Pipes are the main element of water supply, sewage and heating - systems without which we no longer imagine our existence. With the planned large front of work on their repair or installation, a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes will significantly help. This tool will not only make your life easier, but also significantly increase the speed of all operations.
Unlike the popular “grinder” - an angle grinder - the pipe cutter is autonomous, produces less noise, it is easier to control. But despite the apparent simplicity of the device, problems arise when choosing it. In order not to miscalculate the purchase, it is necessary to study all the features of the tool and the scope of its rational use.
Hand tools
As the name implies, in a manual pipe cutter, some effort on the part of the person is necessary for cutting the pipes. Thanks to the system of levers, or circular action, the cutting edges of the tool cut the rolled product, or “remove” metal particles from its surface to the entire thickness of the pipe.
Depending on the diameter of the workpiece being processed, as well as on its location, it is advisable to choose a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes of one of the following types:
- Telescopic, which covers the surface of the cut with a crimping or chain device.
- Secateurs, the design of which is very similar to scissors.
The advantages of a manual pipe saw over a non-core tool are obvious. Firstly, the cut is perfectly smooth and accurate. Secondly, when using a telescopic device, no burrs are formed. Thirdly, the metal structure is not destroyed, which has a beneficial effect on the strength and durability of the pipe.
Telescopic hand pipe cutters
Telescopic tools are the most popular since they require a minimum of effort from the user. Externally, a manual telescopic pipe cutter for steel pipes looks like a wrench. The basis of its design is two brackets. On one of them is a cutting device, on the other - guide carriages. The brackets are moved with each other by a special handle. This creates a compressive force.
The principle of operation of the telescopic tool is simple. You clamp the pipe between the brackets, create a squeezing force using the handle, and then begin to rotate the device around the cut line. During rotation, the cutters “bite” into steel and cut off the chips, deepen into the surface of the pipe. As the compressive force loosens, you tighten the handle and continue to rotate the instrument.
For cutting large diameter pipes, it is advisable to use a chain pipe cutter. In its design, instead of crimping brackets, a chain is installed, which also wraps and tightens the pipe. The principle of its operation is similar to a conventional telescopic device.
Cutting elements
In a telescopic tool, either cutters or rollers can be used as cutting elements. Cutters are knives sharpened at a certain angle. When working with such a pipe cutter, the surface of the cut is perfectly smooth, no burrs are formed. With it, you can even chamfer. The sphere of rational use of incisors is pipes with a diameter of not more than 10 cm.
The rollers are pointed disks, like those that are part of a conventional glass cutter. In one instrument, they can be from one to three. Manual roller pipe cutter for steel pipes also gives an even cut, but burrs are formed. For cutting workpieces with a diameter of 5-10 cm, it is necessary that the design has at least 3 rollers.
When choosing a telescopic pipe cutter, it is important to pay attention to the material from which the cutting elements are made. So, if you are going to cut pipes from stainless steel, then they should be from tool steel, and if steel billets - from alloy steel.
Secateurs Pipe Cutters
The design of this type of tool is very similar to scissors. On one side is a knife for cutting, on the other - a steel arc for convenient location of the workpiece. To divide the pipe into two parts, you only need to close the handles.
One of the advantages of this type of tool is the cost. If the price for manual pipe cutters for steel pipes varies from 1.5 to 5 thousand rubles, then for secateurs you will have to pay two to three times less.
Another advantage is ease of use. So, if you need to rotate it to cut the pipe with a telescopic device, which can be placed on the wall, then when using a pruning shears, there will be no such problems.
The main disadvantage follows from the design of the tool - for cutting, considerable effort is required from the user. Therefore, it is advisable to use such a device on thin-walled pipes.
Electric pipe cutters
In fairness, it should be mentioned that there are electric pipe cutters for steel pipes. Such devices work from a 220V network, and this is their main drawback - they won’t work far from an outlet. The cost of tools also leaves much to be desired, but sometimes there simply is no other choice.
It is worth acquiring an electric pipe cutter only if you have outlined a large front of work or are engaged in repairing communications at a professional level. At home, the functionality of hand tools is enough to perform most operations.
However, if you have a thick-walled pipe that needs to be cut, then buying such a device may be the only option.
Tips for Using Hand Pipe Cutters
Consider the operating procedure when using a telescopic pipe cutter. The first thing to do is conveniently position the pipe so that there are no obstacles in the way of the rotation of the tool. Then, using a marker, outline the line along which you will divide the pipe. Thereafter:
- Using a chain or crimp brackets, fix the device on the workpiece, tighten the tightening handle.
- Start performing rotational movements with the tool. It is important that the first few rotations are made in exactly the same line - this is how you mark the groove for cutting.
- As the cutter or roller for the pipe cutter goes deeper into the material, tighten the handle to ensure a secure grip on the pipe.
- Continue until the workpiece is cut completely.
To prevent the cutters from slipping over the surface during rotation, the master recommends wrapping the cut line with paper tape. The main thing is not to rush, and the cut will be smooth.
Hand tools for large diameter pipes
Manual pipe cutters for cutting large diameter pipes are professional tools. Therefore, if you are faced with the task of processing one pipe with a diameter of 30 cm or more, then it is better to use the “grinder” and not waste money.
On the market, a manual pipe cutter for steel pipes of large diameter is represented by a clamp and rotor subspecies. In the first case, the pipe is placed between two arched plates, which, as they are cut, approach each other with a special handle.
In the rotary pipe cutter for processing the product, the crimping device must be fixed only before starting work. In the future, the force is created using springs. You can work with such a tool in cramped conditions - when you turn 180 °, you can remove the handle, insert it into another groove and continue working.
Scopes of hand tools
Hand tools are mainly used at home. This is due to their low performance. At the same time, their cost pushes to this, which is several times lower than that of electric drive counterparts.
However, in professional production, situations often arise when thick-walled pipes interfere with work, and the use of power tools is impossible, for example, due to high humidity or the danger of an explosion. In such cases, the use of a professional hand tool remains the only option. Independence from power sources is their main advantage.