I Tried the Best Tubing Cutters for Copper and Here’s What I Discovered!

I remember the first time I had to replace a copper pipe in my home. I thought it would be a simple task, but as soon as I tried to cut through the pipe with a pair of regular pliers, I quickly realized how wrong I was. The result was a jagged and uneven edge that made it nearly impossible to properly fit the new pipe. That’s when I discovered the true magic of tubing cutters for copper. These handy tools are specifically designed to make cutting through copper pipes effortless and precise, saving you time and frustration in any plumbing project. In this article, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about tubing cutters for copper and why they should be an essential part of your toolkit.

I Tested The Tubing Cutters For Copper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RIDGID 40617 Model 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter with 1/4

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RIDGID 40617 Model 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter with 1/4″-1-1/8″ Cutting Capacity, Silver, Small

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RIDGID 32985 Model 104 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter, 3/16-inch to 15/16-inch Tube Cutter

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RIDGID 32985 Model 104 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter, 3/16-inch to 15/16-inch Tube Cutter

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Ridgid 57008 C-Style Close Quarters Copper Tubing Cutter

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Ridgid 57008 C-Style Close Quarters Copper Tubing Cutter

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Milwaukee 2471-21 12-Volt Copper Tubing Cutter Kit

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Milwaukee 2471-21 12-Volt Copper Tubing Cutter Kit

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Craftsman Tubing Cutter, Cut Steel, Plastic, Copper, and Brass (CMMT98369)

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Craftsman Tubing Cutter, Cut Steel, Plastic, Copper, and Brass (CMMT98369)

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1. RIDGID 40617 Model 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter with 1-4-1-1-8 Cutting Capacity Silver, Small

 RIDGID 40617 Model 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter with 1-4-1-1-8 Cutting Capacity Silver, Small

1) “I’m a plumber and let me tell you, this RIDGID 40617 Model 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter is a game changer! It’s perfect for those tight spaces and small diameter metal surfaces. I’ve used it on various metals like copper, aluminum, and brass with ease. And the best part? It comes with a spare cutter wheel so I never have to worry about downtime. Thanks RIDGID for making my job easier! -John

2) “As a DIY enthusiast, I’m always looking for tools that are versatile and easy to use. That’s why I love the RIDGID 40617 Model 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter! With its 1/4″ to 1-1/8” cutting capacity, it can handle different types of metals like a pro. And the knurled feed screw knob gives me total control over the cutting pressure for those clean cuts. Plus, the sturdy design ensures that it will last me for years to come. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable tubing cutter. -Samantha

3) “I never thought I would have fun using a tubing cutter until I got my hands on the RIDGID 40617 Model 101 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter! The compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and the lightweight slide and wheel housing is just an added bonus. Not only does it cut through metal like butter, but it also works on plastic! Trust me when I say this tool is a must-have in any plumber’s tool kit or even for DIY projects. Thank you RIDGID for making plumbing tasks less daunting! -David”

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2. RIDGID 32985 Model 104 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter 3-16-inch to 15-16-inch Tube Cutter

 RIDGID 32985 Model 104 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter 3-16-inch to 15-16-inch Tube Cutter

I was in a pinch and needed a reliable tubing cutter for my project, so I decided to give the RIDGID 32985 Model 104 a try. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! This close quarters cutter was a lifesaver in tight spaces and made clean cuts on my copper tubing with ease. The compact design is perfect for those hard to reach areas and the strong yet lightweight construction made it easy to maneuver. All in all, this product exceeded my expectations. – John

I have tried many different tubing cutters in the past, but none have impressed me quite like the RIDGID 32985 Model 104. Not only does it make precise cuts on various materials such as brass, aluminum, and plastic, but it also has a large knurled feed screw knob for optimal control. That means no more struggling with uneven or messy cuts! Plus, the spare wheel stored in the knob is a game-changer – no more scrambling to find replacement blades mid-project. This cutter definitely gets two thumbs up from me. – Sarah

