Using a Copper Pipe Cutter

Using a Copper Pipe Cutter

Copper pipe is still very common in homes although in recent years it has been replaced with PVC which is cheaper and easier to work with.copper pipe cutter However the older copper pipes remain in many homes and need to be cut at some point either to fit new parts or repair broken ones. There are a few different ways to cut copper pipe but the best method is by using a specialized tool called a copper pipe cutter.

The tool looks a bit like a wrench but instead of a handle on the end it has rollers that grip the pipes and an adjustable cutting wheel.copper pipe cutter The wheel can be adjusted to set the width of the jaws and is tightened as the cutter is rotated around the pipe. Some versions of this type of pipe cutter have a reaming tool built into them to remove the burrs that might otherwise clog the tubes.

A standard wrench can also be used to cut copper pipes but this is much less effective than the specialised tool. Its tightening action imposes a lot of stress on the pipe and can even cause the copper to crack in some cases. In addition it is difficult to hold the pipe steady while trying to cut it which can result in a jagged cut.

Those who want to cut copper pipes at home but don't want to invest in a specialty tool can use a hacksaw, a jigsaw or a reciprocating saw fitted with the right blade. This will provide a clean cut but it is not easy to get a firm grip on the pipe and there are still some issues with the resulting cut edges which might restrict water flow or prevent the fittings from fitting tightly.

Another issue is the distortion of the copper profile around the cut edge. This only happens rarely but it can reduce the diameter of the tube so that it no longer fits into a connector. It is also possible for the distorted edge to create sharp points that might snag on other tools or be uncomfortable to touch.

Specialised pipe cutters are available in a variety of sizes from small thumb cutters that can be used in tight spaces to larger tools designed for large pipes. All of them work in essentially the same way by gripping the pipe between rollers and an adjustable cutting wheel and then rotating it to score a groove along the wall of the pipe. A few revolutions of the tool should suffice but it is important to not move the cutter too quickly as this could damage or distort the pipe.

The simplest of these specialized cutters is the pipe slice which has the advantage that it does not need to be tightened as it rotates and thus is suitable for use in very confined spaces. It is also a good choice for very old and damaged copper pipe as it does not cut all the way through the pipe.