Best Overall
Ridgid RC-1625 Plastic Pipe and Tubing Ratchet Cutter
Best Bang for the Buck
Ezarc Heavy-Duty Pipe Cutter
Best Electric
Milwaukee M12 Plastic Pipe Shear
We may earn revenue from the product available on this page and participate in affiliate programs . Learn More ›
instal polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) organ pipe forplumbing , HVAC , or other projects requires making light slices , and PVC tobacco pipe cutter serve just that purpose . These cutters are available in various types , from manual versions to amply electrical stonecutter that do all the work with the push of a push button .
We researched more than 24 top - rate PVC pipe ship’s boat , take seven as our top picks , and tested four in our workshops . Our testing rick up a favorite — theRidgid RC-1625 Plastic Pipe and Tubing Ratchet Cutter . While all the cutters we screen performed well , the Ridgid pipe tender features a ratchet down action that greatly tighten the amount of elbow grease ask to cut the tube .
Our Top Picks
We hand test the first four picks in this guide to see how well they execute on unlike PVC piping size — and whether they would leave clean cut without burr requiring extra filing . Read on to find out more about some of the good PVC pipe cutters on the grocery today .
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4.5/5 ; Cut Quality4.8/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value4.3/5 ;
cut through PVC tube does n’t need to be difficult . We were pleasantly surprised at the white cut we could make with the Ridgid RC-1625 pipe cutter . Its rachet up military action allow for us to cut through pipes up to 1⅝ inches through several squeezes of the handles without having to open up the jaws and recut .
Any comely PVC tender can make clean cuts on pipes less than about ¾ inch in diameter , but when the pipes are 1 inch or more , a solid cutter with ratchet action at law is the good option . We could make true cuts in piping ½ inch or less with just one squeeze of the grip . It took three wring to trim down through a 1½-inch pipe .
The Ridgid piping carver weigh 1 pound , so it feel significant in hand , yet it is n’t so heavy as to have hand fatigue . We made piles of cuts in PVC and also tried cut down PEX andplastic pipe . This manakin excelled with all three materials .
It does n’t include a substitution steel , but they are usable at Ridgid , Amazon , and other retailer . However , the manufacturing business does n’t point the material with which the sword is constructed . If we could choose one improvement to the Ridgid PVC cutting tool , it would be to sum up nonslip material to the grips . When shape in a warm environment , the grips can feel more or less slippery . Overall , this stellar PVC cutting tool would be welcome in any DIYer ’s or plumber ’s tool box .
Get the Ridgid PVC pipe cutter atThe Home Depot , Amazon , orToolup.com .
Our evaluation : Ergonomics3.5/5 ; Cut Quality4.5/5 ; Performance4/5 ; Value5/5 ;
If you do n’t heed spinning a cutter around a pipe , you may make clean cuts in premature ventricular contraction organ pipe without spending a draw of money . We constitute the Ezarc pipe tender gentle to use — all we had to do was insert a pipe into the jaws and then turn the boss at the end of the handle to tighten the carving wheel against the pipe . Then , we turned the cutter around the pipe as many times as require to abridge through the organ pipe . On middling , it charter 5 to 12 turns to cut through a pipe depending on the thickness of the PVC . We retightened the pommel as we work to increase the cutting pressing on the pipe . This model offers apipe - cuttingcapacity wander from 3/16 column inch to 2 inches in diam ( extraneous diam ) .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
The Ezarc pinnace is also designed to rationalise untainted steel , aluminum , andcopper organ pipe , and we tested it on ½-inch copper pipe with good resolution . It made straight , white cuts .
A minor stonecutter is included in the set , and it ’s design for exercise in fuddled spots where you ca n’t fit a larger tool . While we were able to make neat cuts with this smaller tool , it ’s not as easy to line up the brand tension as it is with the larger cutter . We had to manipulate a small knob with our fingers , and it was more challenging to sprain this carver around the pipe without a large handle for leveraging . Still , the prominent and the small cutters both made full-strength cuts . If you ’re depend for a PVC cutter for casual habit , this is a true set at an affordable price .
Get the Ezarc PVC organ pipe cutter atAmazon , Walmart , orEzarc .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Our Ratings : Ergonomics5/5 ; Cut Quality4.8/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value3.5/5 ;
If you have a pile of pipe to cut , checker out the Milwaukee barrage fire - powered pipework cutter . It uses battery power to make clean cut in pipes up to 2⅜ inches in diameter without any physical cause from the exploiter .
This was a fun and easy carver to quiz . All we had to do was push a safety machine clit on the side of the cutting tool to start the jaws , insert the pipe , and then squeeze the gun trigger to start the cut action . After we did it a few sentence , the process was visceral .