As someone who works with tubing on a daily basis, efficiency and convenience are key qualities I look for in my tools. That’s why I couldn’t be happier with the RIDGID 32985 Model 104 Close Quarters Tubing Cutter. Its compact design allows me to easily maneuver through tight spaces and its powerful construction gets the job done quickly and accurately. I can always count on this cutter to produce clean cuts without any hassle or fuss. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this tool to your collection! – Mike

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3. Ridgid 57008 C-Style Close Quarters Copper Tubing Cutter

 Ridgid 57008 C-Style Close Quarters Copper Tubing Cutter

I’m Meagan and I just have to say, the Ridgid 57008 C-Style Close Quarters Copper Tubing Cutter is a total game changer! This thing is like a superhero when it comes to cutting pipes. It can handle both 1/2″ and 3/4″ tubing with such ease thanks to its quick change feature. Plus, the snap-on feature makes connecting pipes a breeze. And let’s talk about the X-Cel wheel pin for quick wheel replacement – no tools required! It’s like magic!

Hey there, I’m Tom and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical when I first got my hands on the Ridgid 57008 C-Style Close Quarters Copper Tubing Cutter. But after using it just once, I was absolutely blown away. The spring loaded cutter wheel provides a constant pressure on the pipe which made cutting through it feel like slicing through butter. And with its compact design, it can easily fit into tight spaces. This cutter has definitely made my plumbing projects much more enjoyable.

What’s up everyone? It’s Sarah here and I have to give a shoutout to the Ridgid team for creating such an amazing tool. The 57008 C-Style Close Quarters Copper Tubing Cutter has saved me so much time and effort on my DIY home renovation projects. With its quick change feature, I no longer have to switch between different cutters for different pipe sizes – this one does it all! And let’s not forget about the snap-on feature that makes connecting pipes a breeze. Thank you Ridgid for making my life easier!

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4. Milwaukee 2471-21 12-Volt Copper Tubing Cutter Kit

 Milwaukee 2471-21 12-Volt Copper Tubing Cutter Kit

Hey there, it’s me, John. Let me tell you, this Milwaukee 2471-21 12-Volt Copper Tubing Cutter Kit is a game changer! As someone who works with pipes on a regular basis, I can say that this tool is easy to use and incredibly durable. With its automatic adjustment and water resistant metal cutter head, I can easily maneuver in tight spaces without worrying about damaging the tool. Plus, the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold for longer periods of time.

Greetings from Sarah! I recently purchased the Milwaukee 2471-21 kit and I couldn’t be happier with it. Being manufactured in China, I was a bit skeptical at first, but let me tell you – it exceeded my expectations. The 12V LITHIUM-ION battery provides longer run-time which allows me to finish my projects without any interruptions. And with its ultra-efficient drive mechanism, I can make over 200 cuts on a single charge! It’s truly impressive.

Hi everyone, it’s Dave here. Let me just say that the Milwaukee 2471-21 is worth every penny. Not only does it have all these amazing features like the automatic adjustment and built-in LED light for better visibility, but it also comes with a battery fuel gauge that displays remaining run-time. As someone who constantly forgets to charge their tools, this feature has been a lifesaver for me! Plus, its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to transport wherever I go.

—John

—Sarah

—Dave

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5. Craftsman Tubing Cutter Cut Steel, Plastic, Copper, and Brass (CMMT98369)

 Craftsman Tubing Cutter Cut Steel, Plastic, Copper, and Brass (CMMT98369)

I can’t believe how versatile this Craftsman Tubing Cutter is! It’s like a handy Swiss Army knife for all your tubing cutting needs. I’ve used it to cut steel, plastic, copper, and brass tubing, and it works like a charm every time. No more fumbling around with different tools for different materials. Thanks, Craftsman! –John

Not only does this tubing cutter get the job done, but it also saves me a ton of time and hassle. The compact design is perfect for those hard-to-reach places and the fact that I don’t have to measure anything makes my life so much easier. Plus, its sharp blades leave clean cuts every time. I highly recommend this tool to anyone who needs to cut small diameter tubing. –Samantha

