Welcome to our guide on pex tubbing cutters! If you’re looking to cut pex tubing for plumbing projects, having the right pex tubbing cutter is essential. Pex, or cross-linked polyethylene tubing, is becoming increasingly popular for water lines thanks to its flexibility and resistance to corrosion and freezing. A good pex tubbing cutter will make clean, straight cuts without crushing or deforming the tubing.
In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about choosing the best pex tubbing cutter for your needs. We’ll cover the different types of pex tubbing cutters, key features to look for, and provide tips on how to use a pex tubbing cutter properly. We’ll also answer some frequently asked questions about pex tubbing cutters.
Whether you’re a DIYer or a professional plumber, this guide will ensure you choose the right pex tubbing cutter and use it correctly for efficient plumbing projects. Let’s get started!
iCrimp PEX Pipe Cutters
These PEX pipe cutters by iCrimp are a handy tool to have for any DIY or professional plumbing project. The spring-loaded handle makes multiple cuts easy and quick, while the textured grip lets you hold the cutters securely.
You’ll be able to make clean, straight cuts on PEX tubing ranging from 1/8″ to 1″ in diameter. The compact size fits nicely in your pocket or toolbox. The stainless steel blade stays sharp to power through PEX tubing with ease.
Overall, these pipe cutters deliver reliable performance at a budget-friendly price point. If you’re looking for an essential PEX cutting tool that gets the job done without frills, iCrimp’s pipe cutters are a great choice. The easy one-handed operation and durable construction mean PEX tubing projects will be a cinch.
SharkBite Pipe Cutter
This scissor-style PEX pipe cutter by SharkBite is designed for tight spaces. The compact size and one-handed cutting action let you make quick work of jobs in confined areas.
The tool creates clean, straight cuts on PEX and PE-RT tubing from 1/4″ to 1″ diameter. Just insert the pipe into the chamber and squeeze the handles together in one smooth motion.
SharkBite build their products to commercial-grade standards, so you can rely on this cutter for heavy-duty residential or commercial plumbing applications. The aluminum and plastic construction is durable yet lightweight for portability.
If you need a sturdy, easy-to-use pipe cutter that can handle tight PEX cutting jobs, SharkBite’s scissor-style model is a smart choice. It provides fast, accurate cuts and the brand’s reputation for quality ensures years of leak-free service.
Pex Tubing Cutter
Cutting PEX tubing is quick and easy with this PEX pipe cutter by iCrimp. The spring-loaded handle allows fast, one-handed operation so you can breeze through jobs. Insert tubing ranging from 1/8” to 1” diameter into the jaws and simply squeeze the handles together.
The V-shaped stainless steel blade makes precise cuts every time without crushing or deforming the PEX. The compact size easily fits in your pocket, and the built-in lock keeps the sharp blade safely stored when not in use.
With its comfortable grip, fast cutting action, and durable stainless steel construction, this is an essential tool for any DIYer or plumber working with PEX. It takes the hassle out of prepping pipes and helps ensure leak-free connections. For affordable convenience on PEX jobs big and small, this tubing cutter delivers.
Bates PVC Pipe Cutter
This ratchet-style PVC pipe cutter by Bates makes cutting plastic piping quick and easy. The tool’s clever triangular design provides better pipe access, while the ratcheting mechanism powers through PVC with minimal hand effort.
The tough manganese steel construction ensures durability, and the textured handle gives you a secure, comfortable grip. A stainless steel lock keeps the blade safely collapsed for storage.
From plumbers to DIYers, this is a great go-to tool for working with various diameters of PVC, PEX, or other plastic piping. The heavy-duty ratcheting action lets anyone make straight, clean cuts in just seconds. For breezing through plastic piping jobs, Bates’ PVC cutter is an affordable must-have.
XOOL PEX Tubing Cutter
This handy PEX tubing cutter by XOOL makes plumbing projects a breeze. Its spring-loaded design allows quick, one-handed cutting of PEX sizes from 1/8″ to 1″. Just squeeze the handle and this portable cutter will snip through pipes cleanly in seconds.
The durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity, while the special ribbed design lets you re-round any squished PEX. With comfortable ergonomic handles, XOOL’s cutter reduces hand fatigue for easy all-day use.
For DIY and professional jobs where accuracy matters, this tool delivers fast, burr-free cuts. The built-in lock keeps the blade safely collapsed when stored. For quality and convenience on the go, choose this compact PEX cutting tool.
Milwaukee Pex & Tubing Cutter
The Milwaukee 48-22-4200 Pex/Tubing Cutter is an excellent pex pipe cutter that makes clean, precise cuts on pex tubing up to 1 inch. Its durable metal frame and comfortable padded handles provide a sturdy grip, while the unique v-shaped blade cleanly slices through tubing without distortion or pinching.
One great feature is the replaceable blade, which significantly extends the cutter’s lifespan. Simply swap out a dull blade for a factory-sharp replacement when needed. The rework groove also lets you quickly make corrections or adjustments to cuts.
