Pipe Cutters

Pipe cutters are essential plumbing and piping tools used by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts to achieve quick, clean, and precise cuts on pipes. Also known as tube cutters or copper pipe cutters, they offer a faster and cleaner alternative to using a hacksaw.

Pipe cutters can be used to cut a range of pipe materials, including copper, steel, brass, aluminium, and plastic pipes such as PVC and CPVC. Clean cuts are especially important in plumbing, electrical conduit installations, HVAC work, and fluid systems, as they ensure a proper fit and help prevent internal burrs that could damage cables or disrupt fluid flow. Learn more in our comprehensive pipe cutters guide.

What Types of Pipe Cutters Are There?

There are a few main types of pipe cutters, each designed for specific materials and cutting methods:

Automatic Pipe Cutters

These tools are clamped onto a pipe and rotated manually or mechanically. As they turn, the internal mechanism automatically tightens the cutting wheel until it slices through the pipe wall. This design offers a fast, consistent cut and minimises manual effort, making it ideal for repetitive tasks in plumbing or industrial work.

Adjustable Pipe Cutters

Adjustable cutters feature a sharp cutting wheel and adjustable jaws that can be tightened gradually as the tool is rotated around the pipe. The progressive tightening allows for precise, smooth cuts through a range of pipe diameters, making them a versatile choice for both professional and DIY users.

Plastic Pipe/Tube Cutters

When you need a clean, quick cut with PVC pipe, plastic pipe cutters are specifically designed for the job. As you squeeze the cutter, the ratchet blade is gradually closed until it cuts all the way through the pipe. These cutters are great for cutting through PVC, CPVC, and PEX tubing.

Ratchet Pipe Cutters

Ratchet pipe cutters use a ratcheting mechanism that enables gradual, controlled cutting pressure. This makes them especially useful in confined spaces or when cutting tough materials, allowing users to complete the cut with minimal effort and maximum precision.

Spring-Loaded Pipe Cutters

Equipped with a spring mechanism, these cutters automatically adjust to different pipe sizes while maintaining consistent pressure. Their flexibility and ease of adjustment make them ideal for general-purpose cutting where multiple pipe diameters are involved.

Plier Pipe Cutters

Plier-style pipe cutters resemble standard pliers and are designed for quick, straightforward cutting of smaller pipes or tubing. Their compact, ergonomic design allows for excellent control while reducing the risk of pipe deformation.

Choosing the Right Pipe Cutter for Your Material and Project

Pipe cutters come in many shapes and sizes, so making sure the cutter is suitable for the material you need cutting before your purchase is important. Here are some things to consider when selecting a pipe cutter for your project:

• Material: Identify the pipe material (steel, copper, aluminium, PVC) to select a compatible cutter. Using the wrong type of cutter can damage the tool or the pipe.
• Capacity: Check pipe diameter and thickness to ensure cutter capacity matches the pipe size. For large, thick pipes, a heavy-duty pipe cutter is required.
• Mechanism: Opt for manual pipe cutters for precision; ratchet or automatic cutters for confined spaces or speed.
• Quality: Consider cutter blade quality and durability for clean, burr-free cuts. This is especially important when choosing a copper cutter.
• Ergonomics: Prioritise ergonomic design and ease of use for frequent or prolonged tasks.
• Versatility: Choose multi-purpose cutters if handling various pipe materials.
• Environment: Factor in the project environment (tight spaces, outdoor) when selecting size and cutter type.

Maintenance and Safety Tips for Pipe Cutters

Proper care and strict adherence to safety guidelines are essential to ensure the longevity of your tools and the safety of the operator. Here are the key steps to ensure this:

• Always Wear Protective Gear: Use safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands while cutting.
• Secure the Pipe Firmly: Hold the pipe firmly before cutting to prevent slipping, which could result in an inaccurate cut or injury.
• Keep the Cutting Blade Sharp: Maintain a sharp cutting blade for clean, safe cuts; a dull blade requires excessive force and increases risk.
• Clean the Cutter After Each Use: Remove debris and metal shavings from the cutter after each use, which is vital for preventing rust.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Regularly apply lubricant to moving parts to ensure smooth operation and minimise friction and wear.
• Store in a Dry Place: Keep the pipe cutter in a dry place with protective covers over the blades when not in use.
• Inspect Regularly: Examine the cutter regularly for damage, loose parts, or excessive wear before each use.
• Use Proper Techniques: Employ proper cutting techniques, especially when working in tight or angled spaces, to ensure control and a clean result. Do not point the blade toward yourself or others to prevent accidental injuries during handling.

Storage Best Practices to Prolong Pipe Cutter Lifespan

Proper storage is crucial for maintaining the precision and extending the lifespan of your pipe cutters. Here's how to store them effectively:

• Store Them Properly: Store pipe cutters indoors in a dry, climate-controlled area to prevent rust and corrosion. Use silica gel packets or moisture absorbers in storage containers if the environment is humid.
• Ensure Proper Protection: Keep cutters in a toolbox, drawer, or protective case to avoid damage from impact or moisture.
• Removed Tension: Loosen cutting wheels slightly when not in use to avoid unnecessary blade pressure.
• Ensure Cleanliness: Clean pipe cutters thoroughly after each use to remove debris and metal shavings.
• Oil Occasionally: Apply a light coat of machine oil or rust inhibitor to moving parts before storage.

Industrial Applications of Pipe Cutters

Pipe cutters are indispensable across many industries for reliable and precise modification of pipe and tubing, such as in:

• Plumbing: Plumbers frequently use water pipe cutters to quickly and accurately sever various piping materials during the installation or repair of water and drainage systems in residential and commercial properties.
• Construction: In construction, pipe cutters are used daily to size and fit lengths of metal pipes and tubing for structural, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems across large-scale projects.
• Electrical Work: Electricians use pipe cutters for cleanly cutting conduit (pipe used to house and protect electrical wiring) to the exact required lengths before installation into walls and ceilings.
• Automotive Industry: Automotive technicians utilise small, precise tube cutter tools to cut fuel lines, brake lines, and exhaust tubing made from soft metals like aluminium and copper.
• Manufacturing: In manufacturing, precision pipe cutters are essential for fabricating machinery components and ensuring fluid transfer lines are cut cleanly and to spec before assembly.
• HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): HVAC specialists rely heavily on copper tubing cutters to precisely cut and prepare copper linesets for brazing when installing and repairing refrigeration and air conditioning units.
• Shipbuilding: The shipbuilding industry requires robust pipe cutters to handle the large-diameter, heavy-gauge piping used for hydraulic, ballast, and cooling systems found within marine vessels.

Shop Pipe Cutters from RS Malaysia

RS is your trusted source for pipe cutters in Malaysia. As a leading manufacturer, supplier, and distributor, we offer a wide selection of high-quality pipe cutters from top brands like Virax, Knipex, and RS PRO. Our prices also cater to diverse budgets.

Buy your pipe cutters online, along with other essential hand tools like wire cutters and pliers to complete your toolkit. We offer competitive prices and a seamless online ordering experience. Enjoy fast, nationwide doorstep delivery. For detailed delivery information and fees, visit our Delivery page.