Which scissors to choose for cutting plastic pipes: TOP-13 models of pipe cutters

Pipe cutters are a tool that allows you to cut a pipe to the required length. It is used both at home and in the professional sphere. The device performs an even cut without damaging the product or impairing its characteristics due to damage to its integrity. However, this only applies to high-quality instruments. Some models not only fail to cope with their task, but also damage the material. To avoid such a problem, you need to know which scissors to choose for cutting plastic pipes. We have compiled the TOP 13 models of pipe cutters with optimal characteristics.

Design and principle of operation

One of the requirements for pipelines is the reliable connection of its individual elements. It is possible to make a high-quality joining only if there are even cuts. An ordinary tool such as a grinder or a hacksaw cannot cope with this task. Therefore, you should get a pipe cutter.

Devices for cutting pipes are available in different designs, but according to the principle of operation they are divided into two types.

Orbital cutting

The part is fixed in a vice or on a machine, which ensures complete immobility. The cutting elements of the tool cover it and rotate.

Thanks to this, the cutter moves in a circle, simultaneously forming a deep furrow. A prerequisite for the functioning of the orbital device is the presence of space for it to go around the pipe.

Cutting with a fixed pipe cutter

The tool in this case is installed permanently. The part being cut rotates around it. For these purposes, a special machine is used. This method is mainly applicable for mass production of pipe material. The method is also suitable for cutting large diameter pipes.

Find out: how to choose hand shears for metal.

Taking into account the design features of each type, we can draw a conclusion about the design of the pipe cutter. The tool is a body with a built-in mechanism and a place for gripping and fixing pipes.

The body is most often made in the form of a clamp, on the opposite side of which there is a cutting element. The cutter ensures that the part being cut is pressed against the body and the measured fragment is cut off. The principle of operation of a pipe cutter is based on this.

Types of scissors

There are different shears for metal-plastic pipes, which differ in design, operating principle and scope of application. The models used for home repairs are manually controlled and inexpensive. Devices that are designed for cutting heating pipes are driven by an electric drive.

Precision scissors

Precision scissors

This type of device is simple. The user will use only 1 hand, which will make work easier. The main task of such a device will be cutting rolled pipes made of polypropylene and plastic, with a diameter in the range of 3-40 mm. Special models suitable for rolling pipes with a diameter of up to 75 mm are available for sale.

The knife is made of special steel, which gives additional strength. Sharpening it will guarantee an optimal cut. A device with a ratchet is ideal for home use.

The device is also suitable for rolling metal-plastic pipes. The main difference will be the material of the cutter. The device, which is intended for parts made of polymers, is distinguished by steel with fine teeth (to ensure a tight grip).

When choosing, emphasis is placed on:

• blade sharpness and replacement option when it is intended to be used for a certain period of time;
• convenience during operation: smooth operation (sometimes the palm rubs under mechanical load) and comfort of location (no slipping).

Roller pipe cutter

The simplest types look like a hook, inside of which there are special rollers. When cutting, the rolled pipe will rotate along such structural elements, resulting in shearing. The spring and the force applied by hand will ensure the movement of the cutter.

Roller pipe cutter

The difference from the previous version will be the participation of 2 hands, since it is necessary to additionally support the valve that extends the knife. Such a device carefully cuts and slightly compresses a polypropylene pipe, like other products.

The cutter is considered replaceable, so it can be used for a long time. The main difficulty when cutting will be the need to hold the tool perpendicular. When this requirement is violated, the knife becomes faulty.

Cordless scissors

The battery-powered tool is an improved version of the handheld tool. The user who carries out the procedure will not need to exert force, since the knife and fixing elements are battery-powered.

A pipe cutter with an electric motor ensures maximum straight cuts and is characterized by high speed of work. In view of this, the device is considered a specialized technology. Workers use scissors to lay long lines for water supply or heating.

Their use is simple: a section of the pipe to be cut is placed in a special clamp, then the engine is activated, and after the work is completed. The disadvantages include the high price compared to products for cutting plastic pipes manually.

Cordless scissors

With ratchet mechanism

This variety is considered the best version of the roller tool. The mechanism helps to use the product more comfortably; no special effort is required. This is due to the presence of a special rail.

