They are compatible to work on different pipe types that include PVC, PEX, CPVC, and PPR pipes. The working mechanism of these PVC cutter is quite simple so you don’t need any professional guidance even if you are using it for the first time. If you want to purchase the best PVC cutter suitable for your requirements, we recommend considering the below suggestions. Cutting Capacity – Since PVC pipes come in different sizes and diameters, you have to ensure the PVC pipe cutter can easily cut the given pipe size or diameter. For this, you have to check its cutting capacity, which is given as 1 ¼-inch, 1 ⅝ -inch, 2-inch, or 2 ½-inch. So, choose the model with proper cutting capacity as per your pipe cutting requirement. Blade Material – The blades of the PVC pipe cutter have to be heat-treated to improve their strength and sharpness. The reason is that heat will harden the steel material and let it sharply cut and be flexible to sustain the force. Thus, heat-treated blades are tough, stronger, and can rip off synthetic plastic tubes easily and perfectly. Compatibility – Other than PVC pipes, a PVC pipe cutter can also be used to cut pipes that are made out of other similar materials. This includes CPVC, PP, PE, PPR, PEX, and other types of pipes and hoses. If your cutter supports multiple types, then it can be a great versatile option for most. With several models available in the market, it would be a bit overwhelming to choose the best option, so we enlisted some Best PVC pipe cutters. Also, we recommend reading our detailed Buying Guide to get a clear idea of choosing your best option.
Best PVC Pipe Cutters 2023
Best PVC Pipe Cutters Reviews
1. AIRAJ Pipe Cutter
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While you may have not heard about Airaj in the past, its PVC pipe cutter can still be a great option for those who are on a budget. Airaj’s PVC pipe cutter comes at the 1st position of this listicle as it can be a great affordable option for many thanks to its given cheap price tag. Being an entry-level model, it’s given cutting capacity of up to 1 ¼ inch is to be expected. Taking a look at its compatibility with various pipe types available out there, you can expect this PVC pipe cutter to work with PVC, PEX, and PPR pipes. However, being a budget offering, you do not get any warranty included with it. Best Features:
Rated cutting capacity of up to 1 ¼ inch Compatible with PVC, PEX, and PPR pipe types
Pros:
Affordable price tag Decent value for money Pretty sharp for cutting multiple types of pipes
Cons:
Lackey any form of manufacturer warranty
2. Ginzors PVC Pipe Cutters
Ginzors can be another great option if you want to get something that is made for heavy-duty usage and can cut even thick pipes if needed. This Ginzors PVC pipe cutter comes at the 2nd position of this article because it is a great option for heavy-duty usage. It is primarily for the reason that you get a decently high cutting capacity of up to 2 inch. When combined with its compatibility with PVC, PEX, and PPR types of pipes, you can use this pipe cutter in a lot of cases. Since Ginzors is made for heavy-duty usage, there is also a 30-day warranty included with it which is better than nothing. Best Features:
Rated cutting capacity of up to 2 inch Compatible with PVC, PEX, and PPR pipe types Comes with a warranty period of 30 day
Pros:
Pretty high cutting capacity rating Decent build quality High grip handle for ease of use
Cons:
Limited compatibility for a heavy-duty option
3. RIDGID Pipe Cutter
In comparison with most other brands out there, Ridgid is highly popular and reputable that offers all sorts of tools including high-performance PVC pipe cutters. If you wish to get a highly reliable and durable PVC pipe cutter, then this one might be just for you. However, if you wish to cut large-sized PVC pipes or anything else, then its cutting capacity of up to 1 ⅝ inch can be a bit low for you. Thankfully, this PVC pipe cutter is highly compatible with a wide range of pipe types which includes PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, and PP pipes. But the key feature of this PVC pipe cutter is that you get a 3-year warranty making it highly reliable and perfect for long term usage. Best Features:
Rated cutting capacity of up to 1 ⅝ inch Compatible with PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, and PP pipe types Comes with a warranty period of 3 year
Pros:
Ideal for long term usage Highly compatible with various pipe types Great build quality and excellent warranty
Cons:
Cutting capacity could have been higher
4. Besilence Pipe Cutter
Besilence is quite a small brand of tools like its PVC pipe cutter which is thankfully a great option if you want something high performance with decent build quality. The Besilence PVC pipe cutter can be another great option if you want something for heavy-duty usage. While it may not be the highest, the given cutting capacity of up to 2 ½ inch offered by this one is still pretty high. As for its compatibility, you can use this PVC pipe cutter with PVC, PEX, and PPR types of pipes which is decent especially for the given price tag. Even though you get a pretty decent build quality with this PVC pipe cutter, it does not offer any warranty. Best Features:
Rated cutting capacity of up to 2 ½ inch Compatible with PVC, PEX, and PPR pipe types
Pros:
Great cutting capacity rating Pretty good build quality Decent value for money
Cons:
Misses out on a manufacturer warranty
5. Zantlea Pipe and Tube Cutter
