Pipe cutter for polypropylene pipes: an overview of tool types and peculiarities of working with it
When installing pipelines inside the house for water supply, sewerage and heating, plastic pipes have to be cut in large quantities. To use improvised means is not recommended because of the many potential problems in the future.
For cutting you need a professional tool. And it is better to take a special pipe cutter for polypropylene pipes, the use of which guarantees an even cut without burrs.
We suggest how to choose equipment for cutting polypropylene pipes, describe the device and principle of operation, as well as designate the main criteria for choosing pipe cutters.
Types of pipe cutting equipment
There are various tools for cutting polypropylene (PP) pipes in stores. These are both manual mechanical and electric devices.
Each of them has its own advantages. Choose the most appropriate equipment should be based on the amount of work and its complexity.
Polypropylene pipes can be cut with scissors or a roller tool. the former is cheaper and the latter is more efficient in operation
When choosing equipment for cutting polypropylene pipes, the main attention should be paid to two points:
- The blade should be made of alloy steel.
- Each model has two indicators. the minimum and maximum pipe size. The range should be chosen to be sufficient for the job.
The body material of such equipment is usually made of metal. And it is best if it is aluminum rather than steel. A pipe cutter with aluminum handles is lightweight and requires less effort. Soft polypropylene pipes do not require too much effort when cutting. Tools made of aluminum can handle the stresses encountered without problems.
The pipe cutter can have replaceable or non-replaceable cutters. Sooner or later they will wear out. In the second case you will have to buy new tools. However, if the cutter is needed for one-time work, it is better to take a cheaper model with a non-replaceable tooling.
Pipe cutters. Tools that allow you to perform with extremely high precision cut polypropylene pipes for their future connection
Cutting of PP pipes is performed during repair of old or construction of new pipelines of water supply, low-temperature heating, sewerage, ventilation systems
Before you buy a hand tool, it’s important to try it out, hold it in your hands, and decide if it will be convenient to work with
Ergonomics. not the most important characteristic for power tools. However, it is desirable to hold it in hand like a hand pipe cutter in order to understand how simple and easy it is to operate
In the cutting of polymer pipes, having in addition to the traditional unstable shape also lightweight, it is important to decide whether to buy a pipe cutter with a built-in device for fixing or fix it in a vise or jigsaw
If you intend to cut the pipe in the canopy during repairs, it is better to buy a tool with a built-in device for secure fixation of the pipe
If you have a one time cut and do not plan to perform multiple cutting tasks, you can cut PP pipe with a jigsaw, hacksaw or power saw, secured in a jigsaw beforehand
Variant #1. guillotine
The simplest in design and the most precise in quality of cut is the guillotine shears. They can be manual and electrically operated. Structurally, it is a blade that lowers on the polypropylene pipe and makes an even and strictly perpendicular to the longitudinal line.
In its simplest and cheapest design the pipe guillotine looks like a small classical guillotine with a blade, a handle with a rod to increase pressure force and a pipe clamp that opens from below
Most manual guillotines are designed to cut pipe products with a cross section of up to 70 mm. But some models can handle diameters of 100-150 mm. This is quite sufficient for home installation work. All of the above belongs to industrial equipment.
The knife easily rips into the soft polypropylene as it presses. No pipe deformations are caused by the sharpness of the Teflon-coated cutter and the smoothness of its movement. After cutting the polypropylene no more additional processing of the end face is needed. The pipe is completely ready for butt welding and soldering with fittings.
The only disadvantage of guillotines worth mentioning is the low working speed. Each time the blade needs to return to its original position by unscrewing the rod for a long time. But the cut is perfectly flat, and for this you can twist the handle. However, if you plan to cut a lot of polypropylene pipes, it is better to choose another type of pipe cutter.
Tube guillotines are equipped with metal blades made of hardened tool steel alloy
If the cutting element dulls, it can be simply and easily replaced with a new one. It’s easy to attach. With two or more screws
This model cuts polymer pipe without metal reinforcement. But they can easily cut hoses and pipes reinforced with fabric fibers
Option #2. ratchet
This class of pipe cutting tool is shaped like a pair of scissors with two handles. Only their blade is on one side. The second half is designed as a semicircular stop where the pipe should be placed when cutting.
they are equipped with a ratchet mechanism (ratchet) in order to move the blade smoothly and with as little effort as possible.