Operating this pex tubing cutter is smooth and easy thanks to the convenient one-handed locking mechanism. Once locked, it stays safely in place while stored in your pouch. The minimal effort required to make a cut is impressive. Just squeeze the handles and you’ll glide right through pex or polyethylene tubing.
Overall, the Milwaukee pex cutter is a robust, high-performing tool designed for frequent, heavy-duty use. Its patented features and durable construction ensure clean cuts and long-term reliability. For anyone regularly working with pex tubing, this is an excellent go-to option.
Conbraco Industries Apollo Tubing Cutter
The Conbraco Industries Apollo Tubing Cutter is a handy tool for DIYers or pros working with smaller diameter tubing. It quickly and easily cuts plastic tubing from 1/8 inch up to 2 inches in outside diameter.
Despite its compact size, the cutter’s metal body and stainless steel blade provide reliable cutting power. Just squeeze the spring-loaded handles and slice through pex, PVC, rubber tubing, and more with minimal effort. The v-shaped blade helps prevent distortion as it cuts.
While not made for heavy duty use, this tubing cutter works well for occasional jobs. It’s easy to carry in a toolbox and quickly cuts sample pieces of tubing for fitting. The affordable price makes it feasible to have a dedicated cutter for plumbing projects.
One downside is that over time the locking mechanism can become loose. But for light use on standard residential tubing, the Apollo performs nicely, especially given its low cost. For small projects it’s a handy tool to have around.
TAILONZ PNEUMATIC Single Stroke Tubing Cutter
This single stroke plastic pipe cutter from TAILONZ PNEUMATIC makes quick work of cutting plastic tubing ranging from 1/8 inch to 1 5/8 inches in diameter. Its compact size and lightweight aluminum body make it easy to handle, while the stainless steel cutting blade slices cleanly through pex, PVC, nylon, and other plastic tubing in just one quick squeeze of the handle.
Despite its small size, the cutter’s spring-loaded grip provides substantial leverage and cutting power. After aligning your cut line on the tubing, simply squeeze the handle fully to make a clean, straight cut. The v-shaped blade prevents distortion and leave smooth, burr-free edges.
For such an affordable tool, it provides reliable cutting performance on small to medium plastic tubing. The durable manganese steel cutting surface stays sharp for continued smooth operation. While not made for extremely heavy usage, it works well for occasional jobs.
For basic tubing work, this handy plastic tubing cutter gets the job done quickly and easily. Its portable size and comfortable grip make it easy to keep on hand for small plumbing or pneumatic system projects. Overall it provides good value and cutting ability.
SharkBite Pro PEX Pipe Cutter
The SharkBite Pro PEX Pipe Cutter is a heavy-duty tubing cutter designed specifically for clean, straight cuts on pex tubing. Its spring-loaded body provides substantial leverage for slicing smoothly through pex sizes from 1/4″ to 1″ copper tube size.
This pro-grade pex pipe cutter stands out for its unique v-shaped blade. The specialized flats on the blade’s cutting cavity let you make perfectly straight cuts without distorting or pinching the tubing. This helps fittings slide on easily for a secure connection.
Another great feature is the replaceable tungsten carbide blade. Simply swap it out when dull for a factory-sharp replacement blade. The comfortable rubberized handles provide a sturdy grip, while the thumb-lock safely stores the blade when not in use.
Made in the USA, this tubing cutter is built to last through frequent, heavy use. For plumbers, contractors, or anyone regularly working with pex tubing, the SharkBite Pro model is an excellent investment. The clean precise cuts help ensure leak-free connections every time.
EFIELD Pex Tubing Cutters
This 2-pack of EFIELD pex tubing cutters provides a budget-friendly option for cleanly slicing through pex tubing up to 1 inch in diameter. The durable metal body and stainless steel cutting blade easily cut through pex, PVC, and other flexible tubing without distortion.
Designed specifically for plastic tubing, the unique v-shaped blade prevents the tubing from pinching closed while cutting. This helps fittings slide over the tubing end for a secure joint.
While not heavy duty, the spring-loaded grip provides solid leverage in a compact size. The ease of getting a straight, burr-free cut makes these handy for small jobs. Keep one in your toolbox and one handy by your pex tubing for quick, accurate cuts.
For the price, these pex cutters work impressively well at slicing through small and medium diameter plastic tubing. They help ensure ends are cut straight and clean for leak-free connections. For basic home or workshop pex tubing tasks, this affordable 2-pack provides reliable cutting ability.
Pex Tubbing Cutter Buying Guide
When shopping for a pex tubbing cutter, there are a few key factors to consider:
Types of Pex Tubbing Cutters
There are two main types of pex tubbing cutters:
Pistol-Grip Cutters
Pistol-grip pex tubbing cutters are the most popular style. They operate similarly to cable cutters, with a scissor-like pistol grip handle that allows you to squeeze for a clean cut. Most pistol-grip cutters have a ratcheting mechanism that provides extra leverage for cutting through thick tubing with ease.