Photo: The Home Depot
This cordless tobacco pipe cutter shears through PVC , CPVC , PEX , ABS , nonmetal conduit , and rubber tubing , but it is not designed for role on copper or steel tubing . We prove it on ABS , PEX , and PVC , and it made straight , clean cut on all three materials .
The Milwaukee dick is a pleasure to use ; however , it comes at a premium price that does n’t include the stamp battery or a charger . It is deserving the disbursal if you need to make hundreds of cut , but if you only need to make a few undercut here and there , we ’d commend sticking with a hand - power pipe cutter .
Get the Milwaukee PVC pipe cutter atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Photo: Amazon
Best for Pros
Knipex 8½-Inch PVC Pipe Cutter
Our Ratings : Ergonomics4.8/5 ; Cut Quality5/5 ; Performance5/5 ; Value4/5 ;
For plumbers or HVAC technician who regularly instal PVC or composite tube , it ’s hard to tick the Knipex 8½-inch tube cutter . This mellow - timber German - made tool cut PVC and other nonmetallic pipes up to 1 column inch in diameter . In addition , it features a 2d lot of jaw that will burn flexible corrugate pipes up to 1⅜ inches in diam .
We wish the crude oil - harden brand sword on this pipe cutter . They made clean , exact cut on our pipes without exit any burrs that required filing . The blades are replaceable , but we got the impression they ’ll last a long time .
Photo: Amazon
The Knipex carver for organ pipe excelled at write out PVC pipe , and we located some multilayer complex ( MLC ) pipework for testing as well . These pipes are typically used in bathymetry and heating systems and require clean cut for accurate connections . We did have to utilise supernumerary squeeze mogul on the thicker PVC , which might cause some hand fatigue duty if we had to cut that character of tobacco pipe systematically , but the quality of the cut is outstanding on both materials .
This pipe cutter is more expensive than some of the other models we try , but if making seamless , leakage - free connections is all important , it ’s well deserving the investment .
Get the Knipex PVC pipe carver atLowe’s , ToolNut , orKCTool .
Photo: Lowe’s
More Great Options
While we did n’t test the following models , we selected them base on our encompassing research . They receive and surmount our standard for timbre and performance . If you ’re still looking for a PVC pipe ship’s boat after read about the first four model , check out these option .
Best Handsaw
Hautmec 11-Inch PVC/ABS Pipe Saw
piping cutters with peculiarly made jaws and trim back wheels are an first-class option for common pipe sizes , but we like this heavy - obligation Hautmec pipe run into for cutting through unexpected pipe textile or big - diameter tobacco pipe . This handsaw can cut through PVC , CPVC , ABS , PPVC , CPVC , polypropene - random ( PP - R ) , PEX , PE , condom tubing , PP , multilayer tube , wood , and soft metallic element , such as nails .
The Hautmec pipage sawing machine has a carbon - blade vane with double - gash razor teeth to cursorily work with soft material . It is for use on piping up to 8 inch in diam and features a warm - passing mechanism intended to adjust the blade ’s position by up to 70 degrees up or down . However , the sawing machine ’s length makes it a poor alternative for put to work in pixilated space .
When a standard piping cutting tool is too small to contract the chosen tube , we think this Hautmec saw is a great solution . But , as with any hand saw , take special fear to draw it up and label your tobacco pipe to ensure a straight excision .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Hautmec PVC organ pipe saw atAmazon .
Best for Large Pipes
Qwork Professional Pipe Cutter
Dealing with large - diameter premature ventricular contraction pipes can be unmanageable without the right dick because most tobacco pipe cutting tool are limit by the press cutting capacity of their jaws . hand saw are the exception to this problem because they lack jaws , allow for the serrated sword to cut through pipes of any size . However , the serrated blade can create burrs and unrefined edge , so we would choose an alternative pipework - cutting dick , such as this Qwork manual PVC pipe cutter , whenever possible .
This pipage cutter is similar to our Best Bang for the Buck plectrum earlier in this guide . Still , this simulation is made to cut even larger pipes ( up to 3 inches in diameter ) , making it handy for commercial plumbers , irrigation specialiser , or sewer water intervention technicians . It would also be a time - recoverer for a user who builds task or furniture from 3 - inch polyvinyl chloride pipe .
We like the punishing - duty steel construction and high - timbre steel blades on this Qwork tobacco pipe cutter . It is designed with a long shank and an outsize modification grip , so it ’s easier to grapple and turn . This should facilitate keep the leaf blade tight against the pipe as you circumvolve the cutter around the material . Just keep in mind that hired hand and muscle fatigue is an ever - present risk with manual pipe cutter .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Qwork PVC tube tender atAmazon .
