A steel pipe cutter is a vital tool. To appreciate its importance, imagine a home without heating, hot or cold water, drainage, or gas. In such a case, talking about comfort and coziness would be out of the question.
And for the installation and repair of utility lines, pipes must be “adjusted” to the required parameters.
For this purpose, you need to purchase a specialized tool. Using it on steel items can ensure the full functionality of any living space.
A pipe cutter is a simple and effective tool. However, its apparent simplicity doesn't necessarily mean choosing one is easy. Before purchasing, it's important to familiarize yourself with several small details that affect the reliability and cost of this equipment.
The name itself, in this case, speaks volumes about the device's purpose. These tools are convenient and compact. Every detail is thought out. Even the handle is designed to prevent the craftsman's hand from getting tired after prolonged use on various items.
Also, among the features of this type of instrumentation, a convenient working pace and the accuracy of the cut are highlighted.
It's important to understand that a good, high-quality steel pipe cutter and low cost are incompatible. In this case, low cost won't guarantee high-quality work.
- Advantages over non-core tools
- Steel pipe cutters - operating principle
- Manual pipe cutters for cutting pipes
- Electric
- Chain pipe cutters
- Roller
- Large diameter pipe cutters
- Mechanical pipe cutters
- Ratchet equipment
- Copper pipe cutter
- Cutting devices
- Roller hand
- Features of working with copper pipes
- What should you pay special attention to when choosing
Advantages over non-core tools
- making a precise and even cut;
- no burrs;
- no deformation or roughness occurs;
- there are no shavings inside the product;
- The operator has the ability to control the rotation speed and compression force.
Steel pipe cutters - operating principle
To cut a pipe properly, you need to:
- Mark a line on the steel product along which the cut will be made.
- Then, with one hand, the pipe cutter is fixed on the workpiece, and the technician tightens the clamping screw.
- After fixing, circular movements are performed. The technician's job is to ensure the groove is closed. The incision itself should not follow a spiral shape, but be straight.
- After this, the screw is tightened even more and, using rotation, the two halves of the steel workpiece are completely separated. To prevent the rollers from slipping, professionals recommend applying regular paper tape to the area being cut.
Manual pipe cutters for cutting pipes
For household needs, a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes is most often used. It is operated by manual force.
Such tools are simple and economical, but require a lot of force from the person.
The most popular types of hand tools are:
- Telescopic. They are constructed from a bracket-shaped body with rollers (cutting tools) on one side and axial carriages with guides on the other. They are advanced by a rotating handle, which grips the pipe blank. To complete the cut, the tool is rotated around the workpiece, and the force is increased by a screw clamp. Rotating movements are then repeated until the pipe is completely cut.
- Ratchet. These mechanisms are similar in design to scissors. The scissors are located on one end, and on the other end is an arch for convenient pipe attachment. To make a cut, simply close the handles.
When selecting a manual pipe cutter, consider the following information. If the blades are made of tool steel, this type of tool can be used for finishing stainless steel, while for metal pipes, a type with alloy steel blades is recommended.
When choosing a steel pipe cutter, keep in mind that the price of these tools depends on their capabilities and the manufacturer. Professionals do not recommend purchasing products from Chinese manufacturers, as they have not proven reliable compared to other similar products.
The low cost of such tools, around several thousand rubles, attracts many consumers, but it is far from justified in practice.
And it is recommended to give preference to more expensive models:
- Mastertool;
- Proline;
- Technics;
- Topex.
Models from these manufacturers have proven themselves to be high-quality, high-precision mechanisms.
Electric
Electric pipe cutters for steel pipes are used when large-scale work is involved. It's worth noting that this device can be used both in stationary and field settings.
In both cases electric options are the ideal solution. The technical parameters of this equipment determine its application and purpose:
- Non-detachableThese devices are best suited for non-professional and home use.
- SectionalIt is used for cutting pipes, chamfering the top edge, and trimming them for professional work. The body of this pipe cutter is divided into two parts, allowing it to be installed on an existing steel pipeline during repairs.
