An adjustable pipe cutter looks a bit like a wrench, and is primarily for metal pipes. One side of the jaws has rollers that keep the tool in place on the pipe, while the opposite side has a cutting wheel. A screw on the side of the tool or the end of the handle adjusts the width of the jaws. If the pipe is horizontal, position the pipe cutter so the open side faces upward. Secure loose pipe to a workbench with a vise or clamp before you cut.

A spiral groove means the tool is getting off track. Make sure the pipe cutter is designed for the material you are cutting, and try cleaning the cutting wheel and rollers with a wire brush and tool cleaner. If it still won’t cut straight, you might need to replace the cutting wheel. [3] X Research source

It’s much better to tighten too little than too much, since forcing the cutter into the pipe can damage your tool. [5] X Research source Try just a 1/4 turn of the screw for every rotation, or even every other rotation. Some fancy pipe cutters have multiple wheels or blades along the jaws to engage the pipe in different positions. These are great for narrow spaces, since they let you rotate the tool back and forth along a smaller arc instead of in full circles. [6] X Research source

The simplest models are just a single blade that clamps down onto the pipe when you squeeze the handles. Line the blade up with your cut mark, squeeze down, and rotate to complete the cut. [7] X Research source These typically work only on tubing and the smallest PVC pipes. A ratcheting cutter is larger, and has hinged metal arms between the handles. These engage a ratchet inside the tool which adjusts the angle of the blade to cut gradually into the pipe. [8] X Research source These can get pretty-heavy duty, but the largest PVC pipes may require an adjustable cutter. Check your model’s product info for the maximum pipe diameter.

Secure loose pipe to a workbench with a vise or clamp before cutting, and orient the cutter so the blade is above the horizontal pipe. The largest PVC cutters can be heavy and unwieldy. It helps to place the lower jaw against a table or floor to keep it steady. [10] X Research source

Some designs have a little cover over the opening. Unlatch this, then clip it back into place once the cutter is on the pipe. [12] X Research source

Check the side of the pipe slice for an arrow telling you which way to rotate. Some pipe slices for cutting plastic tubing are flexible; squeeze these gently as you rotate.

These will also cut through any type of plastic pipe, if you like overkill. This dulls the blade faster, so it’s not recommended as your go-to option. [17] X Research source

Worried about identifying your pipe? Any rigid, light-coloured plastic pipe installed in a home is very likely to be PVC. ABS is black, PVDF is used in industry rather than homes, and PB pipes are flexible. [19] X Research source Old plastic pipes can be more brittle, so squeezing them with a scissor- or ratchet-style cutter can cause cracks. An adjustable pipe cutter or a hacksaw are safer options. [20] X Research source The risk of cracking is higher in cold temperatures and when the blade is dull. [21] X Research source

It’s still a good idea to clean up the inner surface of the pipe after using a pipe cutter, for instance by running a utility knife around the inside edge.

To set up a straight cut with an adjustable cutter, fix the pipe cutter snugly onto the pipe, then rotate it around the pipe without tightening it to score a groove. If the groove spirals instead of forming a perfect circle, clean the tool and try again. If you want to join pipes with a pipe joint compound, apply it to the exposed threads of the pipe. [25] X Research source Use a plumbing compound that contains Teflon. [26] X Research source Teflon expands when it gets wet and seals the leaks. [27] X Research source