What Is a PVC Pipe Cutter?
A PVC pipe cutter is a specialized tool designed for cutting pipes made of hard polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. The cutter’s blade holder is curved to accommodate the circular cross-section of PVC pipes, ensuring a clean, burr-free cut without crushing the pipe.
Compared to saws or similar tools, PVC pipe cutters enable straighter and more precise cuts.
How to Use PVC Pipe Cutters
There are three main types of PVC pipe cutters:
- Scissors Type: Resembling nippers or pliers, the pipe is placed between the blades. The handles are then squeezed to cut.
- Ratchet Mechanism Type: The pipe is set in the blade section and fixed. By closing the blade and slightly loosening the handle repeatedly, the ratchet mechanism operates to cut the pipe efficiently.
- Cutter Wheel Type: After fixing the PVC pipe in a vise, the pipe is placed between the roller and cutter wheel parts. A guideline is marked by rotating the pipe once, and then the pipe is cut by gradually tightening the knob and rotating the cutter wheel.
How to Select PVC Pipe Cutters
When choosing PVC pipe cutters, consider the maximum cutting capacity and the materials they can cut:
- Scissors Type: User-friendly, often reasonably priced, suitable for beginners. Their cutting power is limited to the user’s hand strength.
- Ratchet Mechanism Type: Offers clean cuts with less effort due to the unidirectional rotation mechanism. Lightweight and ideal for confined spaces.
- Cutter Wheel Type: Capable of cutting various sizes of PVC pipes, including materials like stainless steel and aluminum. Offers straighter and more accurate cuts, with replaceable blades for extended use.