The support in the device is wide, needed to securely fasten the knee (there is no need to control the position of the pipe cutter).

The presence of a stop reduces the risk of a sudden change in location and the appearance of defects. The blade of the scissors is extremely sharp, which will allow the product to glide smoothly.

With ratchet mechanism

Guillotines and pipe cutting machines

To professionally assemble plumbing and heating systems, hand tools will not help, since they lack precision and require effort. Workshops are equipped with guillotines: a sharp cutter is placed on top of a pipe fixed in a vice. The force is generated by an electric or mechanical motor, which will multiply the user’s efforts.

Deformation of the wall is prevented by blanks pre-inserted into the cutting unit. In large factories, the process is brought to automation, and the cutting is controlled by electronics. There is no need to clean the pipe after installation: the cuts made by hand need to be sanded.

Guillotines for cutting

Criterias of choice

To facilitate the selection of scissors, it is recommended to take into account important criteria that determine the functionality of the tool.

How to choose shears for polypropylene pipes

Manufacturer

There are different brands of scissors available in the market. When considering a model, you should pay attention not only to the price, but also to the ease of operation of the tool. Well-known manufacturers offer better quality products:

• Kraftool;
• VALTEC;
• TUNDRA,
• LOM;
• Tim;
• Sibrtech;
• GIGANT;
• BISON

Their products meet standard requirements for tools. In addition, only high-quality materials are used for the manufacture of pipe cutters.

What are there

There are different types of pipe cutting devices. They differ in their design elements and operating principles.

Telescopic . The design consists of rollers, carriages and guides. Thanks to this solution, the tool can be adjusted to a wide range of diameters. The cutter is adjustable and is often equipped with a built-in deburring device.

This type is suitable for cutting corrugated pipes made of stainless steel. The ability to adapt to a maximum range of diameters gives the pipe cutter universal qualities.

Pipe cutter with ratchet mechanism 28-67mm

With ratchet mechanism . Due to the design features, cutting the pipe blank is carried out by repeatedly pressing the handle. After completing the cut, the blade returns to its original position, which is ensured by a special toothed rack. When using this tool, consequences such as creasing and bending of the edges of the workpieces, and loss of their original shape are possible. A calibrator is used for leveling. The part is also edited manually.

Tabletop (floor) pipe cutter . The design of such pipe cutters includes shaped cutters. The tool is used to simultaneously perform cutting and chamfering. In appearance, this is a table-top or floor-mounted machine. It works from the mains or batteries. The kit includes different jaws for fixing the workpiece. The cut is performed by rotating the working part of the device around the pipe.

This type of tool is available in two variations:

• detachable design – opening of the cage is provided due to two halves;
• one-piece models - the material to be cut is inserted inside a solid frame.

The purpose of the pipe cutter is not limited to plastic pipes. It is also used for pipe materials made of ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Roller pipe cutter STAYER MASTER (2340-28) 3 - 28 mm red

Roller . This device provides cutting of firmly fixed pipes. Thanks to the movable cutting elements, it is possible to work on an operating pipeline. In this case, the gap between communications and walls/floor can be only 30 mm.

As the pipe cutter rotates, the cage gradually tightens. At this time, the rollers pass along the surface of the pipe material, delving into its walls. The part is cut off in a few turns.

Models with one roller are capable of cutting pipes with a diameter of up to 50 mm. With the help of a design consisting of 4 rollers, it becomes possible to work with large diameters (up to 100 mm). Among the disadvantages of this type, the quality of the cut stands out - burrs may remain in the places where the rollers pass.

Chain pipe cutter for thin-walled pipes (20-75 mm)

Chain . The purpose of this type is to cut pipes made of brittle material. These include: concrete, cast iron and ceramic products. The principle of their operation is similar to roller pipe cutters.

The basis of the design is the chain. On its connecting links there are cutting rollers. Thanks to this solution, insertion into the part is carried out along the entire perimeter. In this case, the pressure is distributed evenly along the entire entry line of the cutting edge.

Rotation around the pipe is performed by controlling special levers. The device is also equipped with a pressing mechanism, which smoothly reduces the diameter of the ring formed during the process of immersion into the pipe wall by the chain.