Ratchet pipe cutters are designed for cutting thin pipes with a cross section of 15-30 mm, if the cutter is blunted or sharp pressure is applied, the polypropylene pipe walls are simply crushed by this tool
The main disadvantages of this cutting equipment are the high probability of obtaining an oblique cut and the possible crushing of the pipe. These are actually large handheld scissors. You have to know how to use them. Our website has a detailed article on how to use these types of pipe cutters. Click here for more information.
Inexperience, the slightest tilt in their hands leads to a crooked end, which then has to be resharpened. And if the pipe is crumpled, you need to straighten it out from the inside with the calibrator.
This type also includes pistol grip pipe cutters with ratchet mechanism. They are much easier to work with. There’s very little effort required to cut, and the cut is smoother.
The resetting of the knife is achieved by pressing a button and releasing a spring. This is optimal for cutting polypropylene pipes with thicker and harder walls.
How to cut a plastic pipe in a hard-to-reach place
PVC piping is often close to the wall or even in a pit. To get close to it to cut it with a special tool is not possible. So then what to do? But there can be many such examples and not only with sewage pipe, but also with polypropylene pipes of large or small diameter, which are also located in inaccessible places.There is a way out of such situations and it is quite simple.
We cut the pipe in a hard to reach place
Everything is banal and simple. Unwind about a meter of thread from the reel, it is not necessary to cut it. you can just hold it in your hand. Leading a thread behind the pipe.
If you have gloves on, it’s better to wear them. Pull the thread with both hands on the place where you need to make a cut. And start pulling the thread with one hand and then the other.
The pipe has to be securely fastened so it doesn’t tear out. If not, ask someone to hold it while you saw.In a minute or two the pipe will be sawn.
This is quite simple, but requires skill. It is not uncommon for a thread to tear during cutting. No problem, take another one and go on.
Other tools for cutting plastic pipe
They are rarely used when there is no pipe cutter at hand:
- angle grinder. you will need a metal cutting disc to cut the pipe. The main point when working with an angle grinder is the precise regulation of the effort, too much pressure on the tool is not allowed.
- Electric jigsaw. this is the most convenient way in the absence of special scissors. There is a high probability of getting an oblique cut, so for greater accuracy during the work the pipe must be turned several times.
This is not the way to cut plastic pipe:
- Band saw. its blade moves too slowly and if it is not de-toothed enough, there is a high probability of damaging the inner diameter of the pipe, which leads to chipping and cracking.
- Circular machine. Since plastic pipes are flexible, pushing them into the machine often causes displacement of the pipe and shock, which is dangerous for the person making the cut.
Tools for pipe shearing
Chamfering tool. designed to improve the quality of plastic pipe welding. With its help the edge or the upper layer of plastic pipes is removed according to their diameter.
It is possible to find chamfering tools of different design designed to work with pipes of different diameters. When buying it it is necessary to determine the scope of work and material of the pipe. Tools can be either manual or automatic. It allows adjustment to the desired pipe diameter and wall thickness.
Caliber is necessary for work with metal-plastic pipes. It can be used to clean off the aluminum layer on the pipe profile before brazing. Besides, Caliber allows to remove burrs and irregularities of cut, and also if necessary to chamfer.
If the pipe is slightly crumpled and the cut is oval, the pipe calibrator will straighten the end, making it perfectly round again. You need a separate calibrator for each specific pipe diameter.
Planning the device of plastic piping, it is necessary to prepare in advance all the tools needed for the full cycle of work. The tool kit depends on the length and complexity of the pipeline, the material of the pipes and their diameters. 2015-10-08
Today I will tell you about the evolution of. Not in the sense of evolution according to Darwin’s theory, but about the evolution of plumbing. There are such sewer pipes everyone knows. the fifties. I want to tell you about the evolution of how plumbers cut them.
Cutting asbestos-cement pipes angle grinder
The most common way is to cut asbestos-cement pipes with angle grinder (aka angle grinder, angle grinder; something like Bosch GWS 850 CE Professional or Makita GA5030K).
