Pipe and tube cutters sever round sections with a cutting wheel that is tightened progressively, which leaves a clean square end without the heat and sparks of abrasive cutting. They are the standard tool for pipe fitting and plumbing work.
Cutter type follows the material and the access. Wheel cutters work on steel, copper, stainless and plastic pipe, with different wheel profiles for each. Roller-type cutters for plastic pipe score and snap. Chain cutters reach large diameter pipe in confined spaces. Rotary cutters for copper are fast and leave a clean end that needs minimal reaming.
Capacity is set by the maximum pipe diameter and wall thickness. A cutter rated to 2 in pipe will not cut 4 in, and a cutter designed for thin wall tube will not handle schedule 80 pipe. Some cutters are specific to a pipe standard.
Deburring after cutting is part of the job — a cut pipe end has a raised inner burr that restricts flow and interferes with fittings. Reamers and deburring tools are used for this, and threaders cut external threads on pipe ends for threaded connections.