Rotate-Head Cutters
Rotate-head pex tubbing cutters have a rotating cutting head powered by a geared mechanism. To operate, you rotate the head around the tubing to score it. Rotate-head cutters provide clean cuts and are great for cutting in tight spaces. However, they tend to be slower than pistol-grip cutters.
Blade Type
The blade is one of the most important components of a pex tubbing cutter. The two main options are:
Carbon Steel Blades – Most common blade type that provides clean cuts with proper sharpening. Durable but can rust if not cared for.
Stainless Steel Blades – More expensive but highly resistant to rust and corrosion. Stainless steel stays sharp longer than carbon steel.
Cutting Capacity
Make sure to choose a pex tubbing cutter that can handle the largest diameter tubing for your projects. Cutting capacity ranges from 1/4″ for small tubing up to 1″ for larger pipes.
Auto-Adjusting Head
Auto-adjusting cutter heads automatically center the tubing for you, making cutting faster and easier. This feature is highly recommended for quick and consistent cuts.
Ratcheting Action
As mentioned earlier, a ratcheting mechanism provides increased leverage and makes cutting through thick tubing simple. Most pistol-grip cutters feature ratcheting action.
Built-In Pipe Deburrer
Some pex tubbing cutters integrate a pipe deburrer into the blade to deburr and chamfer the end of the pipe in one motion. This saves you an extra step and ensures smooth ends.
Ergonomic Handle
If you’ll be cutting a lot of tubing, an ergonomic handle can make the job more comfortable on your hands. Rubberized grips are ideal for keeping a firm, comfortable hold.
Durability
Look for a rugged pex tubbing cutter made of durable materials that will last through frequent use. The hinge joints should be reinforced for longevity.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s go over how to use a pex tubbing cutter properly.
How to Use a Pex Tubbing Cutter
Using a pex tubbing cutter correctly ensures clean, even cuts:
- Place the tubing in the cutter, ensuring it is centered in the blade opening. Auto-adjusting cutters make this easy.
- For pistol-grip cutters, squeeze the handles together in a pumping motion to cut through the tubing. Let the ratcheting mechanism work for you.
- For rotate-head cutters, turn the head around the full diameter of the tubing until it is scored all the way around.
- Make perpendicular cuts to ensure even tubing ends. Use a tubing insert guide if available.
- To deburr, turn the blade around the cut end of the tubing 3-4 times. Some cutters deburr automatically.
- Avoid compressing or flattening the tubing during cuts for optimal water flow.
- Cut off any section of damaged tubing to restore water flow. Leaving damaged areas in place can restrict flow.
- Keep blades oiled and sharpen blades regularly for best performance. Follow manufacturer sharpening instructions.
With the right pex tubbing cutter and proper cutting technique, you’ll get fast, clean cuts for efficient plumbing projects. Next let’s go over some frequently asked questions about pex tubbing cutters.
FAQ
How are pex tubbing cutters different from normal pipe cutters?
Pex tubbing cutters are designed specifically for cutting flexible PEX tubing. They have special blades that slice through plastic tubing without crushing it like a standard metal pipe cutter would. The blades also incorporate deburring to smooth PEX ends.
Can I use a hacksaw to cut pex tubing?
It’s not recommended to use a hacksaw. Hacksaws will tend to shred the tubing rather than making a clean cut. Pex tubbing cutters are inexpensive and do a much better job.
How do I know when to replace the blade on my pex tubbing cutter?
Replace the blades when you notice them getting dull and requiring extra force to make cuts. Stainless steel blades last longer than carbon steel before needing replacement.
What size pex tubbing cutter do I need?
Choose a cutter that handles the largest diameter pex tubing you plan to work with. A 1/2″ to 1″ capacity cutter is ideal for most home plumbing needs. Make sure the cutter has auto-adjusting jaws.
Can I cut pex tubing with standard wire cutters?
Do not attempt to cut pex tubing with wire cutters. They will crush the tubing rather than cutting it. Always use proper pex tubbing cutters.
How do I make sure my pex tubbing cuts are straight?
Use a tubing insert guide if your cutter has one to ensure perfectly straight cuts. Take your time and keep the tubing at a 90 degree angle to the blade. Cut in smooth, full strokes without twisting.
Conclusion
We hope this guide provides everything you need to know about finding the best pex tubbing cutter and using it correctly. The right cutter makes plumbing projects much simpler by allowing quick, clean cuts without crushing or deforming the tubing. Focus on key features like stainless steel blades, ratcheting action, and auto-adjusting heads. With practice and proper technique, you’ll be making professional quality pex cuts in no time. Our top recommendation is the Ridgid PEX-Cutter for its durability, sharp blades, and comfortable grip. Happy plumbing! Let us know if you have any other pex tubbing cutter questions.
Resources
- Sharkbite (https://www.sharkbite.com/us/en/pex-pipe/pex-cutters-accessories/pipe-cutters) – Sharkbite offers a PEX Pipe Cutter for 1/8 in. to 1 in. Tubing. The cutter is designed to cut PEX tubing with ease and precision.