7 best pipe cutters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Pipe cutters are used when it is necessary to cut the pipe edge with high precision or so that no burrs remain. In this regard, it is a more effective tool than a hacksaw or a grinder. The principle of operation consists in rotating the tool around the pipe with a gradual pressing of the cutting roller or cutting the workpiece with the upper blade to the stationary counterpart. If you need such equipment, then check out how to choose a pipe cutter and which models are the best according to experts and buyers.

How to choose a pipe cutter

First, pay attention to the key parameters for choosing a pipe cutter:

1. The minimum pipe diameter. The design of the bracket allows you to create a stop between the cutting roller and the counterparts only for a certain diameter. Pipe cutters differ with a minimum allowable indicator of 3-6 mm, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 mm, which is important to consider when choosing a tool for specific tasks.
2. Maximum pipe diameter. Similarly, it is possible to move the cutting roller away from the thrust ones, depending on the dimensions of the bracket and the device of the guides, to a certain value. The largest diameter in a pipe cutter is 300 mm.
3. Convenience of holding. The tool is held with both hands, and the operator has to constantly rotate the screw that moves the roller. The flywheel must have a relief for ease of operation, and the body bracket must not slip out of the hands.
4. Mechanism. The telescopic device implies a gradual extension of the cutting roller. It is a slower option with a long service life and the ability to use on dissimilar materials. The ratchet mechanism allows you to bring the pipe cutter only from one side and gradually squeeze the blades, but this is only suitable for plastic and metal-plastic. The scissor version is simple and quick to operate, but only designed for rubber hoses.
5. Weight. The weight of the inventory affects the fatigue of the hands during prolonged use. Tool weight varies from 100 g to 2 kg.
6. Pipe material. The cutter wheel and feed screw threads are designed to work with specific materials in terms of density. It can be copper, steel, rubber, plastic or metal-plastic. Using the pipe cutter for other purposes will lead to a quick dullness of the tooling or breakage of the disc.

Rating of the best pipe cutters

Now let's consider which pipe cutters received the most positive feedback and the experts liked their characteristics. This will simplify the choice and help you not to regret the money spent.

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best pipe cutters	1	RIDGID 153 32-90 mm 36597	RUB 10,429
	2	KNIPEX KN-9020185	RUB 4,514
	3	RIDGID 35S 29963 (6-35 mm)	RUB 4664
	4	Rothenberger MINI MAX 70015	RUB 2 079
	5	NEO 3-35 mm 02-010	RUB 1,698
	6	Jonnesway AN040019 (AN040019A)	731 RUB
	7	Pipe cutter for metal-plastic pipes 25 mm KRAFTOOL	809 RUB

RIDGID 153 32-90 mm 36597

Rating: 4.9

Among the leaders in this group of products is the American roller cutter from Ridgid, designed for pipe diameters from 32 to 90 mm. The tool is designed to work with copper and brass, so they cannot cut steel. The body consists of a metal C-frame, reinforced with an expansion in the stop area. The two counter rollers are fitted with bearings. The skids also move on hinges, which increases the rigidity of the structure and reduces backlash. Customers in reviews love the quick-change cutter wheel housed in a ball retainer. Removing and installing equipment does not require the use of a tool and takes place in two touches.

We ranked the pipe cutter as the best because of the ability to quickly change the working diameter from 32 to 90 mm. In competing models, this requires a long twist of the clamping screw, but here there is a retraction of the tooth and a fast linear feed of the guide forward or backward. When working with pipes of different diameters, this functionality will save time on tool preparation.

Advantages

• bearings in skids;
• no backlash;
• convenient flywheel;
• sturdy frame.

disadvantages

• weighs almost 1 kg;
• you cannot cut steel;
• high price.

KNIPEX KN-9020185

Rating: 4.8

In second place is a scissor-type pipe cutter with a lower stop and a pressure knife on top. The product is made directly in Germany and is intended for cutting plastic, as well as rubber hoses reinforced with fiberglass as reinforcement. The maximum pipe diameter is allowed up to 25 mm. When cutting hard plastic, no cracking occurs, but the model is only suitable for thin-walled pipes. During transport, the rig can be secured in a clamped position so that it does not become blunt. In the reviews, the product is praised for its high-quality German assembly and the ability to replace the blade. For this, two hexagon retaining screws are provided. The knife itself is made of tool steel and is hardened when heated in oil, which increases its resistance to wear or dullness.

Our experts have rated the pipe cutter as the best in ergonomics. It has thick handles that fit comfortably in the hand. Even after a full day of work, it does not form dropsy. The scissor mechanism is so well thought out that it is impossible for them to pinch your fingers.

Advantages

• simplicity and speed of use;
• German assembly;
• there is a spring for opening the handles;
• transport lock in your pocket.

disadvantages

• high price;
• only for small pipes of 25 mm made of soft materials.

RIDGID 35S 29963 (6-35 mm)

Rating: 4.7

The TOP-3 includes a pipe cutter for cutting steel. It has a particularly robust roller, the edge of which does not wrinkle, even when working with highly alloyed metals. Strong frame design with reinforced “lips” to withstand increased loads. The tool is designed for a pipe diameter of 6-35 mm, therefore it is actively used in the creation of heated towel rails and turning work. The model weighs only 400 g, so it does not tire the user when operating for 3-6 hours a day. The owners of the pipe cutter in the reviews are especially pleased with the thick pressure screw, which does not slip even in sweaty hands. When working with titanium alloys and a wall section of 1.5 mm, the device cuts softly and without “slipping”.