In this case, there are 2 types of work, depending on the equipment used:
- An angle grinder with a stone disc. You need two people to cut it this way. One person has to cut the pipe with an angle grinder, and the other person has to pour a very thin stream of water on the cut. In this case, the dust from the cutting will not fly around the room, and flow down in the form of dirt.
- An angle grinder with a diamond wheel. You will need a respirator, goggles and other safety equipment. To reduce the amount of dust that gets on a person when cutting, you need to do this process in an open space with the leeward side, so that all the dust flies away. If you cut a pipe in the winter, you can put it directly on the snow so that particles of material stay underneath.
Cutting HDPE pipe
Home ” Countryside Water Supply.
To date, plastic pipes are a major component for the arrangement of indoor plumbing, sewage, etc.д. There are several different types of plastics used to make pipes. The most common is low pressure polyethylene (HDPE proper), which is ideal for use in apartments or private homes.
The main advantage of HDPE over other types of plastic is that it has a higher melting point. This allows the use of HDPE pipes for installation of water pipes with hot water.
Installation of piping systems involves a variety of work: cutting, soldering, etc.д. Consider cutting in more detail.
It may not be obvious at first glance, but cutting an HDPE pipe is not that easy. The plastic in the pipes is quite thick, and in addition, elastic, and this makes it difficult to cut. Requirements for the quality of the cut during installation of pipelines are rather high: the cut should be flat, without burrs.
Work with an ordinary knife, of course, is possible, but we will tell you about the simpler and more accurate ways.
So what to cut HDPE pipe with?
- Circular cutters for domestic pipes (there are also industrial models, but they are designed for serious pipes, large diameters). Conditionally, these cutters are divided into three groups, depending on purpose and diameter of pipes: for water pipes (diameter of 15 to 60 mm), sewer pipes (diameter of 50 to 110 mm) and outside pipes (110 to 160 mm).
- Pipe guillotines. This device provides extremely high quality of cut. Generally guillotines are used for cutting pipes with a diameter of 60 to 350 mm.
- Manual cutters. Similar in principle to a garden shrub shear. For home repair it is a good choice, as they are quite inexpensive. The range of application is limited by the relatively small working diameter: from 15 to 30 mm. In addition, the end of the cut will need additional machining.
- Electric cordless pipe cutters. Cut almost any diameter and wall thickness of pipe. Because of its high cost, it only makes sense to purchase an electric cutter if you are dealing with a large volume of work, that is, if you are installing pipes professionally.
- Band saws. Purely professional tools, characterized by high cost and versatility. If you are doing home repairs (even very extensive) you do not need such a tool.
Cutting technology depends on the tool used. There are also some general recommendations:
- The pipe should be clamped. Smooth plastic can be slippery, so while holding the pipe in your hands, you risk it and your hands.
- “Measure twice. cut once. relevant than ever. Despite the fact that HDPE pipes are cheap enough, it is still better not to let the material go to waste because of incorrect measurements.
- When storing cutting tools, use special pads on the blades. they will not let them blunt.
- Pipe fittings
- Labeling of stainless steel pipe
How to cut plastic pipes
When installing a plastic water pipe or sewer line, there is bound to be a need to cut the pipe so that it can then be docked to another pipe. Therefore, many people wonder how to cut plastic pipes. There are several ways to do this, with each method using specific tools that are designed for cutting plastic pipes.
Types of tools for cutting plastic pipes:
Cutting pipe with the pipe cutter
The roller pipe cutter for plastic pipes is great for cutting. The maximum diameter of the cut pipe is 38 mm. Before installing the pipeline, the blanks are cut with a pipe cutter, and the resulting sections are connected with fittings. The advantages of the tool are that the cut is neat and smooth. The principle of the pipe cutters is similar to that of the rolling wrench for preservation:
There are some disadvantages to using pipe cutters. If the pipe runs next to the wall and there is no way to remove it, in this case you can not twist the pipe cutter round in any way.