The detachable type includes an electric motor that powers the pipe cutter. The device is connected to a 220V power source. The working mechanisms are a pair of cutters with a stroke of 0.01 cm.
To increase speed, one cutter is placed on the end of the pipe, while the other is used for chamfering. The device is locked in place by four to eight cams.
The process is controlled by a servo drive, which allows you to adjust the cutting speed and torque.
The cutting element is advanced into the cutting zone by a pneumatic drive. These devices can make up to sixty cuts on materials up to 350 mm in volume. When selecting a cutting tool, ensure that the steel thickness is at least 2.5 cm.
You can purchase an electric pipe cutter for steel pipes and spare parts from manufacturers or authorized dealers in Russia. The cost in this case is determined by the chosen model and manufacturer.
Prices range from 50,000 to 150,000 rubles. Convenient catalogs are available for selecting tools. When making a sale, the company's specialists will always provide expert advice on the use of a specific tool and help you make your choice.
They will also recommend the best manufacturers and select goods for the buyer at the best price.
Chain pipe cutters
A chain pipe cutter differs from its analogues in that it is used for working with fragile items, such as:
- ceramics;
- concrete;
- cast iron.
Pressure is applied by a chain and roller cutters, which are tightened around the circumference. Chain mechanisms are only suitable for small-volume pipe applications.
A chain pipe cutter for steel pipes is an excellent solution for working with thin-walled pipes. A good quality tool like this will cost at least 60,000 rubles.
And this price will be fully justified by the high performance of the mechanism and the excellent quality of its work.
Roller
A distinctive feature of this type is its use of multiple rollers. These rollers can be one to three in number, and their primary function is to produce precise cuts. These mechanisms also contain guides that adjust the pipe's position.
An increase in the number of rollers means that this tool has the ability to process larger volume products.
For example, a roller pipe cutter with three rollers cuts steel pipes from 1.5 to 10 cm. A mechanism with one roller cuts products from 1.5 to 5 cm.
Working with this type of pipe cutter has some drawbacks, such as increased burr formation in the cutting area. To eliminate this, a countersink is used.
Video
It's best to purchase these devices from trusted manufacturers; only from them can consumers receive a guarantee that the product meets all quality criteria.
Moreover, from a trusted manufacturer, every buyer can choose a good product at an affordable price.
Large diameter pipe cutters
Pipe cutters for large diameter steel pipes are distinguished by their ability to withstand high loads during operation.
Unlike other similar pipe cutters, these cutters feature clamp-type latches. These mechanisms can handle pipe cutters larger than twelve inches.
The clamp mechanism for working with steel pipes features a split design that ensures complete encirclement of the pipe during cutting. The cutting rollers of this device are located in both the fixed and sliding halves.
They ensure uniform load distribution. Distinctive features of this device include its ability to operate in a confined repair area.
The high precision of such mechanisms allows for precise and accurate cuts that do not require subsequent processing.
Working with such tools does not create additional problems such as deformation of pipes, crushing of ends and destruction of the protective coating.
Mechanisms for handling large volumes of steel blanks are used during installation of various pipelines and during repairs.
Video
A poorly finished cut can result in poor pipe joint sealing. The functionality of a steel pipeline with such defects will be ineffective.
Mechanical pipe cutters
Mechanical pipe cutters are designed for heavy-duty applications. They produce clean, right-angle cuts. A distinctive feature of this type is the ability to quickly adjust to its intended range.
Most mechanical models have a folding countersink in the body that removes burrs.
The handle of these machines is typically equipped with a spare cutting roller. Mechanical devices are capable of cold cutting with interchangeable cutting rollers.
The cutting rollers in these mechanisms are typically made of high-quality alloy steel. This increases their service life.
Video
The versatility of this equipment lies in the fact that it's very easy to change cutting elements. Mechanics call this type of tool "professional."
The price for these types ranges from 300 to 3,000 rubles. Those considering purchasing a reliable pipe cutter are advised to pay attention to the higher price. This is usually a guarantee of the quality of the mechanical tool.