The product got into the review thanks to an especially easy rotation around the cut pipe, which is located on six independent bearings. This ensures reliable retention of the workpiece and less error in maintaining the accuracy of the cut. The pipe cutter is also versatile in cutting materials, since it can easily cope with both stainless steel and soft metals, as well as plastic.

Advantages

• thick comfortable flywheel;
• contoured robust frame;
• includes a spare cutting roller;
• universal in use.

disadvantages

• resizing only by rotating the screw;
• supplied in a blister – nowhere to store;
• high price.

Rothenberger MINI MAX 70015

Rating: 4.6

And here is another German pipe cutter, only from the manufacturer Rothenberger. The model is designed for cutting copper pipes. The tool is made of steel and equipped with two thrust and one cutting rollers. The equipment is replaced with a curly screwdriver. The flywheel is covered with plastic and does not slip in your hands. The minimum diameter of the cut pipe is 3 mm, and the maximum is 28. In the reviews, all buyers confirm that this is a professional pipe cutter that can withstand everyday use and has a long service life.

The model attracted experts with its compact size. Unlike the competition, this cutter has no protruding handle. Despite this, it is comfortable to hold it thanks to the ergonomic shape of the lower case. The clamping screw is located on the opposite side, closer to the thrust rollers, which further reduced the dimensions. The surface of the frame is embossed to make it easier to hold the tool. The model weighs only 270 g. If you need a pocket pipe cutter, which would always be with you, pay attention to this product.

Advantages

• high-quality German assembly;
• ergonomic body shape;
• more affordable price;
• light weight 270 g.

disadvantages

• if you work without a lathe, then it is inconvenient to rotate the pipe cutter;
• no quick resizing system.

NEO 3-35 mm 02-010

Rating: 4.5

The Polish manufacturer NEO offers a roll cutter for pipes with a cross section of 3-35 mm, made of aluminum or copper. The equipment has a massive handle with reliefs, which is easy to rotate. The sturdy frame does not bend during operation. The product weighs 580 g, so it puts less stress on your hands. The frame is completely collapsible, and if something breaks, then everything can be repaired. In reviews, buyers praise the product for its reliability. The owners note the absence of skewing and the closing of the cutting line strictly at one point, which improves the quality of work and facilitates the subsequent joining of the ends. The cutting roller does not wedge and has enough lubricant from the factory.

We found the cutter to be the best because of the three thrust rollers instead of the two on most competitors. This does not allow a pipe with a diameter of 30-35 mm to fidget, but it allows working with small diameters of 3-5 mm, placing them between two rollers. If you often have to cut thick, then thin pipes, pay attention to this tool.

Advantages

• easy movement along the guides;
• the pipe does not wedge during the cutting process;
• the cut line closes at one point;
• thick screw.

disadvantages

• expensive equipment;
• replacement of the cutting roller only with additional tools.

Jonnesway AN040019 (AN040019A)

Rating: 4.4

In this pipe cutter, the cutter roller is mounted on a stationary bracket, and the support rollers are located on a retractable screw. The moving part has additional guides on the body for rigidity. The pipe cutter is designed for cutting plastic and metal. It can accommodate pipes with a diameter of 3-28 mm. The open design of the screw facilitates lubrication, but does not protect against dust, chips and water. According to reviews, customers love the way the beveler works to keep the bevel on the pipe edge clean after a cut. Users share that the tool is pleasant to hold and has no backlash. A simple design will not break and will last a long time.

It is the best pipe cutter in terms of value for money. Despite the cost several times cheaper than European brands, the Taiwanese product cuts neatly and does not leave jaggedness. It takes only 5 turns to split a plastic pipe with a diameter of 25 mm. In reviews on the pages of online stores, the product has a five-star rating.

Advantages

• high-strength steel and aluminum body;
• suitable for cutting a section of 3 mm;
• convenient flywheel;
• stainless steel rollers;
• simple and reliable design.

disadvantages

• the thread is not covered from chips;
• it is worse to control the immersion of the roller due to its location in the upper part (closed by the workpiece during operation);
• you need to control the force of the clamp – a little overwhelmed and the disc broke;
• replacement of equipment only with a screwdriver.

Pipe cutter for metal-plastic pipes 25 mm KRAFTOOL

Rating: 4.3

The review ends with a ratchet cutter from the German brand KRAFTOOL. The product is intended for cutting plastic pipes with a diameter of up to 25 mm. The lower part in the form of a semicircle is designed to stop and support the workpiece, and the upper part serves as a plunge knife. The blade moves in a stepwise manner, which prevents the plastic pipe from flattening. At the end of the handles there is a loop that fixes the tool in the closed position for safe transportation. When the knife becomes dull, you can disassemble the pipe cutter and re-sharpen the blade or replace it. Most often, such goods are bought by installers of plumbing and heating systems. The model weighs 310 g and does not tire your hands. The owners in the reviews like the way the tool lies in the hand. Although the specifications indicate a maximum pipe diameter of 25 mm, in fact the pipe cutter will cope with 32 mm.

The pipe cutter is recognized by experts as the most durable in intensive use. It is made entirely of metal, so it won't crack if dropped. Despite the iron design, the handles are voluminous and comfortable to grip. The metal is powder coated to protect it from corrosion. The cutting knife itself is cast from chromium-vanadium steel (Cr-V), therefore it retains its sharpness for a long time.

Advantages

• light weight of 310 g makes it easier to hold;
• ergonomic handles;
• powder coated;
• completely made of metal;
• keeps sharpening for a long time.

disadvantages

• if you do not “aim” along the cut line, it can cut the pipe crooked;
• for soft materials only.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.