Cut the pipe with special scissors
Special scissors for cutting plastic pipes come with many soldering irons for polypropylene pipes. This tool has a very sharp knife on top for cutting plastic pipes, and there is also a bottom holder. The simple models allow you to cut pipes with a diameter of up to 26 mm, but it is best to buy the most popular scissors that can cut pipes with a diameter of up to 42 mm. Cutting with scissors has these features:
If you note the disadvantages of this method, it is very quickly tired unprepared hand with a large amount of cutting.
Other methods of cutting pipe
Cordless pipe cutter. This tool appeared in our market not long ago, in fact, it is an ordinary scissors, only additionally equipped with an electric drive. The main advantage is the great speed of cutting, to perform one cut you will spend from 4 to 7 seconds.
If we talk about the disadvantages, it is some limitation in the diameter of the pipes that can be cut with this tool. Usually the diameter gap is a maximum of 42 mm.
Angle grinder (angle grinder). Here you will need a cutting disc for metal. The most important thing is not to press much when cutting, do it accurately. First it is recommended to make a mark on the pipe. Both small and large angle grinder with any power will be suitable.
Electric jigsaw. After special scissors, this is the most convenient method of cutting plastic pipes. But the cut can turn out a little oblique, so you need to saw not at once, and two or three times to turn the pipe.
Top models on the market
In the toolbox in the garage of the home handyman most often found pipe cutters for metal-plastic pipes.
In order not to break your head, trying to understand all the variety of tools in construction departments, it is better to read the rating of popular quality models in different price categories and make a choice based on the experience of other buyers.
Budget tools for home use
Among inexpensive equipment for cutting pipes the most in demand are pipe cutters brand Sturm and WMT.
Practical equipment from the Sturm brand
Sturm is an inexpensive and practical option for home use. The tool is equipped with a hardened steel blade. Metal parts are coated with a protective substance against corrosion.
Cheap does not mean low quality. Yes, budget models of pipe cutters do not possess all the advantages of professional equipment, but they perform their main function
The handle is made of comfortable plastic with a non-slip surface. The cost of pipe cutters from the company Sturm ranges from 400 to 450 p.
A brief video review of the pipe cutter of this brand in the following video:
Inexpensive solution from WMT
Another budget pipe cutter produces the company WMT. This tool will not cost you more than 300 p.
For such money you should not rely on additional features and other pleasant little things, but the device copes with its work within reasonable limits. It cuts plastic pipes up to 42 mm.
Overview of the budget model for a minimum of money:
Professional equipment for cutting pipes
The RIDGIT, Milwaukee and KALDE brands stand out with good reviews among professional tools.
Popular among users RIDGIT pipe cutters
RIDGIT is one of the market leaders in pipe cutting tools. This manufacturer offers professional equipment, which can work in any conditions. RIDGIT PC 1375 ML is one of the most popular models of this brand.
Lightweight (only 320 g) steel body and robust cutter cuts the pipe in just a few seconds. Wide range of working diameters (up to 42 mm) allows you to work with the most popular sizes of pipes. Price of RIDGIT PC 1375 ML starts from 3600 p.
Any experienced builder can distinguish a professional tool from an “amateur” one just by holding it in his hands. And you don’t have to know the brands for that. If the product is of high quality, it speaks for itself
Another popular model from RIDGIT is the TC-40. This is an automatic pipe cutter. It is equipped with a 0.75 kW motor and a 12 V lithium battery. Easily cuts pipe from 3 mm to 42 mm at the push of a button.
Backlight for working in dimly lit areas is a welcome addition. Since metal plastic pipes are multi-layered, the manufacturer has taken care of a special adapter for this type of material. Price of automatic tool from 18 000 r.
Milwaukee’s reliable models
Professional Milwaukee tools from USA. a guarantee of quality and reliability for many years of service.
Milwaukee ProPEX Tubing Cutter. for small diameters up to 25 mm. It is made of durable steel, non-corrosive. Comfortable handle has high level of ergonomics. But the price for high quality pipe cutters is also appropriate. starting from 2300 rubles.
Rich choice of KALDE brand pipe cutters
The Turkish brand KALDE offers a wide range of scissors for metal plastic pipes. For example, KALDE (40-63). model for cutting large diameter pipes from 40 to 63 mm. the blades are sharpened very well, the tool does not bend plastic sheet metal pipes, does not bite the edges and does not leave a chip.
