Today’s pipe cutting projects, ranging from DIY plumbing to industrial manufacturing, demand specific tools based on pipe material, diameter, wall thickness, and working environment. From traditional manual tools to advanced laser systems, this guide compares eight effective pipe cutting tools to help you make an informed choice for your specific needs.

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8 Best Tools for Steel Pipe Cutting

I. Steel Pipe Laser Cutting Machine

Modern laser cutting technology represents the pinnacle of precision pipe cutting solutions. These sophisticated machines utilize high-powered laser beams controlled by computer numerical systems (CNC) to deliver unmatched accuracy and efficiency in pipe cutting operations.

Advantages:

• Ultra-precise cutting with minimal material waste
• Exceptional cutting speed for high-volume production
• Ability to perform complex cuts and intricate designs
• Clean, burr-free edges requiring minimal post-processing
• Automated operation reducing labor costs
• Environmentally friendly with minimal waste generation
• Consistent quality across large production runs

Disadvantages:

• Significant initial investment required
• Requires specialized technical expertise
• Regular maintenance and calibration needed
• Large space requirements for installation

Best Applications:

• Large-scale industrial manufacturing
• Mass production facilities
• Complex pipe fabrication projects
• High-precision component manufacturing

II. Metal Cutting Bandsaw

A metal cutting bandsaw represents an essential industrial solution, offering a balance between precision and efficiency. These machines use a continuous metal band blade to cut through steel pipes.

Advantages:

• Can cut up to six tubes simultaneously
• Delivers clean, straight cuts with minimal burrs
• Suitable for projects of all sizes
• Relatively quiet operation
• No blade lubricant required
• Excellent for high-volume production

Disadvantages:

• Requires dedicated space for stationary models
• Cannot perform cuts on already-built structures
• Initial cost higher than manual tools
• Limited to straight cuts only

Best Applications:

• Production facilities
• Metal fabrication shops
• Construction material preparation
• Industrial manufacturing

III. Cold Saw

The cold saw specializes in precision cutting while keeping both blade and material cool during operation, resulting in superior cut quality.

Advantages:

• Produces clean, burr-free cuts
• Minimal heat generation during cutting
• Extended blade life due to cooling action
• Can cut multiple pipes simultaneously
• Leaves smooth finish requiring little post-processing

Disadvantages:

• Higher initial cost than conventional saws
• Requires fixed installation
• Slower cutting speed compared to alternatives
• Limited mobility

Best Applications:

• Precision metal fabrication
• High-end manufacturing
• Projects requiring exact measurements
• Professional metalworking shops

IV. Portable Bandsaw

A compact, handheld version of its larger counterpart, the portable bandsaw combines mobility with precision for on-site cutting needs.

Advantages:

• Excellent mobility and versatility
• Suitable for existing structures
• Moderate noise level
• Ergonomic design
• Effective in hard-to-reach areas
• Lightweight and easy to handle

Disadvantages:

• Can only cut one tube at a time
• May result in crooked cuts without proper support
• Limited cutting capacity
• Battery life constraints for cordless models

Best Applications:

• On-site construction work
• Maintenance and repair
• Tight space operations
• Field work

V. Reciprocating Saw

The reciprocating saw offers a powerful solution for quick cutting needs, especially in demolition or renovation scenarios.

Advantages:

• Highly portable
• Versatile cutting capabilities
• Good for tight spaces
• Quick cutting speed
• Cordless options available
• Cost-effective

Disadvantages:

• Less precise than other methods
• High vibration and noise
• Difficult to maintain straight cuts
• Frequent blade changes needed
• Not suitable for finish work

Best Applications:

• Demolition work
• Quick rough cuts
• Emergency repairs
• Renovation projects

VI. Angle Grinder

An angle grinder equipped with cutting discs provides a versatile solution for pipe cutting, particularly effective for smaller diameter pipes.

Advantages:

• Highly versatile tool
• Quick cutting speed
• Portable and easy to use
• Affordable
• Can make flush cuts
• Works in tight spaces

Disadvantages:

• Generates sparks and debris
• Less precise than dedicated pipe cutters
• Frequent disc replacement needed
• Safety concerns
• Noisy operation

Best Applications:

• Small diameter pipes
• Quick cuts
• General construction
• Home DIY projects

VII. Manual Tube Cutter

Traditional manual tube cutters offer a simple yet effective solution for precise cuts on smaller pipes, making them ideal for plumbing work.

