New Copper Pipe Cutting Tool

While I was at the hardware store yesterday, I decided to pick up a copper pipe cutting tool. I say “copper” pipe because I’m sure that’s what I can cut with it. What I’m not sure of is whether or not I can cut plastic. Steel, I know I can’t cut, but plastic PEX pipe would be nice. I’ll give that I try soon.

The reason I bought this tool is because I’m getting a little tired of cutting pipe with a hacksaw and having to deal with all that comes with it, such as burred edges and out of shape pipe. When I use the saw, I would usually deburr the edge with my pliers and then use a little sandpaper to finish things up. And if I really screwed the shape of the pipe up, I’d have to attempt to reshape it with my pliers as well.

With this new tool, all of that is gone. While I will still have to use a saw or get a smaller cutter for tight spaces, I think this is a good start. The tool is all metal, besides the little twist knob. It does a nice job. There’s no spiraling and the cuts are legit. Take a look at the pictures below.

This first picture is of a 3/4 inch pipe and a 1/2 inch pipe that I cut with my hacksaw. As you can see, while still round, the edges are burred. This makes for a difficult time inserting the end of the pipe into a fitting. The burrs may also damage the o-rings of a SharkBite fitting.

This is a picture of the same pipe, this time cut with the cutting tool. As you can tell, the edges are much nicer looking. I don’t need to do anything to this pipe besides clean it up with sandpaper, steel wool or emery cloth.

This is the cutting tool itself. While it would never fit inside a wall between studs, it would certain work well while cutting loose pipes.

This is just the top portion of the cutting tool package. I took this picture simply to inform you of what it looks like.