Maximum pipe diameter

When choosing pipe shears, you should pay attention to the working diameter range. The maximum value corresponds to the largest pipe that can be cut by the tool. The indicators of the models on the market (all types) range from 3 to 350 mm. Using hand tools you can work with pipes with a diameter of up to 70 mm.

Preference should be given to scissors with a large range of diameters or indicators corresponding to the sizes of pipes that are planned to be used for arranging communications. It is also worth paying attention to the minimum diameter. In some models it starts from scratch, in others from 16 mm or more.

Rating of the best soldering stations

The best soldering station with hair dryer

LUKEY 852D+

Digital hot air soldering station priced at just under 5,750 rubles. For this money, the buyer receives a device with accurate digital and light indication of all operating parameters and a ceramic heating element. The power of the hair dryer is 250 W, and the power of the soldering iron is 50 W. The heating temperature is adjustable from 200°C to 480°C. The set includes replacement nozzles for a hair dryer, stands, and a sponge for cleaning the soldering iron tip. A professional-level model, capable of performing almost any job in the right hands.

Price: ₽ 5,750

LUKEY 852D+

Best soldering iron

ELEMENT 898BD

A combined hot air soldering station with a power consumption of an impressive 700 W. In addition to the hair dryer, it is equipped with a 60-watt soldering iron. Power adjustment is smooth and is done with an analogue handle. The reliable and efficient ceramic heating element heats up in just 6 seconds. The minimum heating temperature is 100°C, the maximum is 480°C. Thermal stabilization function is provided. The device comes with replacement attachments, a holder, a sponge and a stand. The asking price is 6,100 rubles.

Price: ₽ 6,170

ELEMENT 898BD

The best contact soldering station

REXANT 12-0141

Contact type network soldering station. The power is 48 W and is smoothly adjustable. The ceramic heater provides high precision operation, fast heating and long service life when handled with care. The minimum heating temperature is 150°C, and the maximum can reach 450°C. The tool comes with a soldering iron holder and a sponge for cleaning the tip in a special cradle. The price of around 4,000 rubles is fully justified by this tool and can be a good choice for both a home craftsman and a professional.

Price: ₽ 4,078

REXANT 12-0141

Best Budget Soldering Station

STAYER ProTerm 55370

This budget soldering station is a prime example of the fact that even an inexpensive device can be effective, reliable and functional. The power of the soldering iron is 48 W, which is quite enough for any household needs. Power adjustment is smooth. The minimum heating temperature is 160°C, and the maximum can reach 520°C. An automatic thermal stabilization function is provided. The tool is equipped with a copper tip, a mat for cleaning it and a soldering iron stand. The asking price is less than 2,500 rubles.

Price: RUB 2,569

STAYER ProTerm 55370

The best professional soldering station

LUKEY 868

A professional-level combined soldering station costs about 6,500–7,000 rubles. The maximum power consumption is 750 W. At the same time, the power of a 24-volt soldering iron reaches 50 W, and the built-in hot air gun reaches 400 W. The minimum heating temperature is 100°C, and the maximum is 480°C. The tool is equipped with replaceable nozzles, a clamp for replacing them and a holder. A universal device, the capabilities of which will be too much for home use, but just right for a professional.

Price: RUB 7,315

LUKEY 868, 750 W

How to use it correctly

How to cut a pipe straight? review of pipe cutters

The technique of cutting with scissors is not difficult to master. The main thing is to adhere to this sequence:

• measure the distance on the pipe, mark control points with a marker;
• position the pipe section in the pipe cutter so that the cutter takes a position above the mark;
• press the handle of the tool with a strong but smooth movement, while it is important to ensure that the material being cut is placed strictly perpendicular to the scissors;
• If necessary, treat the resulting cut with fine abrasive.

Pipe cutting is carried out in compliance with safety precautions. The blades of the tool must be sharp enough and there should be no signs of damage on the body. Using a pipe cutter, you can cut long sections of pipe, but not less than 2 of its diameters. When cutting parts that are too short, the cutter may slip.

It is unacceptable to use lubricants and other liquid solutions during operation to facilitate cutting workpieces. During the soldering process, these products can create defects, which will affect the quality of the connections.

Do not use scissors designed for smaller diameters to cut pipes. It is better to purchase a suitable pipe cutter model.