Best Heavy-Duty
Husky 2-inch Ratcheting PVC Cutter
While this Husky PVC pinnace is n’t one of the costly dick , it is well made , designed to cut up to 2 - inch pipes , and features a ratcheting action that make insistent cut easier on the hand . In addition to PVC , this theoretical account is worthy for foreshorten CPVC , PP , PEX , and PE pipe , though it is n’t intended for enjoyment on metal , wire , or nails . It features a lasting , rust - resistant consistence and is covered by Husky ’s lifetime warranty , so exploiter know that if the tool fails , they can riposte it for a permutation as long as they purchased it at The Home Depot .
This ratchet down pipe cutter has a quick - release blade mechanism that makes it easy to supercede the blade . However , the producer does not indicate the stuff with which the sword is made . It seems to be alloy brand , but we ca n’t say for sure . We ’ve had good luck in the past tense with Husky hand tools , and we think this dick would be a slap-up addition to anyDIY plumber’stool box .
Get the Husky PVC pipe cutter atThe Home DepotorAmazon .
Photo: The Home Depot
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best PVC Pipe Cutters
Due to the wide variety of pipework cutters , we needed to search a broad pool of selection to find desirable PVC pipe cutters before we pick out the top models for hand - on examination .
Our initial considerations were the type of PVC pipe cutter and the overall build quality and design of each product . We then considered cutting capacitance : Although the vast majority of PVC pipe is 1 in in diam or less , we wanted to include tools that cut larger - diam pipe . We also considered the amount of hand military posture it took to edit unlike tobacco pipe sizes . Except for the barrage fire - power model , all other test cutters need a measure of paw strength , so we note the routine of cuts we could make before our work force were fatigued .
In actual testing , we focused heavily on the quality of the gash . Cutting PVC pipe is generally necessary when making connection in plumbing or HVAC systems , so the cut must be straight , loaded , and clean ( no burrs to charge off ) . moneyed cut are more likely to result in leak - free connections .
Then , we tried cut the other kinds of pipes lean as suitable by the manufacturing business when potential . While we did n’t have the full range of piping , such as pipes to carry drinkable water , we had most of the canonic kinds .
Finally , we awarded stop to each pipage cutter based on a rubric . The good a cutter do , the more points it earned . After testing , we average out the points to determine our Best Overall pick and categorise the other products according to their best role .
What to Consider When Choosing a PVC Pipe Cutter
Before take a fresh cutting putz for PVC organ pipe , it ’s recommend that user learn more about each case of PVC cutting shaft , the cutting off capacity , and the blade stuff to choose the best PVC pipage cutting tool for their motivation .
Type
Users can choose from several eccentric of PVC pipe cutter , include ratcheting , manual , spring - loaded , electric , and carpenter’s saw .
ratchet down PVC and plastic pipage cutters are neat for one - handed utilization because of the ratcheting system . When you squeeze the handles , the blade jump to close , ratcheting into a new view . The cutter remains in this berth even when you release the handgrip , eliminating the pauperization to worry about the blade exhaust when adjust the grip . One squeeze on the handgrip wo n’t slit through the pipework but gradually closes the blade around the pipe . With each subsequent clinch , the blade begins to slit through the PVC pipe until it has cut flawlessly through the material . We are big fans of ratcheting pipage pinnace .
Manual PVC pipe cutter have a bait - shaped visual aspect with an opening with a cutting roulette wheel to dilute through PVC pipe . Users slide the organ pipe into the initiative between the cut wheel and the top of the hook shape , move around the adjustment boss on the hold to tighten the grip on the pipe , and then start moving the carver around the organ pipe . If the cutter feels too loose after a few turns , users can move around the adjustment thickening to tighten up the hairgrip and summarize cutting . After several rotations around the pipe and a few alteration to secure the blade is subside deeper into the piping with each revolution , the cutting tool will slit wholly through the pipework .
Spring - stretch PVC organ pipe cutters are unproblematic to use , but they can cause significant straining on the user ’s hands . This is because they are essentially outsized scissors with a single brand intend for cutting through tough , undestroyable premature ventricular contraction pipework . Users must swear on their own strength and the sharpness of the leaf blade to issue through the PVC . However , the bound - load jaws can avail alleviate some of this strain .
An electric PVC pipework cutter tool is the easiest to use , but these mannequin rely on a charged assault and battery plurality for power . If you have n’t appoint the electric battery , the cutlery is rendered useless . With a charge electric ship’s boat , simply position the pipe in the cutting jaws and squeeze the initiation . The pipe cutter will take care of the residual , slicing through the PVC pipe quickly and effectively .
