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Finding the Best Cutters for Your Copper Tubing: A Step-by-Step Guide for DIY Enthusiasts

5 March 2021

Amaury Picard

Are you an avid DIYer? The trick to getting small projects around your home done the right way is to invest in the right set of tools. Minor plumbing repairs are some of the standard projects you may want to take on your own and save the extra cash you would have otherwise spent by calling a plumber. Plumbing fixtures in many homes contain copper because of the benefits that come with it. Copper piping or tubing is longer-lasting compared to other materials such as PVC. It is also corrosion-resistant and lightweight, making it considerably easy to work with, even for DIY projects. One of the essential tools you will need when adding copper piping to your plumbing system or making repairs is a pipe cutter. And this guide will help you find the best.

Step 1: Measure Your Copper Pipe's Diameter

Understanding the size of your copper tubing is the first step to finding the perfect cutter. Remember to take both the minimum and the maximum measurements when measuring your copper tubing's diameter. Copper pipe cutters can only be adjusted to a maximum and minimum width, so make sure you get the correct measurements.

Step 2: Decide Between Single-Handed and Adjustable Cutters

Once you have the correct measurements, the next step is to determine whether you need a single-handed or adjustable copper cutter. Your kind of application will guide you to the right one between the two. Generally, single-handed copper cutters are ideal for projects or applications involving only a single copper tube with the same size all through. And they are usually cheaper than their adjustable counterparts. Some single-handed copper cutters come with a ratchet handle to make it a bit easier to operate. What is more, these cutters usually come in handy when trying to access the hard-to-reach areas.

If you are working on different-sized pipes, single-handed would be impractical as you would need a different cutter for each pipe. Go for an adjustable copper cutter for such applications.

Step 3: Determine Whether You Need a Manual or Electric Cutter

Copper cutters can be operated both manually and electrically. Manual copper cutters are ideal if you are only working on small projects that would not take long. However, if you have a considerably large project that is likely to take you hours, go for an electric copper cutter. It will cost you more, but it will make the cutting process less of a hassle.

Contact a copper cutting service near you to learn more.

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