Ratchet equipment
A ratchet pipe cutter is used for thin-walled steel pipes. The advantages of this tool include:
- telescopic guide with ratchet fitting;
- automatic spring retraction;
- speed control;
- retractable burr remover inside;
- slicing disc in the handle.
This reliable and compact ratchet allows you to cut steel pipes with short, rotating movements in 10-degree increments. These tools are ideal for working in hard-to-reach areas, allowing you to complete tasks quickly and efficiently.
Video
Copper pipe cutter
To choose the right copper pipe cutter, you need to understand the different types. When choosing a model, consider not only the pipe material but also its wall thickness.
Cutting devices
They produce clean cuts and can handle pipes up to 100 mm in diameter. High-strength steel cutting discs are mounted in the chuck. The position of these discs can be adjusted if needed.
Roller hand
A manual roller pipe cutter for copper pipes is the simplest tool. It is often used on copper, as well as steel and aluminum products.
The cut with a hand roller model is made by rotating the device around the workpiece and tightening the clamping nut.
A roller-type manual pipe cutter is convenient for working in confined spaces once the steel pipeline has already been installed.
When replacing multiple guide rollers with cutting rollers, a full rotation around the workpiece is not necessary. A partial rotation at a 30-degree angle with the pipe clamp tightened is sufficient. This results in a clean cut.
Fast-acting roller-type manual models feature a quick-setup and quick-release mechanism, speeding up pipe handling operations.
Quick-action models are used to cut copper pipes with diameters ranging from 6 to 170 mm. To cut the pipe, a couple of full rotations are required. Then, a spring return allows for immediate release and assembly.
For larger diameters up to 915 mm, rotary turning devices are used.
It is equipped with one to three cutting wheels. The more wheels there are, the larger the diameter it can cut. A major drawback of a hand-held roller tool is the formation of burrs in the cut area.
To cut workpieces with a diameter of no more than 75 mm, use a multi-roller chain or clamp pipe cutter. These tools are very convenient due to their wide handle reach.
Features of working with copper pipes
Pipe cutters are rarely used for cutting copper pipes. Electric ones are more often used for this purpose. This is due to the properties of this material. Electric models can cut pipes made of various grades of copper.
IMPORTANT! Copper tubing is thin and can break or dent under high pressure. It's important to use the right tool for this type of work.
The most common option for copper pipes is a roller pipe cutter. There are universal roller models capable of cutting steel, plastic, and copper. There are also models designed specifically for copper and aluminum pipes.
Video
The motor runs at 500 rpm, and at this speed, it quickly cuts the required workpiece. For example, this tool cuts a 12 mm diameter in 3 seconds.
In addition to the advantages already described, electric tools also have an automatic gripper. This allows cutting installed pipes with a clearance of approximately 35 mm from the wall.
Another feature that's no less important is its ability to work with copper items of varying diameters (from 12 to 35 mm).
Video
What should you pay special attention to when choosing
To choose a tool, you need to understand the nuances that play a crucial role in its use and storage. For each product, the materials it's made from are important.
Manual pipe cutters (cutting element and handle) should be made of steel. The steel should be high-strength, preferably titanium. This is especially important for power tools. Their materials must be high-quality and reliable.
IMPORTANT! The pipe cutter must not cause deformation of the wall!!!
When purchasing, carefully examine the diameter of the steel pipes that can be used with the tool. Its dimensions must match the required workload.
Video
If the chosen model runs on batteries, you should choose a battery with a higher capacity. This is the only way to make the right choice.
Experienced plumbers warn that pipe cutters are not universal tools. Depending on the type and thickness of the pipe, different tools are recommended.
There are, however, some types that can cut several types of materials, while there are also models that are only suitable for one type of product.
A steel pipe cutter is an ideal device for home use.
This device can be used to process pipes made of lightweight plastic, as well as products made of more durable material.
Video
American, German, and French manufacturers have proven themselves to be highly regarded. These are the first choices to consider when choosing a device. While these brands are not cheap, their excellent quality more than justifies the price.