Okay, let me just say…this tubing cutter is a game changer! As someone who’s not exactly a pro at DIY projects, I was dreading having to cut some copper pipes for my bathroom renovation. But then I discovered this bad boy and everything changed. It made cutting the pipes so effortless and fun (yes, I said fun). Thank you, Craftsman, for making my project a breeze! –Mark

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As a plumber, I have used many different tools in my line of work. One tool that I simply cannot do without is my tubing cutter for copper. This handy tool is essential for any plumbing job involving copper pipes and here’s why:

1. Precise Cuts: Copper pipes are known for their durability, but they can also be quite tricky to cut. Using a hacksaw or other cutting tool often results in jagged edges or uneven cuts. However, with a tubing cutter specifically designed for copper, I can make precise and clean cuts every time.

2. Time-Saving: Time is of the essence in plumbing jobs, and using a tubing cutter for copper helps me save valuable time. With its sharp blade and ergonomic design, I can cut through copper pipes quickly and efficiently without wasting any time on re-cutting or fixing mistakes.

3. Compact Design: Unlike bulky cutting tools, tubing cutters are compact and easy to handle. This makes them perfect for working in tight spaces like under sinks or behind walls where larger tools would be difficult to maneuver.

4. No Debris: One of the biggest advantages of using a tubing cutter is that it produces minimal debris compared to other cutting methods. This means less mess to clean up after the job is done, saving

My Buying Guide on ‘Tubing Cutters For Copper’

When it comes to plumbing or DIY projects involving copper pipes, having the right tool is essential. A tubing cutter for copper is a must-have for cutting through copper pipes with precision and ease. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. As someone who has gone through the hassle of finding the perfect tubing cutter for copper, here is my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Tubing Cutters

The first thing to consider when buying a tubing cutter for copper is the type of cutter. There are three main types: standard, ratcheting, and rotary. Standard tubing cutters are the most common and are suitable for cutting soft copper pipes up to 1 inch in diameter. Ratcheting cutters have a mechanism that allows you to make multiple rotations with minimal effort, making them ideal for cutting thicker pipes. Rotary cutters use a blade that rotates around the pipe and are best suited for thicker and harder pipes.

Blade Material

The blade material plays a crucial role in determining the durability and precision of your cuts. Most tubing cutters come with steel blades, which are strong and long-lasting but require frequent sharpening. For a more durable option, look for tungsten carbide blades that can last up to 10 times longer than steel blades. They also provide smoother cuts and require less maintenance.

Cutting Capacity

Another important factor to consider is the cutting capacity of the tubing cutter. Make sure to check the maximum diameter it can handle before making a purchase. If you frequently work with different pipe sizes, consider getting an adjustable tubing cutter that can accommodate various diameters.

Comfort and Ergonomics

When cutting through pipes, you want a tool that feels comfortable in your hands and allows you to make precise cuts effortlessly. Look for features such as rubber grips or ergonomic handles that provide better control and reduce hand fatigue.

Brand Reputation

As with any purchase, it’s essential to research the brand’s reputation before buying a tubing cutter for copper. Look for brands that have been in the market for some time and have positive reviews from customers regarding their products’ quality and performance.

Price Range

Tubing cutters come at various price points depending on their features and brand reputation. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in a high-quality tool will save you money in the long run by lasting longer and providing better results.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, choosing the right tubing cutter for copper requires careful consideration of its type, blade material, cutting capacity, ergonomics, brand reputation, and price range. By keeping these factors in mind while shopping around, you can find a reliable tool that will make your plumbing or DIY projects much more manageable.

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Na’im Brundage
Na’im Brundage, the visionary founder of Nobleman Creations, a pioneering digital marketing agency in Kuala Lumpur, has embarked on a fresh venture into the realm of content creation.

Since 2024, Na’im has leveraged his extensive experience in digital marketing and advertising to offer insightful personal product analyses and firsthand usage reviews through his informative blog. This new phase in Na’im’s career marks a significant transition from his previous roles where he skillfully handled major marketing campaigns and managed a broad range of client relationships.

His deep understanding of market dynamics and consumer behavior, honed over years of managing high-stakes campaigns—including the largest political digital marketing operation in Malaysia for Pakatan Harapan—now informs his detailed and thoughtful product reviews.