Advantages:

• Clean, precise cuts
• No power required
• Highly portable
• Silent operation
• Minimal maintenance needed
• Very safe to use
• Cost-effective

Disadvantages:

• Labor intensive
• Limited to smaller pipe diameters
• Time-consuming for multiple cuts
• Not suitable for heavy-duty work
• Requires physical effort

Best Applications:

• Small plumbing projects
• DIY work
• Precision cutting needs
• Light commercial use
• Maintenance tasks

VIII. Hacksaw

The traditional hacksaw remains a reliable and accessible tool for basic pipe cutting needs.

Advantages:

• Very affordable
• Simple to use
• No power needed
• Highly portable
• Minimal maintenance
• Works anywhere
• No special training required

Disadvantages:

• Very labor intensive
• Slow cutting speed
• Can produce uneven cuts
• Limited to smaller pipes
• Physically demanding

Best Applications:

• Basic DIY projects
• Emergency repairs
• Small-scale work
• Budget-conscious users
• Simple cutting tasks

Comprehensive Tool Comparison

Tool Type Cutting Speed Material Compatibility Precision Cost Range* Ease of Use Mobility Noise Level Maintenance Needs Laser Cutting Machine Very High (5/5) All metals, thick & thin (5/5) Excellent (5/5) $$$$ Complex (2/5) Fixed (1/5) Low (4/5) High (1/5) Metal Cutting Bandsaw High (4/5) Most metals (4/5) Very Good (4/5) $$$ Moderate (3/5) Limited (2/5) Moderate (3/5) Moderate (3/5) Cold Saw Moderate (3/5) All metals (5/5) Very Good (4/5) $$$ Moderate (3/5) Fixed (1/5) Moderate (3/5) Moderate (3/5) Portable Bandsaw Moderate (3/5) Most metals (4/5) Good (3/5) $$ Good (4/5) Excellent (5/5) High (2/5) Moderate (3/5) Reciprocating Saw High (4/5) Most metals (3/5) Fair (2/5) $$ Very Good (4/5) Excellent (5/5) Very High (1/5) Low (4/5) Angle Grinder High (4/5) Most metals (3/5) Fair (2/5) $ Good (4/5) Very Good (4/5) Very High (1/5) Moderate (3/5) Manual Tube Cutter Low (1/5) Thin-walled only (2/5) Very Good (4/5) $ Very Good (4/5) Excellent (5/5) Silent (5/5) Low (4/5) Hacksaw Very Low (1/5) Most metals (3/5) Good (3/5) $ Very Good (4/5) Excellent (5/5) Silent (5/5) Very Low (5/5)

*Cost Range Legend:

• $ = Under $100
• $$ = $100-$500
• $$$ = $500-$5,000
• $$$$ = Over $5,000

Additional Comparison Factors:

Power Source Requirements:

• Electric (High Power): Laser Cutter, Metal Cutting Bandsaw, Cold Saw
• Electric (Standard): Portable Bandsaw, Reciprocating Saw, Angle Grinder
• Manual: Tube Cutter, Hacksaw

Best Use Case Scenarios:

• Industrial Production: Laser Cutter, Metal Cutting Bandsaw, Cold Saw
• Construction Sites: Portable Bandsaw, Reciprocating Saw, Angle Grinder
• Small Projects/DIY: Manual Tube Cutter, Hacksaw

Cut Quality Characteristics:

• Laser Cutter: Perfect edges, no burrs, heat-affected zone
• Bandsaws: Clean cuts, minimal burrs
• Cold Saw: Very clean cuts, minimal deformation
• Power Tools: Rougher cuts, may need finishing
• Manual Tools: Clean cuts but requires skill

Production Volume Capacity:

• High Volume: Laser Cutter, Metal Cutting Bandsaw
• Medium Volume: Cold Saw, Portable Bandsaw
• Low Volume: Reciprocating Saw, Angle Grinder
• Very Low Volume: Manual Tube Cutter, Hacksaw

Making the Right Choice: Key Considerations

Project Scale

• Large Industrial: Consider laser cutting machines or metal cutting bandsaws
• Medium Commercial: Cold saws or portable bandsaws are ideal
• Small Projects/DIY: Manual tube cutters or hacksaws will suffice

