10 Best PVC Pipe Cutters for the Money | Reviews & Buyers Guide
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Today, the plumbing in a home is much easier than it once was. There was a time when all of the pipes installed were copper and took hours to complete because they required lots of flux, solder, and heat, as well as plenty of labor from professionals who knew how to cut them just right.
But today, plastic piping, like PVC or Pex, is used, which means that cutting these takes less time with power tools so homeowners can save their weekends for something else!
PVC pipe is easy to work with, and you don’t need a toolbox full of tools. The best part? You can get straight cuts in no time without too much effort, thanks to the wonder that is the PVC cutter.
What do you think of when someone mentions PVC pipe cutters? A cheap, easy-to-use tool that cuts through the most challenging material with ease? Well, you are not wrong. But there is so much more to these tools than meets the eye.
Want one for yourself? We will talk about which PVC pipe cutter is best for your needs and budget with our reviews and buyers’ guide!
Top 10 PVC Pipe Cutters Compared
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Title | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | RIDGID 23498 Pipe Cutter | Buy Now | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
 | Zantlea Pipe and Tube Cutter | Buy Now | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | DEWILL Ratchet-type Pipe and PVC Cutter | Buy Now | 4.7 / 5 |
 | AIRAJ Ratchet-type Pipe PVC Cutter | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
 | "YIYITOOLS PVC Cutter | Buy Now | 4.6 / 5 |
 | Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutter | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
 | N/C Ratchet Tube Cutter | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
 | THINKWORK Ratchet-type Pipe Cutters | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
 | GETUHAND Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutters | Buy Now | 4.4 / 5 |
10 Best PVC Pipe Cutters | Reviewed
1. RIDGID 23498 Model RC-1625 (Best Overall)
- The RIDGID RC-1625 Ratcheting Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter is made from durable aluminum. This is a lightweight tool for cutting rigid pipes, tubing, and other materials to length.
- This sturdy versatile tool features ergonomic grips on the bottom handle that measure in 1/2-inch increments that act as a quick pipe measuring scale.
- The Ridgid RC-1625 is designed to be used with PVC, CPVC, PP, PEX, PE, and multilayer tubing. This pipe cutter provides an easy way of cutting those tough metal pipes quickly and cleanly. Its also compatible with rubber hoses thanks to its 1/8” to 1 5/8” (3mm - 42mm) outer diameter capacity.
- Cutting hard plastic tubing has never been so easy! In just one motion, the rugged RIDGID 23498 Model RC-1625 Ratcheting Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter will remove large sections cut with ease. The blade design combined with the ratcheting mechanism reduces the amount of hand force needed to cut through tough materials.
- The X-CEL Quick Change blades are designed to remove burrs from each cut edge quickly providing a square cut with less effort. This solid sturdy pipe cutter has many favorable features and is suitable for heavy-duty use designed for bigger projects.
2. Zantlea Pipe and Tube Cutter (Best Value)
- The Zantlea pipe and tube cutter are crucial for cutting a variety of pipes and tubes. It’s durable, heavy-duty material will ensure efficient service during the cutting process.
- The blade is made of SK5-42mm steel from Japan, while the handles are designed with minimal weight to make manipulation easier. Customized design can be achieved by heat treatment to provide an extra edge in strength and durability. It doesn't rust or break easily so you won't have to worry about damage on either materials or your hands when using this product!
- This professional tube cutter uses ratchet drive technology to save you a lot of strength and also features a powerful bite force for ultra-easy pipe cutting. The fish handle is added for comfort during use, which helps keep your hand from getting sore or fatigued so the work is even faster too. And all this comes at an affordable price that can help make your working day more enjoyable and productive!
- The Zantlea Tube Cutter is a great cutting tool for any kind of pipe. The blade has 2.5mm thickness and it can cut up to an outer diameter of 1.⅝ inch (38mm), which makes it perfect for many different tasks. It cuts PVC, CPVC, PP, PEX, PE, and rubber hose as well!