Which pipe cutter should you choose, mechanical or electric?

When you plan to carry out installation work on laying pipes yourself, you cannot do without a cutting tool. Therefore, the question of which device is better to purchase, mechanical or electrical, is quite relevant.

Cutting pipes with a reciprocating saw.

Using a manual guillotine pipe cutter at home.

For work in an apartment, a compact manual mechanical pipe cutter is more suitable, which can be used in small spaces. This will allow pipes to be cut directly at the site of their further installation.

In order for the pipeline assembly to be of high quality, you must learn how to use any of the pipe cutter models. Therefore, before making a “finish cut”, you should get your hand a little on a piece of pipe. The cost of polypropylene pipes is low, and you can always afford to buy an extra meter for such training, and in general - just in case. Such an “optional” will help you understand the principle of operation, as well as gain at least a small, but for a beginner, invaluable preliminary experience before starting installation.

How to sharpen scissors for cutting polypropylene pipes

The sharp sharpening of the tool blade guarantees easy cutting and an even cut. If the cutting edge has become dull, it is quite possible to return the pipe cutter to working condition. To do this, it is recommended to contact a workshop with a turning specialist, or handle the task yourself.

The sharpening angle is maintained at 30 degrees. The main tool used is a grindstone with medium to fine grain. Water or honing oil is also useful, which not only gives the tip the desired shape, but also extends the service life of the cutting edge.

To begin with, the pipe cutter is disassembled to remove the knife. To do this, use screwdrivers, pliers and other tools. Next, the surface of the cutter is wiped with water or oil, and then brought to a rotating abrasive wheel. The blade is applied to the stone with the beveled edge down, maintaining an angle of 30 degrees. Without lifting the knife from the abrasive, perform movements away from the stone towards yourself (several times).

Sharpening the pipe cutter blade is carried out in two stages. First, the stone is passed with a coarse abrasive, then with a fine one.

The quality of sharpening is checked by making a test cut on the pipe.

Four main types of instrument

All manufactured equipment for cutting polypropylene pipes can be divided into several groups.

Precision scissors equipped with a ratchet mechanism are designed for cutting products with a diameter ranging from 3 to 42 mm. This type of cutting tool has a steel blade with a toothed rack, which makes cutting the pipe easy. These scissors can be easily operated with one hand, but with large volumes of cutting, muscle fatigue occurs. When purchasing a tool, a one-year warranty is provided, which is valid in the case of targeted use of the scissors for their intended purpose.

A roller pipe cutter is more convenient to use. Despite the simplicity of its design, the master manages to obtain a perfectly even cut. In this case, pipes are cut at an angle of 90 degrees. Deviation from a right angle during the cutting process can lead to deformation of the cutting line, as well as to breakage of the scissors. Roller pipe cutters can be telescopic. A tool equipped with a ratcheting mechanism is more similar to regular scissors. On one side of this pipe cutter there is a c-shaped recess into which the pipe is placed. On the other side there is a cutting blade that cuts off the pipe after simply closing the handles.

A roller pipe cutter makes it easier to cut polypropylene pipes

• The cordless pipe cutter provides high cutting speed, allowing you to spend no more than 7 seconds on one operation. The equipment is driven by a small electric motor.
• A guillotine pipe cutter cuts large diameter pipes, ranging from 63 to 350 millimeters.

The photo shows cutting polypropylene pipes with a cordless pipe cutter

RESANTA ASPT-1000

• Coupling method of connecting pipes
• Sword-shaped heater
• Pair welding nozzle
• Power - 1000 W
• Maximum heating - 320°
• Includes 6 nozzles
• Nozzle coating: Teflon
• Production - Russia

The next nominee in my rating is one of the most inexpensive soldering irons on the market, RESANTA ASPT-1000. Among analogues in its price segment, this model stands out for its performance and quick start. The maximum power of the heater is 1000 W, and the operating temperature is adjustable in the range of 50-300 degrees. These parameters will not overload your home network, but the soldering iron will cope with its tasks. Welding tools from Resanta allow you to connect a wide range of pipes and fittings made of polymers, the diameters of which vary between 20-63 mm. And complete matrices in the amount of 6 pieces allow you to glue parts of standard sizes; a special Teflon coating increases their service life. The soldering iron is equipped with indicators that indicate the connection of the unit to the electrical network and the heating temperature. Green and red colors indicate the current state of the device. The soldering iron comes with a suitcase, a screwdriver, a key, protective gloves and a user manual. There is also a stand on which you can place the device during breaks in work. Users who purchased this soldering iron model are satisfied with the device’s packaging, its light weight and long power cord. But, despite the fact that the sword-shaped heater has three holes for installing matrices, the user will not be able to install several pairs at the same time: the holes are too close to each other.

