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Tools & Materials

Powerful Pipe Cutter

The Dewalt PVC/PEX pipe cutter is designed to connect to an impact driver as a faster alternative to handheld cutters.

By Jim Speranza Issue 323 - June 2024

Using a saw to cut PVC pipe is easy enough, but rarely does it leave you with a clean and truly square cut, which is important for a glued fitting to be properly seated. Beyond that, saws leave a huge mess behind, meaning more time spent on cleanup. There are numerous handheld PVC cutters to choose from, which work well on PEX pipes, but most only cut up to 11/4-in. PVC pipes, and that’s only if you have the superhuman strength required to squeeze the hand grips closed.

To the contrary, the DeWalt Impact Connect PVC/PEX Pipe Cutter (model DWAPVCIR) can cut through PVC pipes up to 2 in. in diameter with just one finger on the trigger. It can even slice through Schedule 80 pipe with no problem. With the 360° rotating head, not only can you cut loose pipe in-hand, but you can get into difficult areas in a wall opening, between joists, or even inside of a sink cabinet for repairing or replacing existing piping.

The tool is designed to connect to an existing impact driver, which makes it lighter and easier to haul around in a bag than a dedicated cutter. The cutter is compatible with various brands of impact drivers and is easy to attach and remove. Also, it only costs $100, which is less than half the price of most dedicated pro-grade cutters.

— Jim Speranza; contractor in Rochester, N.Y. Photos courtesy of the manufacturer.

From Fine Homebuilding #323

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