- This compact yet powerful tool is made with ergonomic handles which provide an easy grip while eliminating strain on your hand. Spring-loaded handles allow for faster positioning of the blade so you can make one quick cut after another single-handedly.
- The bottom of this cutter includes a stainless buckle lock so you'll be able to store it away without worry if not in use. And with its small size when buckled shut, this pipe cutter becomes portable for transportation throughout your work or daily life.
- It is an essential cutting tool for electricians, vehicle mechanics, plumbers, and home handymen.
3. Libraton PVC Pipe Cutters
- The Libraton cutter is visibly a hard worker. From the sturdy aluminum alloy steel frame to the 3mm v-shaped blade thickness, this pipe cutter can survive up to 2-1/2 (63mm) pipes without bending, and it's so easy to use with its ratchet cutting device. Precision-shaped for your convenience, carefully coated in Teflon for those rougher cuts, The Libraton PVC Pipe Cutter will make fixing whatever plumbing problem a breeze.
- The Libraton ratchet cutter is a one-hand operation cutting tool. It features a quick-release button that allows you to quickly retract the blade for easy, safe storage when not in use. The spring-loaded ergonomically designed handle gives users an optimal working angle with less risk of hand fatigue and cuts up to 2-1/2 inch outer diameter pipe using 3mm steel blades with tungsten carbide teeth 63mm capacity ideal for PVC, CPVC, PP-R, PEX, PE (rubber hose), Rigid Copper Tubing.
- One of a kind, this PVC pipe cutter is designed with a quick-change system. This makes blade replacements easy and fast without any other tools needed! Please note that replacement blades are not included. If needed please purchase them separately. An essential tool for plumbers, vehicle mechanics, electricians, and home handymen.
4. DEWILL Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutter
- The DEWILL Ratchet-type Pipe and PVC Cutter, One-hand Fast Pipe Cutting Tool is perfect for your plumbing projects. With a 3 cutting capacity up to 1/2 (12mm) outside diameter and 2.5mm blade thickness, this pipe cutter will cut through any plastic or metal pipe effortlessly--no need to worry about the blades getting stuck! The safety cover guards against hand slippage on the blade while using it, but is still easy enough for quick one-handed access.
- Features include powerful ratchet drive technology, which keeps teeth tight during operation to provide even pressure and distribute torque evenly for durability; dual spring design allows you to cut with one hand securely gripped by an ergonomic handle for increased control without fatigue; rubber handles fit perfectly into your hand for comfort balance.
- The Pipe Cutter blades thickness of 2.5mm is usually used for cutting most plastic (PVC, CPVC, PP, PEX, PE) and multilayer pipes with maximum opening up to 42mm. Cutting capacity is up to 1-5/8 outside diameter and up to 41mm inside diameter.
- Breakthrough the hard pipe with ease! These ratchet-style cutters are made of high-quality Manganese steel and the blades are made from Japanese Teflon SK5-42mm material making them great for handling those stubborn pipes you need to cut. With a heat treatment, these blades will not rust or break easily.
- You won't have to put all your weight on the cutter with this powerful ratchet-type pipe and PVC cutter; the dual spring design makes it easier to use one-handed, reducing fatigue and using less arm power for better cutting results.
- This cutting machine is equipped with a sharp blade that ensures easy, fast, direct, and precise cutting, making your craft more refined. The stainless steel safety buckle at the bottom of the pipe cutting machine is firm and thick and when buckled avoids the danger of children touching it when not in use.
- Ideal tool for plumbers, electricians, vehicle mechanics, and home spare parts.
5. AIRAJ Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutter
- The AIRAJ Ratchet-type Pipe PVC Cutter 2-1/2 O.D, One-hand Fast Tube Cutting Tool is a tool that would be an essential cutting tool for household handymen, plumbers, electricians, and vehicle mechanics. This cutter is designed for cutting various material, including PVC, plastics, and rubber tubing.