Instead of an epilogue

Based on an established analysis of the market for the devices in question, the following was determined: the majority of research objects (namely, the scissors indicated in the rating) cannot fully ensure the completion of tasks at the required level. It is clear from this that spring devices are a thing of the past, while ratchet devices can still maintain competition. Accordingly, the set of designated devices, devoid of an electric motor drive, is akin to a “hammer and chisel”, used in the most extreme cases. Regarding modern brands of the devices in question, it can be noted that the domestic manufacturer is poorly represented. Moreover, he (the Russian manufacturer) focuses on Western analogues, but without trying to comply with their standards. Bottom line: the choice of scissors should be based only on significantly specific tasks. Otherwise, choosing an expensive device may turn out to be a complete waste of money and a waste of money.

Premium class

2nd place: “MGF UNIQUE 63”

This sample is freely capable of working for polymer products with a diameter of up to 63 millimeters. It has a serious 1080 alloy blade, which means it can easily cut PP, PVC and PE based polymers. The use of this unit is to obtain high hardness of the gaps. The manufacturer has provided a locking hook, which is responsible for the safe movement and storage of the device. The built-in chamfer ensures proper cutting, and the well-placed lever mechanism only confirms it. In general, the device is labeled as a low-effort tool, and most experts have no doubt about its performance and durability. The set price for stores is 6,200 rubles.

MGF UNIQUE 63

Advantages:

• High hard cutting edge;
• Level of work in the professional area;
• Very powerful ratchet.

Advantages:

• Not detected.

1st place: “REMS ROS P 42P”

This device is rightfully the best among the models from the German manufacturer in this line. Its accuracy can reach 1 millimeter, and when handled in the skillful hands of an operator, it can be even less and more correct. Practice shows that with traditional functionality there is no burr or extra chips left. The device is capable of working on any metal-plastic workpieces. The set includes replaceable blades that are hardened using an innovative method. Upon completion of the cutting stage, the blade automatically enters the protective groove. The quality of this device is determined at the European level. The established cost for retail chains is 6,700 rubles.

REMS ROS P 42P

Advantages:

• European quality;
• Excellent function for eliminating (collecting) chips;
• Increased accuracy.

Flaws:

• Not detected.

Reply to the post “Darling, why buy a heated towel rail?! I’ll do it myself!”

This is the beauty my husband made from ppr. It just so happened that some scoundrels grounded all the pipes in the house, including the gas one. In connection with this (according to our assumptions), militoks appeared in the water. They gnawed through the welding points of two heated towel rails in the form of a ladder. Oddly enough, the manufacturer first replaced the damaged heated towel rail with a new one, and then returned the money. After studying the Internet, we decided that perhaps a heated towel rail with some kind of internal coating that would protect against these militoks would help us. But it cost the same as 3 or 4 times the previous one, so you need to save some money accordingly. And during this time, my husband took possession of this beauty. Well, you know that there is nothing more permanent than temporary, so it has been hanging for a couple of years and performs its functions perfectly. Made of reinforced ppr for hot water, there are Mayevsky valves for bleeding air and plugs inside so that eventually the water flows like a snake. And it cost around 1000 rubles. Well, we bought a cheap soldering iron for the water supply system, for 800 rubles. Yes, it hangs on a string, we never came up with a proper fastening. We didn't expect it to hang for long. Our bathroom, our heated towel rail, my husband, his golden hands, my grammatical errors. Tag "mine". Pikabu was suggested by the hand-ass community, but I think it’s in the wrong place. And the accordion meter generally offered photographs from the opening of the Olympics.

Source

Comparative table of characteristics of the presented brands

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