

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Use a pipe cutter when you need a smooth cut. The pipe cutter will leave a smooth cut with almost no rough edges. This option is suitable when constructing plumbing, especially metal pipes that are about to be welded, or plastic pipes that you plan to weld with solvents. Sawing will leave a rough edge, taking time to smooth and sand before joining the hose. ^{[23] X Research Sources}

It is recommended that you clean the inside surface of the tube after cutting with a tool, such as running a utility blade around the inside edge of the tube.

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Adjustable pipe cutters are great if straight cuts are a priority. Just align the tool once before you start and you’ll have a perfectly circular cut. This is a great plus for many projects, especially, the smooth cut is also key if you’re planning to thread. ^{[24] X Research Source}

To make a straight cut with an adjustable pipe cutter, you need to clamp the cutter jaw snugly against the water pipe, then rotate the tool around the pipe untightened to carve a notch. If the groove is a spiral instead of a circle, you need to clean the tool and try again.

Steps