Tube Cutting Tools
Tube cutting tools, speaks to the fact that different types of pipe or tubes require different installation methods and specific tools have been developed for each material.
Sometimes one tool will work on more than one type of pipe or tube, but in all cases you will achieve more professional results by using the right tool for the job.
Copper Pipe Tools
Sweating copper requires a multitude of tools. Besides a pip or tubing cutter you will need flaring tools, tubing cutter, small tubing cutter,plumber’s cloth, propane torch with push button igniter, copper cleaning brush multi-purpose tool, flux brush, soldering flux, spring tubing benders, fibreglass flame shield and solder.
These specialized tools, if used properly, will produce strong, long lasting joints that don’t leak.
Cutting Copper Pipe with Tube Cutting Tools
You can cut copper with a hacksaw, a mini reciprocating saw with a fine tooth metal cutting blade or with a tubing cutter whose opposing wheels shear the pipe as you turn the tool around it. A tubing cutter produces clean cuts, square to the pipe.
Place the tubing cutter on the pipe between the cutter’s two rollers and turn the knob on the handle to snug the rollers against the pipe. Do not tighten excessively.
Turn the tubing cutter around the pipe several times, making sure the wheels stay in a single track with each revolution. Once the cutter feels loose, turn the knob to resug the cutters the cutter wheels. Then turn the cutter around the pipe several times more. Do this until the pipe snaps.
The cutting wheel leaves a sharp edge inside the pipe. Flatten it with the reamer that comes on the cutter.
If you have misjudged the length of the pipe you need, and need to trim it, a tubing cutter won’t work as it will slip off the end of the pipe. Instead, use a chopsaw or mini-reciprocating saw wirh a fine-tooth metal-cutting blade.
Tools For Plastic Tube
Plastic tube or pipe comes in several forms, extruded polyethylene (PEX), polyethylene, chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Many tools, like ratcheting scissors, can be used on more than one type of pipe material, but others, like crimpers, are designed for one type of pipe only. In a pinch, you can cut some plastics with a pocket or utility knife. You may also use a fine-tooth hacksaw or chopsaw blade intended for plastics.
In addition to tools for cutting and crimping, you will need glues for PVC and CPVC pipe.
When choosing tools for cutting plastic pipe, metal ratcheting scissors are preferred over non-ratcheting scissors.
PEX crimpers typically come with short handles for tight locations, but they are hard to close. Long handled models close easily but can’t be used in cramped corners.
The CinchClamp system is special designed for crimping stainless-steel rings around PEX pipe and onto PEX fittings. It produces solid leak proof joints with a precision that copper banding doesn’t offer.
Completion Tube Cutting Tools
Hard copy and E book for sale. Introduction to Building Mechanical Systems. Click here.