Tubing Cutter 1/8 to 1-3/8 Inch for Pipe Copper PVC Thin Stainless Steel Tube with Extra Blade and Reamer

When we first got our hands on this compact tubing cutter, we were immediately impressed by how much capability was packed into such a small tool. After putting it through its paces on various plumbing and HVAC projects over the past several months, we can confidently say this little cutter has earned a permanent spot in our toolbox. Whether you’re a professional plumber, HVAC technician, or a serious DIY enthusiast, this versatile cutting tool delivers clean, precise cuts without the hassle of bulky alternatives.

Our Hands-On Experience with This Compact Powerhouse

We tested this tubing cutter on everything from copper refrigerator lines to PVC irrigation tubing and even some thin-walled stainless steel. What struck us most was the consistency of the cuts. Unlike hacksaws that can leave ragged edges requiring extensive deburring, this cutter produces remarkably clean cuts that need minimal finishing. The adjustable cutting wheel accommodates tubes ranging from 1/8 inch up to 1-3/8 inches in diameter, which covers most residential and light commercial applications we encounter regularly.

The build quality exceeded our expectations for the price point. The body feels solid in hand without being unnecessarily heavy, and the adjustment knob turns smoothly with just the right amount of resistance. After dozens of cuts, we haven’t noticed any wobble or play in the mechanism, which speaks to decent manufacturing tolerances.

Key Features That Make a Real Difference

The inclusion of an extra replacement blade is a thoughtful touch that we genuinely appreciate. Cutting blades inevitably dull over time, especially when working with harder materials like stainless steel. Having a spare on hand means you won’t be stuck mid-project with a tool that’s no longer cutting cleanly. The blade replacement process is straightforward enough that we were able to swap them in under two minutes without referring to any instructions.

The integrated deburring reamer is another feature that proves its worth with every use. After making a cut, you simply fold out the triangular reamer and give it a few twists inside the pipe. This removes the internal burr that cutting creates, ensuring proper flow and fit for connections. We’ve used standalone deburring tools before, and having this functionality built directly into the cutter saves time and reduces the number of tools we need to carry.

Price: $15.99
(as of Jun 06, 2025 23:06:50 UTC – Details)

Performance Across Different Materials

Copper Tubing

Copper is where this cutter truly shines. We used it extensively on 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch copper lines for various plumbing repairs and refrigerant lines. The cuts were consistently square and clean, with minimal effort required. Even on harder Type L copper, we only needed to rotate the cutter around the pipe three to four times while gradually tightening the knob. The key is not to over-tighten on each rotation—let the blade do the work.

PVC and CPVC

On plastic tubing, this cutter performed admirably. We found it especially useful for tight spots where a traditional PVC cutter’s larger jaw wouldn’t fit. The only consideration is that you need to deburr both the inside and outside of the cut since plastic tends to leave more material buildup than metal. The included reamer handles the inside perfectly, and a quick pass with sandpaper or a knife cleans up the outside.

Thin-Walled Stainless Steel

This is where we needed to be more patient. Stainless steel is significantly harder than copper, so it requires more rotations and gradual tightening. We successfully cut 1/4-inch stainless tubing, but it took about 10-12 rotations compared to the 3-4 needed for copper. The blade showed some wear after multiple stainless cuts, which is expected and exactly why the included spare blade is so valuable.

What Makes This Cutter Stand Out from Competitors

We’ve tested several tubing cutters in this size range, and this model offers the best value proposition we’ve encountered. More expensive professional-grade cutters do exist, and they might offer slightly smoother operation or longer blade life, but the performance gap doesn’t justify double or triple the cost for most users.

The compact size deserves special mention. Measuring just a few inches long when closed, this cutter fits easily in a pocket or small tool pouch. We’ve worked in cramped spaces under sinks, behind water heaters, and in tight mechanical rooms where a full-size tubing cutter simply wouldn’t fit. This tool’s small footprint becomes a genuine advantage in those situations.

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Real-World Applications Where We’ve Relied on This Tool

During our testing period, we used this cutter for numerous projects:

**Refrigerator Installation**: We ran a new 1/4-inch copper water line for an ice maker installation. The tight space behind the refrigerator made the compact size invaluable, and the clean cuts ensured leak-free compression fittings.

**Bathroom Remodel**: Multiple cuts on 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch copper supply lines. The speed of making clean cuts without breaking out a hacksaw and file saved considerable time.

**Sprinkler System Repair**: Cutting PVC and poly tubing for irrigation repairs. The ability to make quick, square cuts in the field without needing electricity or dealing with PVC shavings from a saw was extremely convenient.

**HVAC Line Set**: Trimming refrigerant lines during a mini-split installation. The precise, square cuts are essential for proper flaring, and this cutter delivered exactly what we needed.

Customer Insights That Match Our Experience

Looking at feedback from other users who’ve purchased the Pipe Cutter Tool 1/8-1-3/8 Inch Copper PVC Steel with Blade Reamer, we noticed several consistent themes that align perfectly with our own observations.

Many customers specifically praise the clean cuts and the convenience of the included deburring reamer, which mirrors our experience exactly. Several HVAC technicians mentioned using it daily for refrigerant line work, confirming our findings about its reliability for professional applications.

Some users noted that the blade can dull when cutting stainless steel repeatedly, which we also experienced. This isn’t a flaw—it’s simply the nature of cutting harder materials. The inclusion of the spare blade addresses this reality perfectly.

A few reviewers mentioned that the tool requires proper technique, specifically not over-tightening on each rotation. We agree completely; patience and gradual tightening produce the best results and extend blade life. Those who tried to force the cut by cranking down too hard reported less satisfactory results.

The compact size received universal appreciation, particularly from professionals working in tight spaces. This validated our own experience using it in cramped under-sink installations and behind appliances.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Based on our extensive use, here are the techniques that produced the best outcomes:

**Start with light pressure**: Position the cutter around the tube and tighten just until you feel slight resistance. Make a complete rotation around the tube before tightening further.

**Gradual is better**: Tighten only about a quarter turn on the adjustment knob between each full rotation around the tube. This approach is faster overall and produces cleaner cuts than trying to force through with heavy pressure.

**Keep it clean**: Wipe down the cutting wheel after use, especially when switching between different materials. Metal shavings from copper