If you’re shopping for a PVC pipe cutter online, you may be struggling to decide which is the best one for you. There are a few different pipe cutters to choose from, and it’s not always easy to know which one works best for your specific pipe cutting project. We’ve done the research, and have compiled a list of the best PVC pipe cutters worth adding to your toolbox.
Best PVC Pipe Cutters Reviewed
Milwaukee M12
Who it’s best for:
- People looking to cut softer material pipes like PVC, CPVC, and PEX
- People working with easy-to-access pipes
- People looking for a pipe cutter that will last them 5+ years
Highlights:
- Comes in a kit
- Long lasting battery
- Excellent cutting ability
The Milwaukee M12 is a battery-operated pipe cutter that is water-resistant, impact-resistant, and rust-resistant. This pipe cutter is usually sold as a kit, and includes a pipe shear, lithium-ion battery, 30 minute charger, and carrying case.
The pipe cutter blade is made from stainless steel and the jaw of the cutter is made from aluminum. The pipe cutter has two triggers; a quick return trigger that’s closer to the blade, and a variable speed trigger that is slightly further from the blade. The quick return trigger allows you to make repetitive cuts more efficient, and the variable speed trigger allows you to adjust the speed to make cuts easier based on your needs.
The blade is able to cut 2″ schedule 40 PVC pipes in 3 seconds, and will not leave any burrs or shavings behind. This saves you a good amount of time, making your DIY cutting projects more efficient.
The Milwaukee M12 is slightly heavy, weighing in at about 4.5 pounds. This is mostly from the weight of the battery.
The battery of the Milwaukee M12 will give you roughly 200 cuts in a single charge. In order to properly keep track of the battery life, the pipe cutter includes an onboard fuel gauge that will show you how charged the battery is and an estimate as to how much run time the pipe cutter has left before needing to be recharged.
The excellent cutting abilities of the Milwaukee M12 make it one of the best PVC pipe cutters to own.
Types of pipe materials:
- Schedule 80 PVC
- Schedule 40 CPVC
- Schedule 40 ABS
- Schedule 40 BlaseMaster
- PE Tubing
- Non-Metallic Conduit
- Rubber Hose
Ridgid Model RC-1625
A great mid-tier PVC pipe cutter is the RIDGID 23498. Unlike the M12, this PVC cutter isn’t quite as flashy, but is still able to cut pipes effectively .
It’s made from aluminum, so it’s water-resistant and durable. One feature that is great with the Ridgid is that it does not require as much force when cutting plastic as a cheaper PVC pipe cutter. No surprise as you get what you pay for.
This ratcheting PVC pipe cutter has an OD capacity of up to 1-5/8 inches, and weighs about one pound.
Something to note is that the grips ratchet in 1/2 inch increments.
There are two flaws with this PVC pipe cutter. The first is that if you’re trying to work in tight spaces, it’s fairly challenging to work the cutter around the pipe. My other gripe is with replacement blades. Replacing blades can be pricey at $20, although the upside is you do have a PVC pipe cutter with some longevity since you would just need to replace the blades instead of buying a new pipe cutter.
Overall a very solid mid-tier choice if you want something high-quality but without paying too much.
Types of pipe materials:
- PVC
- CPVC
- PP
- PEX
- PE
- Rubber Hoses
- Multi-layer tubing
Harborfreight PVC Pipe Cutter
The Harborfreight PVC pipe cutter is an affordable ratchet pipe cutter with an aluminum frame. The blade of this pipe cutter is made from heat-treated steel, and the pipe cutter itself has the ability to cut schedule 40 PVC pipes up to 1-5/8 inches in diameter. This cutter does not weigh much, coming in at under a pound.
The ratcheting requires a bit of grip strength to function, but performs well overall. In order to undo the ratchet for a cut, be sure to pull the handles apart.
There isn’t anything particularly impressive about this pipe cutter, although the price makes it accessible for those on a tight budget. If you are looking for a PVC pipe cutter that can do the bare minimum, then the Harborfreight PVC pipe cutter is a great choice for the value.
- PVC
- CPVC
- PEX
- Rubber Hoses
- Multi-layer tubing
Zantlea Pipe and Tube Cutter
For those looking for a PVC pipe cutter but are strapped for cash, the Zantlea is a great option. This is more for your average DIY homeowner than it is for a plumber as it isn’t “heavy-duty”, but there are still some things worth mentioning.
