Pipe cutter for plastic pipes: types, which is better to choose and how to use it correctly

There are no many construction tools. Anyone who is engaged in repair professionally or as an amateur will agree with this statement. Most of the operations can be performed manually, using a minimum of devices, but does this make sense?

Any work is easier to handle if you choose the right equipment. And a pipe cutter for metal-plastic pipes is no exception here - it is inexpensive, but significantly speeds up the process of laying pipes. But how to choose such equipment and not get confused in the assortment of tools on the market?

We will analyze these issues in our article, having examined the main varieties of pipe cutters and the best offers on the market, their features and characteristics. We will also talk about the intricacies of choosing the right equipment and discuss the rules for cutting pipes at home.

When is a pipe cutter needed?

The metal-plastic pipe is a prefabricated structure of at least 3 layers: from a thin layer of aluminum - the frame, and two layers of polypropylene. The connection of the elements of the puff structure is carried out by laser welding. Metal-plastic is used in plumbing for laying water pipes, as well as for wiring the heating circuit.

The pipes are quite soft and cutting them is not so difficult. A hacksaw for metal, and even an ordinary knife with a serrated blade, will do. Of course, you can make one cut with such a tool, but not a single builder will agree to do this on an ongoing basis.

Thin-walled pipes of small diameter are cut with scissors for metal, but if the width is more than 40 mm, professional equipment is used

Just as often, builders get by with an angle grinder - grinder. Yes, a metal disc easily passes through thin aluminum foil, but there is a lot of rubbish and waste left at the workplace.

This is noisy, you need to connect the power supply, and each time the pipe itself is clamped in a vice for fixing. And if you need to cut off part of the installed pipeline in a hard-to-reach place, you definitely can’t get there with a grinder.

Cutting the pipe with a non-professional tool is undesirable. And this is not only a matter of difficulty in terms of physical labor. The cut is not smooth, with notches and chips. It will have to be additionally cleaned up, otherwise the system will malfunction.

The advantages of manual and electric pipe cutters

The tool for cutting plastic pipes can be 2 types:

• manual;
• electric.

Manual pipe cutter works due to the muscular strength of the one who uses it. It can be used in any conditions, there is no connection to the availability of power supply, operating time restrictions depending on the battery capacity and other inconveniences associated with the use of power tools.

However, no one will argue that with large amounts of work a hand tool may not be enough. This is especially true for thick-walled metal-plastic pipes of large diameter. Of course, such materials are rarely found in construction at the household level, but for a professional plumber this is a very real situation.

The tool allows you to save time and effort. In addition, the human factor is excluded when “did not work out,” “did not check,” or the eye has failed

An electric pipe cutter with a battery is a real salvation in cutting conditions on an industrial scale. In the case of a power tool, a person only makes a mark where the cut should be made, then fixes the part so that the mark on the pipe and in the window of the pipe cutter match as precisely as possible, then turns on the power and gets a neat, perfectly even cut.

Of course, this is not only a matter of convenience. The cost of a cordless pipe cutter for plastic pipes exceeds the cost of a hand tool at times. No one wants to overpay, unless, of course, you use the device in your professional activities almost daily.

Types of tools by type of cutting element

Depending on the design of the cutting mechanism, these types of pipe cutters for pipes made of metal plastic are distinguished:

• roller (with one or more rollers);
• ratchet;
• guillotines;
• with a clamp latch.

The pipe cutter, as a rule, is made of durable metal - carbon or alloy steel. The handle can be made of plastic or rubberized.

View # 1 - ratchet pipe cutter or scissors

The easiest way to cut a piece of metal plastic - special precision scissors. Such a pipe cutter is designed for a diameter of up to 100 mm. A sharpened steel blade acts as a cutting element. The pipe is embedded in a special holder - a semicircular metal holder. When the material is installed firmly, a mark is applied and a cut is carried out.

The pipe cutter works on the principle of scissors: by closing the ends of the handle, you lower the cutting element and make a straight, smooth cut. A special gear rack-ratchet is responsible for the reverse stroke of the blade. If it was not possible to carry out the cut at a time, it will not allow the knife to return to its original position, but will fix it to continue working. This greatly saves the strength of the employee.

The main advantage of this kind of tool is ease of use and low cost. He copes with the task perfectly, the cut is smooth, accurate. They can cut not only metal-plastic, but also polypropylene parts

Due to the design features of the metal-plastic pipe at the end, the material can bend and lose shape. To align, use a calibrator or carry out the procedure manually.

If you plan to cut pipes only during repairs or laying out wiring in the bathroom, buying an expensive automatic device does not make sense, precision scissors with ratchet will do. Most likely, after the installation of the water supply or heating system is completed, your pipe cutter will go to the box with the rest of the tools for a long time.

Another thing is if you need a pipe cutter for work. When working with scissors, the hand is very tired, it is difficult to master immediately a large volume alone.

