Even if you’re a DIY’er and not really interested in professional contracts, having a handy PVC pipe cutter will make your life simpler, especially if you’re into doing your own plumbing. The versatility of a PVC pipe cutter makes it the ideal fit for almost every plumbing job.
You can just adjust the blade on the PVC pipe cutter to accommodate large and small pipes. It doesn’t take any expert knowledge to use this tool, and the best thing for me was its affordability. I mean, we all want to preserve the budget for those expensive power tools, right?
Anyhow, I have seen some beginners get confused about PVC pipe cutter tool and how to use them. If you’re in the same boat and can’t seem to figure out the PVC pipe cutting tool, don’t worry! I got you covered with comprehensive details on this utility piece right here.
PVC Pipe Cutter Tool Review:
Before you get too excited about the cool features, let’s just cover how you should be using the PVC pipe cutting tool. Once again, you don’t need any expert knowledge here, and you just gotta keep track of the lock and the blade on your PVC pipe cutter.
How To Use PVC Pipe Cutting Tool?
Now, the usability can vary depending on the brand or variant you’ve chosen for your workshop. However, the basic concept is usually pretty similar. Starting off, you’ll have to look for the lock on the bottom of the PVC pipe cutter.
You will need to disengage this lock to get the PVC pipe cutter to open up. The point of this lock is to avoid those funny accidents that you can run into when being too quick with the DIY project. So, don’t think of it as a mindless accessory to your tool.
Some PVC pipe cutters feature a locking button, while others have a clip that needs to be pulled in order to release the lock. Anyhow, just disengage the lock and the handles will be able to open up on the PVC pipe cutter.
You can now place whatever you want in between the blades (of course, the PVC pipe). You can then start squeezing on the handles, and this will bring the blades together to cut the PVC pipe. These blades are sharp, so be mindful of your fingers (if you want to keep them, that is).
Now, I know that you think the same thing that I was concerned about at first, and the answer is “No,” you won’t have to summon all your strength to cut the PVC pipe. This tool features a unique leveraging system that cuts the PVC pipe in multiple steps.
You don’t have to worry about yanking out the whole piece from the PVC pipe at once, and the cut will be completed by leveraging the cutting mechanism. Still, you will need to apply some force, and it can be tiresome sometimes if you have to get through a massive plumbing project.
Adjustability
The unique thing or the good thing about the PVC pipe cutter is that the blades are adjustable. Now, I did embarrass myself by asking the dealer about how to cut smaller pipes with this tool, and he thought that I was being funny or trying to tease him.
Apparently, you just gotta move the right handle of the PVC pipe cutter inside. This will bring the blade closer to the supporting jaw, and you can easily fit the smaller pipe. Repeat the process multiple times, and you can adjust the pipe of any diameter within the jaws of this PVC pipe cutter.
Similarly, if you want to open up the PVC pipe cutter, just do the opposite and spread out the handles. This will remove all the leverage, and you will be able to fit in the bigger pipes this time around. There is no rocket science behind this process, and you can have a pretty standard experience as a beginner.
Finishing Up & Storage
After you’re done with all the pipes, just put the lock back into place and figure out the storage space for the PVC pipe cutter. Most of the time, I will recommend that you go with a dedicated storage box for your hand tools.
The only two things that you need to keep in mind are that the PVC cutter should be clean and there shouldn’t be any moisture near the tools. Moisture is the enemy of all your power and hand tools, and you won’t believe how quickly these tools will catch rust.
So, stay ahead of the issue by making sure that the tools are stored properly and that there aren’t any issues with the moisture side of things. Otherwise, be prepared to take another hit to your budget, as it is next to impossible to restore rusty tools fully when you’re a beginner.
Comparison With A Saw Blade
Now, I’ve seen a fair bit of you people say that you can just use a saw blade to get the job done. Well, I’ll recommend against it if you are aiming for a cleaner finish or want to get hired for more jobs. I mean that you can definitely get through the PVC pipe with the saw blade, but the efficiency is just subpar.
You will get rougher cuts and will have to use a lot more force to get through the PVC pipe. So, unless you want to keep grinding at the PVC pipes for hours, just get yourself some PVC pipe cutters. They make your life so much easier, and you don’t have to put extensive pressure on it.
All you need is to get the pipe between the saw blade and the supporting jaw and then use the leveraging mechanism on the PVC pipe cutter to get through the material. Believe me, it is simply too easy to use this tool, and you should get it if you haven’t already.
Cutting Massive Pipes
There is a bit of skepticism around the PVC pipe cutters as well when you’re talking about cutting massive pipes. If you’re one of the doubters as well, don’t worry too much about it! As long as the PVC pipe can fit between the blade and the supporting jaw, you’re pretty much covered.
The blade only travels a defined distance when the handles are pressed, and you don’t gotta worry too much about putting force when cutting massive PVC pipes. The cuts will still be clean, easy, and without any rough edges. So, ditch the skepticism and get yourself some PVC pipe cutting tools.
Cutting Branches
Yes, you read that right! You can also use the PVC pipe cutter to cut branches. Once again, as long as the thinner branches fit into the space between the blade and the supporting jaw, you’re covered. However, I wouldn’t recommend that you make a habit of using this tool for gardening.
Using these tools every now and then when you’re missing your shears shouldn’t be an issue. However, too much use can wear down the blade, and you will have to get yourself the blade replacement (if possible). Either way, managing the PVC pipe cutter is fairly simple.
As long as you have basic knowledge of storing tools, you’re pretty much sorted out. There aren’t any special instructions or guides that you gotta cover to make use of these tools effectively. Just keep them clean and away from moisture, and you are green.
Safety
Compared to the power tools, you don’t have to worry as much about storing and using your hand tools. Just don’t make a habit of putting your finger between the cutting blade and the supporting jaw. Other than that, I will always recommend some working gloves and boots.
This is especially true for users that occasionally work on demanding DIY projects. So, if you’re in the same boat, just educate yourself on the proper safety procedures and don’t go cheap on face, hands, and feet protection. Hopefully, you’ll keep all your fingers and toes that way!
The Takeaway
Depending upon the brand you choose, a PVC pipe cutting tool will be the most robust addition to your tool kit. It is versatile and a lifesaver for people that occasionally have to go through some plumbing jobs. So, if you’re in the same boat, now might be a good time to get PVC pipe cutters.
The usability of these cutters spans many dimensions, and you can also get through some light gardening and trimming when using these tools. All that you need to ensure is that the branches or the pipes are not too large and can fit between the cutting blade and the supporting jaw.
From there, you can just squeeze on the handles, and that should close up the jaws. It doesn’t take an expert or any special knowledge to get through the PVC pipe. Just be mindful of your fingers, and you won’t have to worry about anything in the long run.
Lastly, if you can’t seem to figure out how to get through PVC pipes or are dealing with a demanding project, there is no harm in asking your local experts. I’ve found that interacting with the locals is the best method when you’re new to DIY projects, and you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out.