For starters, the design is sleek, and it’s very comfortable to hold. Works very well on plastic pipes about an inch or less comfortably, so I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re going to be dealing with some larger PVC pipes.
The large head is nice as well as it helps take away a lot of the stress from your hand when squeezing. The cutter also has safety features to make it safe to handle and store away when you’re not using it.
I will say that I have a hate love relationship with the blade. On one hand, it’s nice and sharp, as it should be. However, my gripe is that the blade can be finicky for some people and not cut completely straight.
Not sure if it’s a manufacturing issue, but I don’t think it’s a huge issue if you’re doing minor cutting tasks with it. I always like to stress you do get what you pay for, but for the price I think his PVC pipe cutter is definitely worth it.
Types of pipe materials:
- PVC
- CPVC
- PEX
- Rubber Hoses
- Multi-layer tubing
Klein 50031
The Klein 50031 is an interesting PVC pipe cutter. Rather than advertising for multiple types of pipes, Klein decided to have this pipe cutter specialize in white and gray schedule 40 and 80 PVC.
I will say I’m fairly certain it can cut the same types of materials as the other PVC pipe cutters on this list, but something to note nonetheless.
Although this is one of the more expensive PVC pipe cutters on the list, I do think the price is warranted. Lasts quite along time, with the bonus of you being able to replace the blades when they start getting dull or break. Provides straight cuts of I.D. 1/2 in. to 1-1/4 in. pipes, and the cuts are very clean and easy on the hands.
Types of pipe materials:
- PVC
- CPVC
- PEX
- Rubber Hoses
- Multi-layer tubing
How much is a PVC pipe cutter?
PVC pipe cutters will vary in price depending on the quality and brand, and will cost between $15 – $200. Also, pipe cutters that can cut large diameter pipes will generally be more expensive. This is because they are a bit more specialized and cost more to produce by the manufacturer.
Cheap PVC pipe cutters from knock-off brands will not last long, so avoid these ones at all costs.
What can you cut with a PVC pipe cutter?
PVC pipes cutters specialize in cutting PVC, but are often used for other types of pipes. This includes CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride), PP (polypropylene), PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), and PE (polyethylene) piping and tubing.
Softer materials can also be cut by a PVC pipe cutter, such as garden hoses and drip irrigation hoses.
How to cut PVC pipe effectively?
Whether you are using a PVC pipe cutter, hacksaw, or other cutting tool, it’s important you learn how to cut PVC pipe properly. The size of the PVC pipe and the tool you use will require a different process. Smaller PVC pipes can be cut most effectively with a PVC pipe cutter. To cut the PVC pipe, simply mark the area to be cut with a pencil, line up the blade with the pencil mark, and then cut. Larger pipes will be easier to cut with a hacksaw. To cut a larger pipe, ensure you stabilize the pipe, use tape for marking the area to be cut, and begin using the hacksaw.
Is there a tool to cut PVC pipe from the inside?
If you are looking to cut PVC pipe from the inside, then you will need an internal PVC pipe cutter. These pipe cutters are actually blades designed for use with a standard drill, and are relatively cheap. You simply place the blade in the drill and tighten it down until the blade is stable. The drill will rotate the pipe cutter, allowing you to cut through PVC pipes anywhere from 1 to 10 inches in size.
4 Inch PVC Pipe Cutter
If you have to cut a PVC pipe that is 4 inches in diameter, you will need a specialized pipe cutter. The Ridgid 32840 is a great choice in this scenario because this pipe cutter allows you to cut anything from 2-4 inches in diameter, and utilizes 2 handles for easy adjustments and cuts.
Will a PEX cutter cut PVC?
Certain PEX cutters have the ability cut PVC pipes. The thinner the PVC pipe, the more likely your PEX cutter can cut it. However, the best solution is to purchase a pipe cutter specialized for PVC. This will ensure the longevity of your pipe cutter blade.
Does Home Depot cut PVC pipe for you?
Home Depot does not officially cut PVC pipe for you unless you purchase the PVC pipe from their store. That being said, people have successfully gotten their PVC pipes cut at Home Depot by asking an employee respectfully.