For professional use, it is better to pay attention to other types of tools. In addition, such a model copes well with soft metal-plastic pipes, but it cannot be called universal. If you have to cut steel or copper products, this option will not work.

View # 2 - Roller Tool

Metal-plastic roller cutter is much more versatile. Depending on the diameter of the "C" -shaped cage and the number of rollers, there are models for cutting small pipes (up to 50 mm) and thicker (up to 125 mm). When working with large diameters, models with several rollers are used.

The principle of operation of a manual roller pipe cutter is that the part is clamped in a holder, a cutting element is located close to it. Inside the cage, guide rollers are placed.

The worker rotates the pipe cutter around the axis, with each turn the cutter approaches closer to the center. Due to the fact that the blade rotates, and not just presses on the wall of the metal-plastic pipe, the cut is cleaner.

If the handle is equipped with a ratchet, this will eliminate the possibility of a “reverse stroke”, that is, a weakening of the fixation during operation. This ensures a smooth perpendicular cut.

The advantage of this type of pipe cutter is that working with it does not require much effort on the part of the operator. Anyone who has at least once made blanks for the winter and worked with a rolling key can imagine in general terms how to work with a pipe cutter for metal-plastic pipes of a roller type.

Of the main disadvantages, it can be distinguished that the cut is carried out jerkily. They lead to minimal displacement of the part in the holder, and this entails the appearance of burrs on the cut. After cutting, you will have to process the segments of metal-plastic pipes. Expensive models have a smooth telescopic stroke, which eliminates the appearance of bumps.

View # 3 - guillotine for even cutting

Guillotine is a tool that cuts evenly over the entire cross-sectional area. A pipe cutter with this principle of action provides a perpendicular and clean cut without burrs.Uniform load distribution eliminates the possibility of deformation of the metal-plastic pipe during operation.

There are several types of implementation of this idea. The most primitive and inexpensive option - the blade is lowered due to the rotation of the handle and the gradual lowering of the rod. A more advanced model is in the form of a pistol. The guillotine is lowered when the operator pulls the trigger.

This type of pipe cutter allows you to evenly cut the pipe at home. The only limitation is diameter up to 100 mm

A pipe cutter with a guillotine mechanism can handle pipes up to 100 mm wide, but most models are limited to a 7-centimeter diameter. For domestic use, this is usually enough.

View # 4 - model with clamp latch

Another type of device for cutting metal-plastic pipes is a pipe cutter with a clamp latch. The principle of operation is similar to the roller model, the main difference is that the part is not just clamped in a clip with a turn of the handle, but is fixed tightly on all sides.

Some models are equipped with a second handle, which is very convenient in working with large diameter pipes and with thick walls.

In this case, the cutting discs (usually 2) are placed along the lower edge of the "C" -shaped holder. The main advantage of this type of tool is compactness. The design can be used even in places where there is especially nowhere to turn around, not to rotate a volume pipe cutter.

Tips for Choosing the Right Pipe Cutter

Choosing a good pipe cutter for metal-plastic pipes, you should find out what functions, besides the main one - cutting, they can have. Some models can not only make a perpendicular cut, but also chamfer 15-30 degrees, sometimes even at the same time as cutting. Chamfer makes it easy fitting fitting.

Roller pipe cutters can leave behind gratings - roughness and roughness that spoil the appearance of the cut and performance.

A good tool will be equipped with a special tool for removing burrs. It resembles the surface of a file, is worn instead of a disk rotating blade, and the cut is processed according to the same principle as cutting - by turning the device around the pipe.

The blade can become dull and, most often, this happens at the most inconvenient moment when the work is in full swing and you don’t feel like wasting time on sharpening the pipe saw. In this case, such an element of standard equipment as a spare roller will be very useful. A sharpened "reserve" will always help out in an emergency.

Manufacturers conduct hundreds of tests and create many prototypes that allow you to create a pipe cutter with an ergonomic handle when each finger is “in place” and the work does not cause discomfort

Ergonomics - this criterion is one of the fundamental ones when choosing a manual pipe cutter for metal-plastic pipes. The tool that you will use often and in large volumes should be comfortable, lie well in your hand and not slip. Work is done with one hand, while you should not feel tired.

Top models in the tool market

In the tool box in the home master’s garage, pipe cutters and scissors for metal-plastic pipes are most often found.

In order not to puzzle, understanding the whole variety of tools in the construction departments, it is better to immediately familiarize yourself with the rating of popular quality models of different price categories and make a choice based on the experience of other buyers.

Budget Tools for Home Use

Among the inexpensive equipment for pipe cutting, pipe cutters of the Sturm and WMT brands are most in demand.

Practical equipment brand Sturm

Sturm is an inexpensive and practical option for home use. The device is equipped with a hardened steel blade. The metal parts are coated with a protective substance against corrosion.

