Struggle to reach hidden pipes? Internal Pipe Cutter Tool are your solution! Make clean, precise cuts on plastic pipes INSIDE walls, floors, or ceilings. Easy to use & saves time. Find the right internal pipe cutter for YOU today!
You know the frustration of trying to reach those hidden pipes behind the walls or under the floors. No matter how you contort your body or what tool you use, you just can’t make a clean cut without tearing up the whole place. Well, struggle no more! Internal pipe cutters are here to save the day. These handy tools let you slice through pipes inside confined spaces with ease. Forget about the mess and headaches of conventional methods.
In just minutes, you can make precise cuts on plastic pipes buried within walls, floors, and ceilings. Keep reading to discover the different types of internal pipe cutters and find the perfect one to meet your needs. With the right tool, you’ll be amazed at how quickly and cleanly you can access and cut those hard-to-reach pipes. No more busted knuckles or damaged drywall. It’s time to work smarter, not harder!
The Struggle of Reaching Hidden Pipes
| Topic | Challenges | Ideal Tool |
|---|---|---|
| Crawling in Tight Spaces | Limited access, discomfort, and potential injury | Flexible, compact pipe inspection cameras allow easy navigation through tight spaces. |
| Damage During Pipe Removal | Risk of damaging surrounding structures or other pipes | Internal pipe cutting tools provide precise cuts without collateral damage. |
| The Perfect Tool for the Job | Balancing efficiency, accuracy, and safety | Laser-guided pipe cutters combine precision with ease of use. |
Crawling in Tight Spaces
Have you ever had to contort yourself into a tiny crawlspace or wedge into a narrow attic to access plumbing? It’s difficult, dangerous work, not to mention dirty and frustrating. Internal pipe cutters eliminate the need to access pipes from these hard-to-reach areas. You can cut problem pipes right from an access point in a wall, floor, or ceiling.
Damage During Pipe Removal
Removing old plumbing often means cutting into walls and floors to access the full length of pipe. This can lead to costly damage to finishes, insulation, and structure. Internal pipe cutters allow you to cut pipes in place so you only need to open up access at the pipe endpoints. Time-Consuming Pipe Replacement Replacing old plumbing is a time-consuming job.
It can take hours or even days to cut into walls, remove old pipes, install new pipes, and patch up all the holes and damage. With the right internal pipe cutter, you can remove and replace pipe much more quickly by cutting the old pipe in sections from access points. New pipe can then be easily threaded through the wall, saving you hours of work.
The Perfect Tool for the Job
The key to fast, safe, internal pipe cutting is using the right tool for your specific plumbing job. Whether you need to cut copper, PVC, or steel pipe at various diameters, there’s an internal pipe cutter designed to do the job quickly and cleanly so you can get your plumbing repaired or replaced with a minimum of hassle.
Why struggle with those hard-to-reach pipes when the right tool can solve your problems from the access point? Internal pipe cutters are a plumber’s best friend and can make any pipe removal or replacement project go faster and easier.
How an Internal Pipe Cutting Tool Works
Internal pipe cutters, also known as pipe cutters, allow you to cut pipes inside walls, floors, and ceilings without damaging the surface or needing access to the entire pipe. Instead of cutting the pipe from the outside in, these tools cut from the inside out.
A Quick Overview
Internal pipe cutters typically consist of one or more cutting wheels attached to a long flexible shaft. You insert the cutting head into an exposed end of the pipe, then rotate the handle to spin the cutting wheels and slice through the pipe. As the wheels spin, they shave away layers of the pipe from the inside out until the pipe is cut all the way through.
Choosing the Right Cutter
The specific type of internal pipe cutter you need depends on the size and material of the pipe you want to cut. Common options include cutters for cutting PVC, copper, and steel pipes ranging from 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter. For larger pipes, you may need a more heavy-duty cutter. In any case, choose a cutter specifically designed to cut the type of pipe you have to ensure a clean cut and prevent damage.