Even though there are a lot of options out there while getting a PVC pipe cutter, you should still consider Zantlea and its offerings that can be highly versatile. Zantlea’s PVC pipe cutter is one of the most versatile options out there that can be used for easily cutting all sorts of pipes. This is due to the reason that you get excellent compatibility with this one which supports PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, and PP pipes. You also get a highly sturdy build quality with this PVC pipe cutter making it ideal for heavy-duty usage. Although, unlike other heavy-duty options, it’s given cutting capacity of 1 ¼ inch can be a bit low. Best Features:
Rated cutting capacity of up to 1 ¼ inch Compatible with PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, and PP pipe types
Pros:
Sturdy build quality Highly versatile PVC pipe cutter Fairly compact and small
Cons:
Cutting capacity could have been higher
6. N/C Ratchet Tube Cutter
N/C is one of the cheapest brands out there that should be considered by those who are on a tight budget and want an affordable PVC pipe cutter. This N/C PVC pipe cutter is the cheapest option stated here in this article resulting in an excellent value for money. At the given price point, its cutting capacity of up to 1 ⅝ inch is fairly decent for most users. In fact, unlike what you would expect from a budget option, this one supports multiple pipe types including PVC, CPVC, PEX, and PPR. Although, as expected from a budget offering, N/C does not offer any warranty with its PVC pipe cutter. Best Features:
Rated cutting capacity of up to 1 ⅝ inch Compatible with PVC, CPVC, PEX, and PPR pipe types
Pros:
Extremely affordable PVC pipe cutter Decent cutting capacity for the price Supports multiple types of pipes
Cons:
Lacks any sort of warranty
7. DUEBEL Pipe Cutter
Duebel is one of the most popular brands of PVC pipe cutters out there as almost all of its offerings are perfect for heavy-duty usage like this one. The Duebel PVC pipe cutter comes in this position of this list since it is the best option present here that is made for heavy-duty usage. Starting with its cutting capacity, you can use it with pipes that have a diameter of up to 2.95 inch which is quite high. Another great thing about this PVC pipe cutter is that you get the support for various types of pipes including but not limited to PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, PP, and PPR. Since it is a premium PVC pipe cutter, Duebel has also offered a 1-year warranty with it making it decently reliable and ideal for long term usage. Best Features:
Rated cutting capacity of up to 2.95 inch Compatible with PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, PP, and PPR pipe types Comes with a warranty period of 1 year
Pros:
Highly versatile floor lamp Affordable and high value for money option Decently bright
Cons:
A bit on the larger side
How to Choose the Best PVC Pipe Cutters:
Being a vital piece of equipment in the tool arsenal, it is wise to invest in an efficient and durable PVC pipe cutter model. For that, you have to consider certain factors which help you finalize the right model as per your working requirements and budget. To help you with that, we recommend you go through the guide that contains clear instructions on how to analyse the product and make an informed choice. Let’s get into the details of factors to be considered while shopping for the PVC pipe cutter.
1. Cutting Capacity:
The primary factor to consider is the pipe size you will be working on before buying PVC pipe cutter. It determines the performance and ensures heavy-duty usage. Some PVC pipes are small and thin, while others are large and thick with a high diameter. Since every PVC cutter has a cutting capacity range, it cannot cut through any pipe that doesn’t fit the cutter’s jaws. For instance, PVC cutters with smaller cutting capacity won’t cut through pipes with higher thickness. PVC cutters are available in the market with a wide range of pipe cutting capacities up to 2 ½ inches (or more). Among them 1 5/8 inches cutting capacity is considered the standard option.
2. Outer Diameter Vs. Inner Diameter:
The next essential factor to consider while shopping for a PVC cutter is its cutting capacity. Usually, the cutting capacity mentioned on the product specifications refer to the outer diameter, not the inner diameter. For example, PVC cutter with 1⅝ inches cutting range will not be able to fit PVC pipe with 1⅝ inches size. Most people are unaware of this fact and get confused. Inner diameter refers to the measurement between the opposite inside edges, and when it comes to outer diameter, it is the distance between opposite outer edges. A PVC pipe with 1 5/8-inch size will have larger outer diameter depending on the schedule of the pipe. For instance, a PVC cutter with 1 5/8-inch capacity is capable to cut maximum of 1¼ inches 40 schedule PVC as it will have 1⅝ inches outer diameter. Hence, you have to always consider the outer dimensions rather than inner diameter while buying a PVC pipe cutter.
3. Blade Material:
For improving the strength and sharpness of the PVC pipe cutter, its blade has to undergo heat treatment. In this treatment, the blade’s steel gets hardened for sharp cutting and flexible to sustain force while cutting the pipe. So, the blades which are heat-treated are tough and rip off synthetic plastic tubes easily and effectively without scratches or doing irregular cuts or other damages to the pipes.
