Copper Pipe Cutter

Whether you rent or own, sooner or later, it is quite probable that you may find a situation where you may need to work with some copper pipe or tubing. Having a copper pipe cutter in your toolbox should be one of your essential tools. Learning to work with copper pipe is not all that difficult and can save a lot of money as opposed to hiring a plumber. Some basics about copper pipe will help to choose the most appropriate, all around cutter. 

There are three basic classes of copper pipe: the thin-walled 'Type M'; a medium-walled 'Type L'; and the thick-wall 'Type K'. The other classifications, or types, are simply known as rigid or flexibility. Rigid pipe is probably the most commonly installed in newer homes. It can make for a nice, neat installation. It also can be more difficult to work with, and may require a few more, and perhaps unnecessary, joints or connectors. That is why if you are involved in repair, or rehabilitation, of a plumbing project, flexible pipe might be a wise choice. 

Real quickly, a run through of the types and purposes of some basic fittings might be worthwhile here. The first category would include those needed or allowing turns or bends for your installation. This would include "El's" of 45/90 degrees. You will then to decide what kinds of joints may be needed for branching, or joining, the pipe like 'Y's or 'T's. Those really are pretty basic and easy to follow from an existing system, or with just some advanced planning. Where the most important information lies is knowing the proper connectors that will be required and what accessories might be needed for secure, leak-free joints. There are straight couplings, slip couplings, reducers, cast iron adapters, and so on. 

Now, when it comes to cutting the copper pipe, there are basically two methods. The first, and overall, the most difficult is with a hacksaw. After trying to saw a few pieces of relatively small, rolling pipe, you will likely be ready to invest in some kind of vice, or else a tube cutter. Hands down, to a person, most will agree the investment in a tube cutter is the best approach. For one thing, the cuts will overall be more even and clean. They can be used in cramped spaces if necessary. However, the tube cutter may leave more burrs inside the pipe. Many of the pipe cutters will include an attached burr removal tool (a tapered end) or you can use a half-round, or small round file, to quickly remove them.

Using the tube cutter will ensure square cuts and is very easy to get the hang of. You simply align the pipe where you wish to cut it. It might be beneficial to use a pipe vise here as well, but again it can be used properly in tight spaces without one. All that needs to be done, once aligned, is to firmly hand tighten the pressure screw to score (mark) the pipe. Each twist of the cutter will gently penetrate the pipe wall all the way around. The only thing to be aware of is to not over-tighten on the first few turns as it may crush or collapse the pipe or tubing. 

A copper pipe cutter can be had from basically every tool manufacturer. You just want to find the one that will be sure to be able to handle the circumference of the pipe you plan to be working with. Most will offer the flexibility to cover a wide range, so a single tool should suffice for your proposes. Just one other quick tip. Always allow for the little extra length that will be required for the proper connection to any fittings you will require. This will include the distance the fitting itself will consume in the run of your pipe. As a rule-of-thumb, figure about 1/2 inch for each fitting.