- With this cutter, you can handle PVC pipes 1/8 in to 2.5 in (64mm) diameter smoothly with ease and efficiency.
- With its SK5 manganese steel blade, this cutter can handle all of your needs - from large PVC pipes to small fittings around the house. The thick 3 mm blade made of sturdy metal will not break or bend making it durable and difficult to break while also being sharp enough to give a clean cut on whatever you're cutting through.
- The ratchet-type pipe cutter cuts pipe with ease, which reduces arm strain when you're filling and welding large diameter flexible conduit or PVC Pipe in tight spaces. Rubberized grips are also textured for grip so it's easy to hold even in wet or dirty conditions.
- The high-quality stainless steel buckle at the bottom, securely locks your cutter closed when not in use and the ergonomic handle grip provides comfort while enabling confident cutting even with wet or greasy hands.
6. YIYITOOLS PVC Cutter
- YIYITOOLS PVC Cutter is a durable cutting machine that will last.The blade is made of 4.0 mm thickened manganese steel, is sharp, and the surface is polished for a clean look.
- It cuts up to 2-1/2 inch (63mm) pipe capacity making it easy for you to get your job done faster without any ratcheting or twisting necessary with ergonomic grips on the bottom handle that reduces user fatigue from 0% stress position.
- The blade body is made of die-cast aluminum alloy with good strength and toughness while being resistant against rust which helps keep your tool last longer.
- Save time and hassle with this ratcheting PVC Cutter. Use it to cut up a wide range of pipe or tubing including PP-R pipes, aluminum-plastic pipes, PVC pipes, PE pipes, and rubber hose!
- With its two handles it is safe and easy to use because the blade won't come into contact with fingers as you push down on the ratchet mechanism gears; just press the blades open and position them around your materials, both hands grabbing each side of one handle so when you push down on one side of the blade it cuts through what is below without any hassle.
- There is a safety buckle lock at the bottom of the tool when not being used. An ideal cutting tool for your home handyman, plumbers, electricians, and vehicle mechanics.
7. Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutter
- The Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutter is the perfect machine for cutting a variety of pipes up to 2 1/2 inches. The cutting process works with one hand that makes it easy and time-efficient. These ratcheting PVC pipe cutters are safer too, preventing anything from springing back during use so you dont have to worry about any slippage.
- This cutter is the best tool for cutting soft pipes. It is equipped with a drill handle and can cut up to 2-1/2 pipe capacity. The cutter's bottom grip adopts an ergonomic design to protect hands when pressing, so single stroke cutting is quick and easy. Place the pipe inside where corresponding knives meet, clamping the handles continuously to make precise cuts.
- The 4.0 mm reinforced manganese steel blade will stand up to the rigors of abrasive materials like plastic, with high hardness so it is sharp and easy to clean up, but not likely to rust easily because it is fully surrounded by spring steel coverings. This set also features ratcheting biting blades that allow you to cut the pipe without any slipping or sliding on the wet material due to water and weather effects such as rain and snowfall.
8. Ratchet Tube Cutter for CPVC PEX PPR
- The Ratchet Tube Cutter is the tool for all your plumbing needs! This tool can cut plastic pipes 5 to 20 seconds for fast craftsmanship with precision. This ratcheting hose cutter tackles vinyl, rubber, PVC, CPVC, PP, PEX, and PE pipe up to 1-5/8 in. outer diameter (1-1/4 in. ID).
- The durable pipe tube cutters are made of manganese steel that is high hardness and good toughness which ensures easy cutting without any kinks in your tubing. In addition, the blade is not easily rusted after heat treatment prolonging its longevity. The body is made from die-cast aluminum.
- The comfortable ergonomic handle grips make cutting pipe easier than ever, and it's safe to use with your ratchet. The dual spring-loaded mechanism ensures that you'll get a clean cut every time, and the safety latch assures that the tool will not close on your hand when not in use.