4. Ratcheting Vs. Non-Ratcheting:
Ratcheting mechanism is used by most high-quality PVC pipe cutters, offering the unique capability for a secure and firm griping of the tubes. It allows the operator to work in less strokes per cut. Thus, this mechanism will always allow for clean, straight, and precise cuts. Since the cutter with this mechanism will avert accidental, & harmful pipe slips, this cutter increase safety. Its single-handed cutting ability and less cutting effort will make them the perfect PVC pipe cutter. However, cutters with a non-ratcheting mechanism are inexpensive yet highly effective, until you work constantly with small diameter hoses or tubing. Verdict: Most experts suggest you buy a model having a proper ratcheting version, even by spending a bit more penny rather than the one with a non-ratcheting mechanism.
5. Power Source (Manual Vs. Battery Powered):
Battery-powered pipe cutters are powerful and can easily and effectively cut a great deal of PVC pipes. While a manual option is sufficient or preferred by most householders. The ratchet-drive technology in few manual models save a lot of time and effort.
6. Replacement (Blade Vs. Tool):
Some models feature replaceable blades to switch the blades whenever they begin to chip, dull or wear out. Though this idea allows you to use the tool for a longer time, yet the blades are costlier than the tool. So, replacing blades is suggested and worthy only on the high-end or premium PVC cutter models (as they cost more than the blade). As we mentioned, the cost of buying a whole new tool is a bit less than paying for a replacement blade. So, instead of replacing the blade, it is advisable to purchase a cheaper or affordable cutter – simply replace the whole tool when needed but not just its blade.
7. Durability:
The durability and metal-resistance of these cutters are essential to consider for knowing their corrosion resistance over their metal body parts. This is especially useful when there are repairs has to be done to your pipes. In general, the blades of the best pipe cutters are made of steel metal, which is strong, durable, and last longer. If its blades are heat-treated, then the cutter becomes an ideal cutting tool that easily sustain corrosion and regular wear. For instance, steel cutters like Vulcan’s are meant for their corrosion resistance and durability. So, prefer to use these type of PVC cutters if you are looking for durability and long-lasting nature.
8. Design:
Check the whole design of the PVC pipe cutter before buying them. You have to choose handles covered with matte-vinyl like soft-material to deter unnecessary stress and other damages to your hands while operating. Also, it reduces the excess friction to prevent any accidental fall off of this cutter. Select cutters which are designed to manipulate easily without any difficulty in its usage.
9. Compatibility:
A PVC pipe cutter is used to cut multiple types of pipes other than just PVC. Though it is only possible when this cutter is compatible with the said type of pipe. Most of the PVC pipe cutters out there support cutting PVC, PPR, and PEX types of pipes and tubes. A few heavy-duty PVC pipe cutters can even work with PE, CPVC, and PP types of pipes.
10. Price:
The price range of a product varies a lot depending on its brand, features, warranty, and built quality. Its general price range will be from $15 – $200, in which cutters cutting large diameter pipes are costlier. With its specialized feature, the manufacturing cost of this cutter will be increased, which in turn makes it a bit expensive. Avoid using cheaper PVC pipe cutters from less-known brands that won’t last long.
11. Warranty:
Check the included warranty on the pack to get a clear idea of its durability, longevity, and reliability when choosing the right option. Remember that not all PVC pipe cutters might come with a warranty, yet a few options can offer a 1-year or a 3-year warranty to have peace of mind.
Conclusion
Just per the name, a PVC pipe cutter is used to cut and break down long PVC pipes into smaller portions. These portions are much more practical for use with various plumbing installations around your home. Since these are highly important for working with PVC pipes, we have stated some of the best PVC pipe cutters up above. However, if you still cannot buy the right PVC pipe cutter, consider getting one of the following from our ideal recommendations for the best PVC pipe cutters:
The Ridgid 23498 PVC pipe cutter happens to be the only option stated up above that includes a 3-year warranty making it highly reliable especially when you consider its build quality. It is also a highly compatible PVC pipe cutters that can cut PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, and PP pipes with a maximum diameter of 1 ⅝ inches. Although, if you want a heavy-duty PVC pipe cutter for working on much larger PVC pipes, then the Duebel one might just be for you. You get an excellent cutting capacity of up to 2.95 inches with it. It even supports the highest number of pipe types including but not limited to PVC, CPVC, PE, PEX, PP, PPR. Being a heavy-duty option, it even offers a 1-year warranty with it. If you are on a tight budget and looking for something affordable, then the Ratchet PVC pipe cutter might just be for you. Even though it is the cheapest option stated above, you get a cutting capacity of 1 ⅝ inch with it. As for its compatibility, you can use this pipe cutter with PVC, CPVC, PEX, PPR types of pipes with ease.
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