Making the Cut
To use an internal pipe cutter, first expose at least 6 to 8 inches of the pipe you want to cut, if possible. Insert the cutting head into the end of the pipe, then begin rotating the handle to spin the cutting wheels. Apply firm and steady pressure as you cut. Periodically retract the cutting head to remove plastic shavings and ensure the wheels are cutting properly.
Continue cutting until you see a ring of light appear, indicating you’ve cut all the way through the pipe. Retract the cutting head and you’re done! An internal pipe cutter can save you hours of difficult and messy work cutting pipes the traditional way. With the right tool and technique, you’ll be cutting hidden pipes in no time.
Top Features to Look for in an Internal Pipe Cutter
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Razor-sharp Cutting Blades | Look for blades made from high-quality materials that ensure clean and precise cuts. |
| Adjustable Cutting Head | An adjustable head allows you to customize the cutting angle for different pipe configurations. |
| Extendable Shaft | Opt for a cutter with an extendable shaft to reach pipes in tight or hard-to-access areas. |
| Built-in Pipe Holders | Some models come with built-in holders to secure the pipe during cutting, enhancing stability. |
Razor-sharp Cutting Blades
The most important feature of any internal pipe cutter is its cutting blade. Look for a cutter with hardened steel blades that can slice through plastic pipes cleanly and precisely. Blunt or dull blades will require more effort to cut and can damage the pipe. Replaceable blades are also useful so you can swap in a sharp new blade when the current one starts to dull.
Adjustable Cutting Head
An adjustable cutting head allows you to cut pipes in a range of sizes, from 1/2 inch up to 2 inches in diameter or more. The cutting head should have an easy adjustment mechanism, like a thumbscrew or lever, so you can quickly widen or narrow the head to match your pipe size. This flexibility means the cutter can handle most common plumbing jobs without needing multiple tools.
Extendable Shaft
For cutting pipes inside walls or under floors, you need an internal pipe cutter with an extendable shaft. Shafts that telescope out to 3 feet or more in length give you the reach you need to access pipes in tight spots. Stainless steel shafts are durable while still being lightweight. Some cutters also have articulating or flexible shafts that can bend around corners, giving you even more versatility.
Built-in Pipe Holders
Pipe holders or grips on the cutting head help keep the pipe steady while you cut. This is especially useful when cutting in awkward, hard-to-reach areas where it may be difficult to get a good grip on the pipe. Built-in pipe holders reduce wobbling and slipping, allowing you to make a clean cut. Some cutters have adjustable grips to handle a range of pipe diameters.
Using a high-quality internal pipe cutter with the right features for your needs will turn a tricky, time-consuming job into a quick and painless task. With the ability to swiftly cut through pipes in walls, under floors, and in other tight spaces, an internal pipe cutter is an essential tool for any plumber or DIYer’s toolbox.
Reviews of the Best Internal Pipe Cutters
| Internal Pipe Cutter | Key Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ridgid Model 485 One-Hand Pipe Cutter | – One-handed operation – Razor-sharp cutting blade – Compact design | – Easy to use – Durable construction – Ideal for tight spaces | – Limited cutting capacity – Not suitable for large pipes |
| General Pipe Cleaners Maxi-Cut Pipe Cutter | – Adjustable cutting head – Extendable shaft – Built-in pipe holders | – Versatile for various pipe sizes – Secure pipe grip during cutting – Extendable reach | – May require more effort for cutting – Not as compact as some other models |
| Internal Pipe Cutting Tool by Apollo Tools | – High-quality cutting blade – Ergonomic handle – Lightweight and portable | – Precise cuts – Suitable for DIY projects – Budget-friendly | – May not handle heavy-duty tasks – Limited features compared to professional models |
Ridgid Model 485 One-Hand Pipe Cutter
This compact yet durable cutter is ideal for tight spaces. It cuts 1⁄2 to 2-inch plastic or copper pipe. The “one-hand” design lets you grip and cut pipe with a single hand, while the other steadies the tool. The cutter wheel has multiple bearings for smooth cutting, and the tool’s knurled feed screw gives you maximum control and precision. At under $30, this highly-rated cutter offers professional quality at an affordable price.