Cheap does not mean low-quality.Yes, budget models of pipe cutters do not have all the advantages of professional equipment, but they perform their main function

The handle is made of comfortable plastic with a non-slip surface. The cost of a pipe cutter from the company Sturm ranges from 400-450 rubles.

A brief video review of the pipe cutter of this brand in the following video:

Inexpensive WMT Solution

Another budget pipe cutter is launched by WMT. This tool will cost you no more than 300 p.

For such money you do not have to rely on additional functionality and other pleasant things, but the device copes with its work within reasonable limits. It cuts plastic pipes up to 42 mm.

Review of the budget model for minimal money:

Professional pipe cutting equipment

Among professional tools, RIDGIT, Milwaukee and KALDE brands stand out for their good reviews.

Popular among users RIDGIT pipe cutters

RIDGIT is one of the market leaders in pipe cutting tools. This manufacturer offers professional equipment that can work in any environment. RIDGIT PC 1375 ML is one of the most popular models of this brand.

A lightweight (320 g total) steel casing and robust cutter cuts off the pipe in just a few seconds. A wide range of working diameters (up to 42 mm) allows you to work with the most popular pipe sizes. Cost RIDGIT PC 1375 ML starts at 3600 p.

Any experienced builder will distinguish a professional tool from an “amateur” one simply by holding it in his hands. And for this, it’s not necessary to understand brands. If a thing of high quality, it speaks for itself

Another popular model from RIDGIT is the TC-40. This is an automatic pipe cutter. It is equipped with an engine with a power of 0.75 kW and a 12 V lithium battery. The device easily copes with pipes from 3 to 42 mm, just press the button.

There is such a nice addition as backlight for working in low-light places. Since the plastic pipe is multilayer, the manufacturer took care of a special adapter for this type of material. The price of an automatic tool is from 18 000 r.

Reliable Milwaukee models

The professional Milwaukee tool from the USA is a guarantee of high-quality and reliable operation over many years of service.

Model Milwaukee ProPEX Tubing Cutter - pipe cutter for small diameters - up to 25 mm. It is made of durable steel, resistant to corrosion. The convenient handle has a high level of ergonomics. But the price of a high-quality pipe cutter is appropriate - from 2300 p.

A wide selection of KALDE pipe cutters

The Turkish brand KALDE offers a wide range of scissors for plastic pipes. For example, KALDE (40-63) is a model for cutting large diameter pipes - from 40 to 63 mm. The blades are sharpened very well, the tool does not bend the plastic pipes, does not bite the edges and does not leave chips.

All KALDE products are manufactured in accordance with European quality standards. The price for a particular model in stores is about 4300 p.

How to cut plastic pipes?

Cutting plastic pipes requires experience. Only after cutting several tens of meters of material in the hands does confidence appear, and the movements are brought to automatism.

In the pipe cutting business, the golden rule applies: “Measure 7 times, cut 1 time”. It’s better to spend the extra 30 seconds checking the accuracy of the mark than messing up the material with the wrong cut

To get two from one pipe, you need to do the following operations sequentially:

1. Mark where the cut should be made.. It is important that the mark is strictly across the pipe, and not at an angle. Then the blade will be perpendicular.
2. Lock the pipe with the pipe cutter clamp. Some models capture the part using a spring, others are set by lowering the stem, and in others you just need to lay the material, and you will need to hold it with your hands.
3. Make sure that the mark coincides strictly with the blade. If this is a roller pipe cutter, it makes sense to conduct the first revolution of the tool to check the accuracy of the installation.
4. Cut the pipe: close the ends of the scissor handle, pull the trigger, lower the guillotine rod or make several turns of the roller tool - it all depends on the selected model of pipe cutter.

A distinctive feature of cutting plastic pipes, in comparison with cutting polypropylene products, lies in the fact that accuracy in this case is very important. The polypropylene pipeline will be connected using high temperature, the plastic will melt a little and will thus hide all possible inaccuracies.

But in the case of plastic pipes this will not happen. The ends are mounted in special cuffs and each mm of inconsistency threatens with a loose fit and leakage. Detailed instructions for the installation of plastic pipes we have given in the next article.

After the cut, you need to blow the resulting segment. The shavings of aluminum or plastic remaining inside the pipe after installing the entire system can damage the equipment that is connected to the pipeline, or cause blockage.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The video will help you understand how the tool for cutting metal-plastic pipes works - see how to cut a metal-plastic pipe:

With such a wide assortment of construction tools, both manual and electric, choosing a pipe cutter that can do its job, but will not cost more than the heating system itself, is a very real task.

Knowing what types of devices are, as well as getting acquainted with the most popular models, you can easily choose and buy equipment for working with plastic pipes.

Do you want to supplement our material with useful comments or share your own experience in cutting plastic pipes? Or want to talk about the pros and cons of your pipe cutter? Write your opinion and recommendations under this article, add unique photos of your model of pipe shears or the cutting process itself.