Hi folks,

I'm looking for a good set of tubing cutters - a regular-sized one for standard pipe cutting (mostly 1/2", but sometimes all the way up to 1-1/4") and also occaisionally for cutting electrical conduit (1/2" EMT), and a "midget" cutter for cutting narrow tubing and (more importantly) for cutting in cramped quarters, such as under a sink or (almost) against a wall, where a full-size cutter would not fit (I hate mini-hacksaws ).

Does anyone recommend any particular brand/model? I'm willing to pay more to get a better cutter, provided that the difference in quality is worth the difference in price. Any suggestions?

A friend of mine recommended getting RIDGID (in fact he is such a fan of RIDGID that he claims any other brand is not worth the money, even if it's a good price). The RIDGID cutters are quite pricey, to say the least. Are they worth it? Or does anyone have a better idea?


Currently I have a midget cutter that I bought in Lowe's for about $9 from some brand called "Superior Tool" (is that a decent brand?). I'm not very happy with it, considering that the blade seems to have worn down in no time at all. Or am I simply overestimating how long the blade is supposed to last before requiring replacement?

speedball1

Hey Moshie,

If you're asking what the pros use let me give you a rundown.
Ridgid #103 Mini cutters to 5/8ths"
" # 15 " to 1 1/8th."
" # 20 " to 2 1/8th"
I have run hundreds of miles of copper with these three cutters.
You may not need cutters as good but you asked for a "good set" I gave you the best. I can't comment on the midget cutters that you bought because I've never used anything but Ridged. Regards, Tom