General Pipe Cleaners Maxi-Cut Pipe Cutter
For cutting larger pipes up to 3 inches, the Maxi-Cut is a great choice. Like the Ridgid, it uses a cutter wheel for clean cuts, but the Maxi-Cut’s wheel is carbide-tipped for added durability. An adjustable guide lets you set the perfect cut depth. Although pricier, its rugged build and ability to cut a wider range of pipe sizes make it worth considering for complex plumbing projects.
Internal Pipe Cutting Tool by Apollo Tools
This specialty cutter is designed specifically for cutting pipe inside walls and other hard-to-reach areas. It attaches to a variable-speed rotary tool like a Dremel, which provides the power. The cutter comes with multiple-sized cutting heads to handle pipe from 1⁄2 to 2 inches. While the most expensive option, this unique tool can save hours of work by eliminating the need to cut into walls to access pipes. For professional plumbers, the time savings may well justify the investment.
In summary, for casual DIY use on accessible pipe, a basic hand cutter like the Ridgid should work great. For larger pipe or professional needs, the Maxi-Cut or Internal Pipe Cutting Tool are good upgrades. Any of these tools will make quick, clean work of cutting plastic or copper pipe, whether out in the open or hidden inside your walls. With the right internal pipe cutter, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
FAQs About Internal Pipe Cutter Tool
Do I need any special skills to use an internal pipe cutter?
Not at all! Internal pipe cutters are designed to be very easy to use, even for beginners. The cutters feature an adjustable blade so you can match the size of your pipe. Just insert the cutter into an access point like an open pipe end, then slide the blade into position around the pipe and tighten. Twist the cutter around the pipe using the handle to score it. Make several revolutions, tightening the blade further each time, until the pipe separates. It’s a quick, straightforward process anyone can do.
Will an internal pipe cutter damage my pipes or walls?
Internal pipe cutters are specially designed to cut pipes without damaging the surrounding area. The cutters only cut through the pipe, leaving the area around the pipe intact. As long as you choose a cutter specifically meant for cutting the type of pipe you have (copper, PVC, etc.), it will make a clean cut through the pipe without damaging your walls or floors. Be very careful when cutting to avoid slipping and possibly scratching or gouging adjacent surfaces.
Do I have to shut off the water to use an internal pipe cutter?
Yes, it is critical to shut off the water supply before using an internal pipe cutter. Cutting into a live pipe could cause water damage and flooding. Once the water is shut off, cut the pipe. Then you’ll need to drain any remaining water from the cut pipe before installing the necessary couplings and turning the water back on. Make sure to check for leaks once the water is back on to ensure a tight seal and no damage is done.
Can I rent or borrow an internal pipe cutter instead of buying one?
Internal pipe cutters can be rented from most home improvement stores if you only have an occasional need. However, if you do regular plumbing repairs or installation, it may be more cost effective to invest in your own tool. Internal pipe cutters are relatively affordable, typically ranging from $20 to $200 depending on the types of pipes it can cut and the brand. For most homeowners, a basic cutter for cutting common pipes like copper and PVC should suffice for under $50. Buying your own ensures you have it on hand whenever you need it for emergencies or projects.
Conclusion
You got this. Finding the perfect internal pipe cutter takes some research, but the effort pays off when you’re flying through household plumbing projects. No more sweating it when you accidentally nick a pipe in the wall – just pull out your trusty cutter and handle it like a pro. And you’ll save a ton of money by DIYing instead of calling a plumber.
So take your time, read those reviews, and pick the cutter that fits your needs. With the right tools, you can take on any hidden pipe job with confidence. Now get to it and start cutting, you handy homeowner!
