Pex pipe is a very popular option for everything from domestic water pipes to cooling systems and even, at times, to be used around electrical cables. It is also an easy material to cut, but what can you use to cut it?
The best tool for cutting pex pipe is a tubing cutter. They have tools that are specific for cutting pex that work better than those used for PVC or copper because they simply compress the pipe and cut it cleanly.
Some people prefer to use a ratchet cutter if they are cutting larger pex pipes. That is because the ratchet action allows the tool to cut through the pex much easier without a lot of effort on the part of the person doing the job.
What Can You Use To Cut Pex Pipe? (How To)
One important factor for ensuring that the pex pipe is cut properly is to choose a cutter that is appropriately sized. If you use one that is too large, it could pinch the pipe and if you use one that is too small, the pipe may not fit in it properly.
Since standard pex cutters are designed in such a way that they require little effort on the part of the operator, they can be used for cutting through this pipe quickly and easily. That being said, you do need to consider your comfort, as it can be difficult to operate this tool continually.
Safety is important to consider, regardless of what type of job you are doing. When cutting pex, you need to consider your safety which includes your eyes and hands.
For the most part, you won’t have difficulty with pex pipe snapping and small pieces going flying in every direction. Since it is a possibility, however, it’s a good idea to ensure that you are wearing safety glasses.
As far as your hands are concerned, a good pair of all-purpose gloves will go a long way in helping to protect them. It may not keep you from getting cut if you get your finger in the wrong position, but it will keep you from getting blisters and may save you from a pinch in some cases.
The decision to use pex is worthy of consideration. Copper and other types of metal will corrode over time but pex is going to last for the long term. That makes it cost-effective in many cases, but the initial cost is going to be more.
We will now consider some of the specific types of tools that can be used for cutting pex pipe. Included in the list are also some tools that are better avoided.
Can You Use a Pipe Cutter To Cut Pex Pipe?
If you have a pipe cutter available, can it be used for cutting pex?
You can use a standard pipe cutter for cutting pex. It will cut through the pipe quickly and easily and it doesn’t take much effort for you to make a straight cut. It is better if you use a pipe cutter for a smaller diameter pex and, for larger diameters, you may need to use a ratchet cutter.
Pipe cutters are a type of tool that is used for cutting a wide variety of different types of pipe. This can include different metal pipes, such as copper or it may include PVC.
Although the standard definition of a pipe cutter would include a pex cutter, it is still better to choose one that is specific to the type of material you are cutting. Otherwise, you could damage it while cutting it.
Can You Use a Copper Pipe Cutter To Cut Pex Pipe?
Copper pipe cutters are a common tool that is found in many DIY toolboxes. Can it be used for cutting pex pipe?
If you don’t have a pex cutter available, you can use a copper cutting tool for this job. The copper pipe cutter may cause some problems if it is not used carefully because it can compress the sleeve rather than cut through it.
With a copper cutting tool, you’re likely going to be clamping the blade onto the pipe as you are cutting it. The tool itself is going to do the majority of the job, but the fact that you are pushing the blade against the pipe means that caution is necessary.
As long as you take your time and only cut a small amount of material with each pass, you can use a copper pipe cutter if no other option is available.
Can You Use a Hacksaw To Cut Pex Pipe?
Hacksaws are another tool that can be found in many toolboxes. We use them for cutting some types of pipe but does that include pex tubing?
It is possible to use a hacksaw for cutting pex pipe but it is not going to be the best tool for the job. More than likely, you will not get a smooth cut and will have to work with the edge after completing it so that you can use the pipe properly.
For smaller pieces of pex pipe, you are better off using a tubing cutter or perhaps a utility knife. Larger pieces of pex can be cut with a hacksaw, but you should plan on using a lot of blades in the process.
Can You Use a Knife To Cut Pex Pipe?
We often have our utility knife with us when doing any project at home. Can you use it for cutting pex a pipe?
It is possible to cut through a pex pipe with a utility knife. The real key to doing this is to use a blade that is brand-new and extremely sharp. As you cut through the pipe, pull the blade down and then turn the pipe over to cut the other side. You can meet in the middle for a fairly good cut.
Although a utility knife works in a pinch, you may not be as happy with the result as you would be if you used a pex cutter or another specialized tool.
Since those tools tend to cut the pex clean through, you will see why you end up with a better edge than using a utility knife.
Can You Use a Tubing Cutter To Cut Pex Pipe?
Is a tubing cutter appropriate for cutting pex? Make sure you read this before using it.
Copyright protected content owner: ReadyToDIY.com and was initially posted on October 7, 2022.
A pipe cutter with a wheel can be used for cutting pex pipe but you need to cut slowly and deliberately. Tightening down the cutter too tight on the pex could cause it to bend in place rather than cutting directly. Work slowly and you will find it does a halfway decent job.
You might find that cutting a larger piece of pex is not all that difficult with a wheeled pipe cutter. As you get smaller, however, the pex may not be strong enough to hold up to the pressure that is put on the pipe by the cutting edge.
Can You Use a Bandsaw To Cut Pex Pipe?
If you are considering using a bandsaw to cut your pex pipe, make sure you read this first.
A bandsaw should never be used for cutting pex pipe because it can damage the blade and will not give you good results. There may be certain blades that are made specifically for that job, but it is still going to be better to use a pex pipe cutter to get the job done.
Can You Use a Dremel Tool To Cut Pex Pipe?
We often use our Dremel tools for small projects around the home. Is this rotary tool suitable for cutting off pex pipe?
If you use a high-quality cut-off blade in a Dremel tool, it can be used for cutting through pex pipe. You will likely go through blades rather quickly and you might have to clean up the edge when you are done, but it will yield good results.
Can You Use a Dewalt Drill To Cut Pex Pipe?
Is a Dewalt drill a suitable tool for cutting pex pipe?
If you use the Dewalt Impact Connect attachment for your Dewalt drill, it can cut through many different types of pipe, including pex. It’s a convenient tool to use but for most homeowners, a utility knife or pex cutter is all that is needed.
Can You Use an Angle Grinder To Cut Pex Pipe?
An angle grinder equipped with the proper blade can be used for cutting pex pipe. If you don’t use the tool correctly, it will likely ruin the pipe and the blade at the same time. A better choice is a pex cutter.
Can You Use a Sawzall To Cut Pex Pipe?
A Sawzall equipped with the proper blade to cut through pex pipe. It is a tool that is better suited for demolition. You can use it to cut new pex pipe but you may not be as happy with the results as you would if you used a proper cutter.
Copyright article owner is ReadyToDiy.com for this article. This post was first published on October 7, 2022.
How To Cut Pex Pipe
It is not difficult to cut pex pipes if you have the right tools in hand.
The easiest way to cut a pex pipe is to mark the pipe and then use a pex cutter to push through the tubing. The cutter works similarly to scissors, and the pex pipe should cut cleanly and easily.
One important factor for making sure that you cut pex pipe properly is to cut straight through it. If you are going to use any type of fitting, you will need that straight cut or the connection may not be suitable for use.
A standard pex cutter is used for smaller-diameter pex pipes. If you are cutting through a larger piece of pex, such as an inch or larger, you may find that a ratchet cutter is necessary because it offers additional power.
Don’t try to force the cutter through the pex pipe or it could cause it to crack or split. Use a sharp blade and allow the tool to do the majority of the work for you.
The best tool for cutting pex pipe is a cutter made specifically for that job. Smaller pieces of pex can be cut with a pex cutter that is similar to scissors. Larger pieces can be cut with a ratchet cutter.
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ReadyToDIY is the owner of this article. This post was published on October 7, 2022.