9. THINKWORK Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutter
- The THINKWORK Ratchet-type Pipe Cutter and PEX Straight Cut Pipe Cutter cut through any type of copper, steel, or aluminum pipe safely with its sharp blade. You can complete the cutting operation easier with one hand when using this device so you don't have to worry about getting hurt by the pipes rebound. The spring handle on it is adjustable and light for more convenient use!
- These ratchet-type pipe cutters will quickly and easily stop your quest for an emergency tube cutter! They're great for plumbing emergencies. The cutting capability of the small cutters should be able to reach 1 3/8 (35 mm) outside diameter, so they can handle PEX, PE, rubber hose - or anything you might need a 1 ¾ pipe cutter for. With larger cutters that have a maximum capacity of 1 5/8 inches (42 mm), these are typically used to sever most plastic PVC, CPVC, PP, and multilayer pipes; which is great if you've got leaky pipes in need of attention.
- THINKWORK Ratchet-type Pipe(1-5/8 OD) and PEX Straight Cut Pipe Cutters are easy to use, the pipe cutters are high quality and will hold up very well through tough jobs. These cutters are made of high-quality manganese steel with a hardness up to HRC52, making them durable and tough. The blades are made of Japanese Teflon SK5-42mm material while after heat treatment means they won't rust or break easily.
- This ratchet-type pipe cutter is designed with safety in mind, as experience has shown its not always easy to cut steel pipes without risk of physical injury to oneself or those around you. This device has rubberized comfort grip handles for better control, stainless steel buckle at the bottom for storage, and an integrated locking mechanism to prevent accidental injuries when not in use.
10. GETUHAND Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutters
- Getuhand Ratchet-type PVC Pipe Cutters are designed with sturdy aluminum construction, and they come equipped with comfortable, ergonomic textured handles that provide you with a reliable grip.
- This ratchet-type PVC pipe cutter is an all-purpose one-handed tool. With a 1/8-inch to 2-7/8 inch capacity, it can cut the most kinds of tubing (PVC, CPVC, PP-R, PEX, PE, Rubber hosing) with little bending and unwinding.
- The blade is made of high hardness stainless steel 4cr13 to ensure its durability and toughness so that it can withstand the rigorous demands of heavy-duty use, although some reviews say the blades break easily and aren't good at straight cuts!
- If you ever need to replace or change the blade on this tool, all you have to do is rotate a knob on the side which will allow quick replacement in seconds without any misplaced screws or clips!
- Getuhand cuts speedily and tidily without fuss thanks to its powerful jaws while being both comfortable and easy to use because of its sprung handles. Most importantly, it can be locked when not in use for your safety!
- And no matter how dirty or wet you are, nothing will impact your grip as the textured handles remain fully effective.
VIDEO: How to Use a PVC Pipe Cutter
Best PVC Pipe Cutters Buyers Guide
PVC pipe cutters can vary in price, with some being significantly more expensive than others. If you’re looking for a good PVC cutter at an affordable price point but still want to have the peace of mind that it’s reliable and will last long-term, then make sure to check out this informative guide before making your final decision!
Cutting Capacity
You should make sure that the cutting capacity of your PVC pipe cutter is appropriate for heavy-duty usage because some pipes may be small or thin, whereas others may have a larger diameter. You can find this information given as one ¼ inch (1.3/4 inches in many cases), 2 inches, and even 3 ½ inches if you look carefully! The highest rating will cut large diameters with ease.
Buy on AmazonCompatibility
Unlike what you might think at first glance, most PVC pipe cutters out there support cutting not just your usual plastic-type materials but also steel and copper types too, and this makes them a real contender to the use of a traditional hacksaw. The thing stopping it from doing anything else comes down to which models have the appropriate blades installed on them.
A few heavy-duty PVC pipe cutters work with CPVC, PEX, PPR, PE, and PP types of pipes.