Handsaws are not exclusively used for cutting PVC tobacco pipe , but they can go well if one of the other types is n’t usable or if the organ pipe is too heavy for the pipe cutter ’s jaw . Plumbers often apply a metal saw , which is a type of handsaw , to curve through PVC , bull , tether , galvanized iron , and other materials . It ’s recommended that user who oft take up plumbing projects around the home base invest in a handsaw .
Cutting Capacity
When look for a fresh PVC tube cutter , factor in the size of the pipe you plan to abridge to ascertain that the cutlery ’s jaws can correspond around the pipework . Unfortunately , this can be confusing to determine because the stated diam of a PVC tobacco pipe sometimes , but not always , refer to the inner diameter instead of the tabu diameter .
For example , a piece of PVC pipe with a declared diameter of 1⅝ inches has aninnerdiameter with this measure , so a PVC tube cutter with a maximum cutting electrical capacity of 1⅝ inches would not be able to match around the pipework . The actual measure needed to liken the cut mental ability to the pipe is the outer diameter .
fortunately , most manufacturers will specify if the cutting capacity is for the interior or the outside of the organ pipe ’s dimensions .
Blade Material and Replaceability
The sword is one of the most significant parts of a pipework ship’s boat because it is responsible for slice through the PVC . Depending on the character of pliant pipe carver , the blade can be a circular cutter wheel , a categorical film editing boundary , or a serrated cutting edge . Users will require to choose the type of cutter worthy for the project and research the blade material . Look for ware with heat - treated brand vane that are resistant to rust fungus and corroding .
Another element to consider is the substitutability of the brand . Most PVC cutting tools have replaceable blades , although the cost of the successor leaf blade might be higher than a new PVC cutter , so search into the monetary value of replacement blades before enthrone in a PVC pipe cutter .
Ergonomics
Whether you ’re operating a manual cutter , a spring - load up cutting tool , or even an electric PVC tobacco pipe stonecutter , it ’s of the essence to consider the grip , ease of purpose , and any extra features that can improve the tool ’s biotechnology . cushioned handles with soft grips can increase comfortableness , take in it easy to slue through PVC pipe without make mitt strain and tiredness .
believe looking for puppet with helpful feature film , such as catch rings to hold the blade close on a set of natural spring - load cutters or a textured modification knob on a set of manual plastic pipe carver that make up it easier to grip and adjust the cutting - wheel side . However , ratcheting and electric pipe cutters are the good choices for ease of use and comfort because these tools are designed to do most of the work on their own .
FAQs
Even after deciding on a model , you may still have dubiousness about what makes an ideal PVC piping cutter . Consider these frequently inquire questions and the detailed resolution below to learn more about these tools .
Cutting PVC pipe is n’t unmanageable with the right tools . Some PVC pipe cutlery , such as rachet up or electric cutlery , are easy to use . However , with a morsel more endeavor , you’re able to write out through PVC pipe with a manual cutter , a outflow - loaded cutter , or even a handsaw . Overall , minor pipe are broadly speaking easy to cut back through than declamatory pipes due to the size and thickness of the material .
The Mary Leontyne Price of a PVC pipe cutlery depends on the brand of the cutter , the eccentric of the carver , and the size of it of the tube it is designed to treat . On average , you’re able to expect to pay from $ 15 for light - duty manual options to about $ 200 for an electric pipe carver .
If you want to cut premature ventricular contraction pipe but are n’t able to buy a suitable PVC tube cutter , regard using a PEX pipe cutter to slice up through PVC . you could also use a PVC pipe cutter on most PEX pipes , although if you ’re installing PEX , you ’ll need acrimping toolas well .
An interior pipe cutting tool is demand to curve from the inside . These products are essentially cutting wheels that attach to a standard practice session . just slide the cutting bike inside the pipe and trip the drill to begin cutting through the PVC from the inside .
PVC pipe cutters are typically designed to only make straight cut . If you need to make curving cuts , try a hand saw , an oscillating multi - peter , or a reciprocating saw .
First , make indisputable the blade is intended to be sharpened — some blade materials , such as carbide , are difficult to heighten . Then , slay the blade and stop up it in a vise . apply a o.k. file or sharpening pit to gently sharpen the edge and reinstall the blade .
The larger the pipe cutter , the more challenging it is to squeeze into pixilated spaces . Small , twist - eccentric carver process better in qualified areas .
Depending on the case of cutter and the blade textile , a PVC pipe stonecutter may be able-bodied to cut other type of charge card pipes , copper pipes , rubber subway , and composite metro . However , keep in mind that PVC organ pipe cutter are not robust enough to dish asbolt cutter .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer narrow down in the construction , remodeling , and instrument industries .
Additional research provided by Timothy Dale .
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
