Recommendation for a good manual PVC pipe cutter (up to 2" pipe)

[CountryBumkin]

I need a PVC pipe (sch 40) cutter for pipes up to 2" diameter. Something manually operated and well built. Can anyone recommend a product?

I have a handheld PVC cutter now (like ratcheting scissors) that works okay for pipe up to 1". The kind sold at the big box stores. Like this http://www.homedepot.com/p/BrassCraft-Ratcheting-PVC-Cutter-T012-X/202351847 The blade seems to dull quickly and it won't easily cut "old" pipe (it tends to squeeze the pipe rather than cut it). But it works fine for 1/2" and 3/4" and 1" pipe that is new.

I've used a hacksaw and a sawzall for the bigger pipe, but I never seem to get a straight cut with either.

So, before I go to HD and get something off the shelf, is there a "brand/model" that works better and you can recommend - or are you guys just using the big box store brand?

I'm looking at buying this http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-Ratchet-Action-Plastic-Pipe-and-Tubing-Cutter-30088/202826756

 

[Dj2]

So you want a straight cut?

I use my rigid pipe cutter that I normally use for copper pipes. Actually most tube cutters will do the job (make sure PVC is listed on the package).

 

[Sponsor]

 

[MKS]

Probably not the most efficient and I don't cut pvc alot but I like using a Irwin dovetail saw. Cuts on the pull. But square will take practice.

 

[CountryBumkin]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to be doing some re-plumbing on my pool pipes at the heater and filter area. So I need straight cuts, and I'll be working in a ditch/hole. I didn't know a copper pipe cutter worked on PVC too. However my copper cutter won't go to 2" so I need something new.

I think the Ridgid brand cutter I linked to looks like a good choice (I've been searching the Internet for similar tools and haven't found anything better ). It's not cheap (at $95) but if it is a quality built tool and does a good job, I don't mind paying the money.

 

[Reach4]

I bought a new classic style Superior Tool 02802 2 inch pipe cutter with a cutting wheel and two rollers. Not good on PVC. On 1/2 inch PVC it pinches the pipe making the diameter reduce, making a groove, long before the actual cutting starts. I ended up using a saw. I would think that a similar pipe cutter for PVC should have a less blunt cutter than one made for cutting galvanized.

 

[DaveHo]

Do you have any tools which use the Milwaukee M12 battery system? If so, since you are already spending almost a $100 on the cutter you linked, pick up a Milwaukee 2470-21 PVC shear. They can be had for about $130 if you shop around. It rocks.

 

[BillTheEngineer]

Reed TC3QP -not cheap but works well

 

[Stuff]

As a DIY guy I've got a cheap (Cal-Hawk) version of that 2" ratchet cutter. It might be my technique but most cuts don't come out square. And on old PVC it wants to squash before cutting and requires a lot more force.

 

[Asktom]

Ridged and Reed make wheels for PVC that fit their cutters (and clones). The problem with a wheel cutter on plastic is it tends to roll up the plastic at the spot of the cut. If you don't file a bevel on the end of the pipe it tends to push the cement down the socket of the fitting and you can get a lousy joint. This is especially true of larger sizes. You might be better off taping a piece of copier paper (or =) around the pipe so you can see where square is and cutting it with a saw meant for plastic. This will leave burrs but they can be easily scraped off, I use a plate strap.

 

[MKS]

If you have a miter saw you have the solution.

 

[CountryBumkin]

Thanks for everyone's help and ideas.
I don't think I have the room for a miter saw in the trench.
I have a Sawsall but I never get straight-square cuts with it on PVC in the field, so I'm looking for a new tool. Something that will work in tight spaces.

 

[Reach4]

I don't think I have the room for a miter saw in the trench.

It need not take much room.