All KALDE products are manufactured according to European quality standards. The price for a particular model in the stores about 4300 p.
How to cut plastic sheet metal pipes correctly?
Cutting metal plastic pipes requires experience. Only after having cut several tens of meters of material do you become confident in your hands and the movements become automatic.
The golden rule for cutting pipes is “Measure twice, cut once”. It is better to spend an extra 30 seconds to check the accuracy of the mark, than to spoil the material with a poor cut
To get from one pipe to two, you need to do these operations in sequence:
- Mark where the cut should be made. It is important that the mark should be strictly across the pipe, not at an angle. Then the blade will pass perpendicularly.
- Clamp your pipe with the pipe cutter clamp. Some models capture the part with a spring, others are installed by lowering the rod, and in the third, you just need to lay the material, and you will need to hold it with your hands.
- Make sure that the mark is strictly coincided with the blade. If it is a roller pipe cutter, it makes sense to make the first turn of the tool to check the accuracy of the installation.
- Cut the pipe: close the ends of the scissor handle, press the trigger, lower the guillotine rod or make several revolutions of the roller tool. it all depends on the selected model of pipe cutter.
A distinctive feature of cutting metal plastic pipes, compared to the cutting of polypropylene products, is that precision in this case is very important. Polypropylene piping will be connected by high temperature, the plastic will melt a little and thus hide all possible inaccuracies.
But this will not be the case with metal plastic pipes. The ends are mounted in special collars and every mm of inconsistency threatens a loose fit and the emergence of leaks. Detailed instructions for installing metal plastic pipes we have provided in the following article.
After the cut, you need to blow out the resulting section. The chips of aluminum or plastic left inside the pipe after the installation of the entire system can disable the equipment that is connected to the pipeline, or become the cause of clogging.
Classification and Types of Pipe Cutters
Designs of household and industrial pipe cutters for plastic pipes there is a huge number, but the principle of their action is usually reduced to two options:
Roller tube cutters have from one to several dozens of cutting elements mounted on rigid or movable bases. As they move around the pipe, the rollers gradually penetrate into the plastic wall until they completely cut it off.
Guillotine models are cheap, easy to use and are the most common types of pipe cutters used by professional installers
Rollers models structurally have practically no complex mechanical elements, so their price is quite low.
Guillotine devices have a strong cutting edge, which is pressed into the wall of the plastic pipe with a manual effort. Most models have a built-in ratchet mechanism that makes the cutting process smooth and relatively easy.
Naturally, the devices differ in other parameters:
- The diameter of the pipe to be processed;
- The types of materials available for work;
- The maximum wall thickness the unit is capable of cutting;
- electric drive.
The maximum diameter of pipes to be cut by manual devices is 110 mm. This is the thickness of the sewer pipe for the toilet or in-house riser. But most tools are limited to a diameter of 50-63 mm.
Roller tube cutters are inconvenient because they require constant tightening of the screw, which is rather problematic when cutting thin tubes by weight
Maximum wall thickness of plastic pipe is only available with roll cutters, so use this as a guide. Optional cutting wheels with the required blade height can be purchased.
A bonus of the roller models is their possible versatility with respect to the materials to be cut. There are pipe cutters, which are adapted exclusively for work with plastic material. But there are also those that can cut steel, copper, stainless steel and other types of metals at the same time.
Power-driven devices are expensive, that’s why they are purchased mainly by professionals. But with sufficient financial resources, everyone can buy them and facilitate the work on the installation of plastic wiring.
Roller-type pipe cutter
The roller pipe cutter works smoothly, without cutting effort across the pipe, so the cut is smooth and without jagged edges.
Design and technical characteristics
Roller tool consists of such elements:
- Clamping ring body for clamping the pipe.
- Screw handle acts as clamping mechanism.
- Cutting rollers attached to the end of the clamping force.
- Carriage with supporting steel rollers.
- Chamfering tool integrated in the bracket (more advanced models can be equipped with a chamfering tool).
The advantages of the roller pipe cutter are its inexpensiveness and the lack of lateral pressure on the surface during cutting. This allows it to work even with thin material without the risk of damaging the pipe with the clamping force.
