How to Cut Copper Pipe

Have you ever found a tool you love?

A few years back I was in Home Depot searching for a new pipe cutter.

And Snap!

There it was, the AutoCut tool.

It’s been in my tool box ever since.

Today I’m going to share 5 tools you need to know about when it comes to cutting copper pipe.

Plus there’s a pretty awesome give away that I’m itching to send someone 😀

Why do we love tools so much?

Because they solve problems like…

• cutting copper pipe in a tight space (under a sink, in a wall, next to a joist, etc.)
• speeding up the process of cutting pipe
• giving you a good clean cut so pipes don’t make noise when water rushes through them

Today’s tutorial is very quick.

There’s a video that explains all the ins and outs of these tools 😀

So let’s start off with the AutoCut tool

1. AutoCut Copper Pipe Cutting Tool

As I said in the introduction this little tool is AWESOME.

All you do is clamp it onto your copper pipe and turn it.

There’s an arrow on the side, so turn the tool in the direction of the arrow and in about 10 revolutions you’ll cut copper your pipe.

The AutoCut tool costs about $20 and I think you can get it at Home Depot or Amazon.

Two drawbacks:

1. you have to buy (at least at this time) one AutoCut tool for each size of copper pipe
2. it doesn’t have a reaming tool (which deburrs the inside of the pipe after it’s cut)

The tool in this picture is for 1/2″ pipe.

If I want an AutoCut tool for 3/4″ pipe I’d have to buy a second one.

Every time you cut copper pipe you should ream the inside.

Cutting the pipe creates a lip or raised edge inside the pipe.

If this isn’t removed your pipe may produce a whistling noise as water rushes through it.

The raised edge can also lead to pitting inside the pipe which will lead to small pinhole leaks.

Pinhole leaks are no fun because they’re small but can create HUGE water damage.

Having an adjustable copper pipe tube cutter is nice, especially one that’s small.

I had to use the AutoCut in this tutorial where I used SharkBite push on fittings.

Which brings me to the next tool.

2. Brass Craft Large Diameter Mini Tube Cutter 

I’ve had this Brass Craft Mini Tube Cutter for years.

I actually remember buying it back in 2007 because I had to do some plumbing work under a kitchen sink.

It worked really well because the space was very tight.

So again, if you’ve got a super small space this is a great option.

The cool part is this tube cutter can cut pipe from 1/8″ to 1 1/8″ in diameter.

You’re covered for all pipes in that range.

You’ll pay about $7 for this versus the $18 for the AutoCut tool.

If you don’t mind the cutting job taking a bit longer then this is a good option.

There’s still no reamer on this tool, like the AutoCut tool.

Now I do want to bring your attention to the 3rd set of tools because they kind of combine the best qualities of the AutoCut and Brass Craft tools.

3. Lennox 3 Piece Tight Space Tube Cutters

Any time you buy something in a set you know it’s good.

Remember how the AutoCut tool simply clamps onto the pipe.

The Lennox tight space tube cutters work the same way.

Slide them onto the pipe and turn them in the direction of the arrow and you’re copper pipe will be cut in seconds.

These tube cutters have self adjusting cutting wheels like the AutoCut tool.

The upside is when you buy this kit you get

1. 1/2″ Tube Cutter
2. 3/4″  Tube Cutter
3. 4/4 ” Tube Cutter

I wanted to see if you caught the 4/4″, lol.

You can buy these at Lowe’s or online.

Prices range from $39 to $49.

Shop around for the best price.

Amazon has them and this tool set has about 50 five star reviews.

Very impressive.

Yet again, they don’t come with a reamer.

Of course you can buy a separate reamer and that solves your problem.

Ridgid sells one or you can try using the edge of a utility knife.

Speaking of Ridgid!!!

I personally have a Man Crush on all their tools.

This leads me to #4.

4. Ridgid No. 15 Tube Cutter

Why do I have a Man Crush?

Ridgid makes solid tools and backs them with a Lifetime Warranty.

Yah, that’s pretty awesome.

Pick up a Ridgid No. 15 and you can feel the craftsmanship.

It’s all metal.

Try finding another tool made like this, you’ll be searching awhile.

It also comes with a reamer!!!!

The only drawback is you can easily crush copper pipe with the No. 15.

Check out my video to see what I’m talking about.

You can buy the No. 15 at Home Depot or your local plumbing supply warehouse.

The cost is about $30.

This is the kind of tool that you pass onto the next generation, without a question (unless that generation is using all PEX pipes, haha).

5. Copper Pipe Cleaning Brush

Copper pipe cleaning brushes are so simple yet so necessary.

Soldering copper pipe requires the pipe to be clean inside and outside.

Cleaning brushes like this one will make your soldering job so much easier.

The wire brush helps etch the copper pipe and prep it for flux.

See how easy it is to use this and all the other tools in my video.

I kinda look badass in the intro with my terminator sunglasses, lol

What’s Next

If you want more info on plumbing check out this tutorial we did on PEX, which is an alternative to copper and doesn’t require soldering.

If you’re doing a bathroom remodel and need help, join one of our online courses – they’ll make your bathroom renovation much easier!

Let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to help.

Thanks as always for reading, watching, and being part of our awesome community.

Cheers,

Jeff

Copper Pipe Cutting Tools