Design and comfort
PVC cutters are some of the most common items to find in a market. You’ll come across many PVC cutters with exciting designs and structures, but they lack endurance because of their lower hardware issues.
When picking a cutter, the thing to look for might be something simple with some basic ergonomics that have been designed as comfortably as possible without any slipping, so the hand does not get tired or cramped while using it. A poorly designed cutter can result in cuts on your hands (ouch!), but there’s no need to go through such pain if you choose carefully before buying one!
Buy on AmazonWeight
A lightweight PVC pipe cutter is more ergonomic and easy to operate for extended periods than heavier versions. Besides, you can take a light pipe cutter with you wherever the need arises as it’s more portable!
Understanding inner and outer diameters
The importance of understanding the difference between inner and outer diameters for PVC material is a significant source of confusion when it comes to using equipment, tools, or other materials.
The 1⅝-inch piece will not fit a cutter with a cutting capacity for that size because you measure from one inside edge to opposite outside edges rather than measurements on an entire circumference.
A 1 ⅝-inch PVC pipe is much more prominent on the outside. How much more significant it becomes varies depending on what schedule of pipe you’re cutting through, with the most common being a 1¼ inch Schedule 40 PVC size that has an outer diameter of about 1⅝ inches.
So before starting to measure your project dimensions, make sure you know exactly what kind of piping material you’re using so as not to end up having any surprises later in the process!
Buy on AmazonBlade or Tool which to replace?
You’ll notice that many of these PVC cutters advertise replaceable blades, which are easy to swap out as soon as they start wearing down. That sounds great, but the reality is most replacement blades cost more than a whole new tool!
In general, it’s only worth replacing your blade if you have one of those high-end tools with premium quality replacements – and even then, each blade usually costs way more than an entire cheaper handyman kit or set for DIY work. So when considering what type of cutter to buy, consider how often (or not) you think this particular appliance will get used so that the investment pays off in both times saved and money spent.
Budget
PVC pipe cutters come in different grades, and the better quality you buy will last longer. If you often use your blade, it may be worth investing a bit more upfront since cheaper varieties can need replacement or repairs much sooner than their higher-quality counterparts.
However, for those who only occasionally take out a PVC pipe cutter, spending less on one is probably best so that if they don’t get used as intended, they won’t become an expensive tool just sitting around gathering dust!
Buy on AmazonWarranty
When it comes to reliability, you can’t go wrong with PVC pipe cutters from the trusted brands. There are options out there for those who want a warranty for their new cutter that includes 1 to 3-year warranties!
Conclusion
There are a few things to consider when buying a pipe cutter. It’s essential to find one that is comfortable for your hands and doesn’t require too much hand strength and a warranty along with good customer service should you need help using it or fixing it.
The RIDGID 23498 Ratcheting Plastic Pipe and Tubing Cutter was our Best Overall pick because of its construction quality, warranty protection, easy-to-use design, and is the model we would recommend for professionals.
It has a razor-sharp, replaceable X-CEL blade that makes short work of any plastic pipe and ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip. Quick measurement scales are printed right onto it, so you don’t have to stop what you’re doing to measure your cut line. Plus, a ratchet mechanism for single-handed operation, solid and durable, and RIDGID’s lifetime service agreement even covers it.
This cutter is higher in price but built to last with increased durability over other models on the market today. If you want an investment tool that will stand up against constant use without breaking down, this ratchet cutter might be just what your business needs.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Our Best Value is the Zantlea Pipe and Tube Cutter, Ratcheting Hose Cutter One-hand Cutting Tool. This tool has a ratchet mechanism that allows you to cut pipes with ease and the ergonomic handles make it easy for one-hand operation of cutting hoses.
When not in use, you can lock this pipe cutter into place to get lost or misplaced when left unattended. With a one-year warranty against defects and quality, there’s no reason not to give our Best Value product consideration today!
We hope you now feel more informed, and this article has helped you find the best PVC pipe cutter for your needs and budget.
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When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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