When cutting with pipe cutters, there is no need to wet the work surface because plastic is a rather soft material and does not blunt the cutting edge
The disadvantage of the roller cutter is the need to rotate the tool. If the pipe is already rigidly clamped close to the wall, it is difficult to cut the pipe.
Principle of working with the roller device
To cut the pipe with a roller pipe cutter, the following list of steps must be followed:
Top models on the market
In the toolbox in the garage of the home craftsman, most often there is a pipe cutter-scissors for metal-plastic pipes.
In order not to break your head, sorting out all the variety of tools in construction departments, it is better to immediately familiarize yourself with the rating of popular quality models in different price categories and make a choice based on the experience of other buyers.
Budget tools for home use
Among inexpensive equipment for cutting pipes, the most in demand are Sturm and WMT brand pipe cutters.
Practical equipment by Sturm brand
Sturm is inexpensive and practical for home use. The tool is equipped with a hardened steel blade. Metal parts are coated with a protective substance against corrosion.
Cheap does not mean poor quality. Yes, budget models do not have all the advantages of professional equipment, but they fulfill their basic function
The handle is made of comfortable plastic with a non-slip surface. The cost of pipe cutters from the company Sturm ranges from 400-450 rubles.
A brief video review of the pipe cutter of this brand in the following video:
Inexpensive solution from WMT
Another budget pipe cutter produces the company WMT. This tool will cost you under 300 p.
You can not count on extra features and other nice little things for such a money, but the device copes with its work in a reasonable range. It cuts plastic pipes up to 42 mm.
Overview of the budget model for minimal money:
Professional equipment for cutting pipes
Among professional tools good reviews distinguish models of brands RIDGIT, Milwaukee and KALDE.
Popular among users RIDGIT pipe cutters
RIDGIT is one of the market leaders in pipe cutting tools. This manufacturer offers professional equipment that can work in any conditions. The RIDGIT PC 1375 ML is one of the most popular models of this brand.
Lightweight steel body (only 320 g) and durable cutter cuts pipe in just seconds. A wide range of working diameters (up to 42 mm) allow to work with the most popular sizes of pipes. The cost of RIDGIT PC 1375 ML starts from 3600 p.
Any experienced builder can distinguish a professional tool from an “amateur” one just by holding it in his hands. You don’t need to understand the brands. If the product is of high quality, it speaks for itself
Another popular model from RIDGIT is the TC-40. This is an automatic pipe cutter. It is equipped with a 0.75 kW motor and a 12 V lithium battery. The device can easily handle pipes from 3 to 42 mm at the push of a button.
Lighting for work in dimly lit areas is a nice feature. Since metal plastic pipe is multi-layered, the manufacturer has taken care of a special adapter for this type of material. The price of the automatic tool is from 18 000 r.
Reliable Milwaukee models
Professional Milwaukee tools from USA. a guarantee of quality and reliable work for many years of service.
Milwaukee ProPEX Tubing Cutter. for small diameters up to 25 mm. It is made of strong steel, non-corrosive. The handle is ergonomic and easy to grip. But the price for a high quality pipe cutter is also appropriate. from 2300 r.
Wide range of KALDE pipe cutters
Turkish brand KALDE offers a wide range of scissors for plastic pipes. For example, KALDE (40-63). model for cutting large diameter pipes. from 40 to 63 mm. The blades are sharpened very well, the tool does not bend plastic sheet metal pipes, does not bite the edges and does not leave behind chips.
All KALDE products are manufactured according to European quality standards. The price for a particular model in the stores is about 4300 p.
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Conclusion and useful video
With such a wide range of construction tools as manual and electric to choose a pipe cutter that will cope with its function, but will not cost more than the heating system itself. it is quite a real task.
Knowing what kinds of tools there are, as well as familiarizing yourself with the most popular models, it is easy to choose and buy equipment for working with plastic pipes.
Would you like to add some helpful Комментарии и мнения владельцев or share your own experience in cutting plastic pipes?? Or would you like to tell us about the pros and cons of your pipe cutter?? Write your opinion and recommendations below this article, add unique photos of your pipe cutter model or the cutting process itself.
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