Budget Considerations

• High Budget: Laser cutters, cold saws
• Medium Budget: Bandsaws, power tools
• Limited Budget: Manual tools, basic power tools

Usage Frequency

• Daily Use: Invest in professional-grade power tools or industrial machines
• Occasional Use: Mid-range power tools
• Rare Use: Manual tools or basic power tools

Precision Requirements

• High Precision: Laser cutters, cold saws
• Medium Precision: Bandsaws, manual tube cutters
• Basic Precision: Reciprocating saws, angle grinders

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Steel Pipe Cutter

The ideal choice for cutting steel pipes ultimately depends on your specific needs, working environment, and budget constraints. Here’s a simplified guide for different scenarios:

For Industrial Applications:

• If precision and high volume are priorities, and budget allows, the laser cutting machine is unmatched
• For regular production needs, a metal cutting bandsaw or cold saw offers the best balance of efficiency and cost
• When working on-site, a portable bandsaw provides the necessary mobility without sacrificing too much precision

For Professional Contractors:

• Portable bandsaws and reciprocating saws offer the mobility needed for field work
• Angle grinders work well for quick cuts and tight spaces
• Manual tube cutters are excellent for precise, clean cuts in plumbing applications

For DIY and Small Projects:

• Manual tube cutters provide the best value for occasional use
• Hacksaws are perfectly adequate for basic cutting needs
• An angle grinder can be a versatile addition to your toolbox

Remember that investing in quality tools appropriate for your specific needs will save time, reduce waste, and produce better results in the long run. Consider factors such as frequency of use, required precision, mobility needs, and available budget when making your final decision.

To get the most out of your chosen tool, always follow manufacturer guidelines, maintain your equipment properly, and prioritize safety in your working environment. With the right tool and proper technique, you can achieve professional-quality cuts regardless of your chosen method.

Learn How To Cut Steel Pipes & Buy a Steel Pipe Cutter

Figure 1: A stainless steel pipe cutter.

A handheld steel pipe cutter is a convenient solution for cutting steel pipes on any work site because it readily performs without electricity. A common steel pipe cutter can be seen in Figure 1. Although power tools, such as a circular saw, cut much faster, the need for electricity adds complexity to the task making a handheld pipe cutter suitable for applications away from a workshop or electricity.

Table of contents

• Steel pipes
• What is a pipe cutter?
• How to cut steel pipes
• Steel pipe cutter advice
• FAQs

Steel pipes

Manufacturing and construction industries use steel pipes for many purposes. For example, steel tubes that operate the cooling in a fridge or scaffolding for a renovation project of an old building. During the installation of a plumbing system, steel pipes are cut to install fittings, such as elbows.

Steel is a hard alloy and therefore is difficult to cut. Fast solutions to cutting steel, such as circular saws, are expensive. Also, power tools require an electricity source, adding complexity to the cutting process. A pipe cutter is a slower alternative to power saws but is readily available at any work site.

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What is a pipe cutter?

A pipe cutter is a C-shaped, handheld tool that uses a hardened steel cutting blade to cut a metal pipe. The pipe fits between the cutting wheel (Figure 2 labeled A) and rollers (Figure 2 labeled B). The rollers allow the pipe cutter to spin around the pipe without turning the pipe. Some pipe cutter designs allow cutting blades to replace the rollers to create a 3-point cutting tool. A user rotates the tightening knob (Figure 2 labeled C) or the handle to clamp the device onto the pipe. Then, the user spins the tool around the pipe until the cut is complete. To learn more about pipe cutters, please see our pipe cutter article.

Figure 2: A pipe cutter with components: cutting wheel (A), rollers (B), and tightening knob (C).

How to cut steel pipes with a pipe cutter

There are several tools available for cutting steel pipes. No matter which tool, PPE (personal protective equipment) is important. For hand tools, wear gloves and safety glasses. When using power tools that cause sparks, also wear a face mask. Finally, no matter which tool, deburr the edge of the steel pipe after cutting it.

This section looks at how to use a steel pipe cutter and then compares its effectiveness to other tools such as:

• Hacksaw
• Miter saw
• Reciprocating saw
• Circular saw

Steel pipe cutter

A steel pipe cutter’s thicker and harder cutting blade makes it different from other metal pipe cutters (e.g., copper pipe cutter). Most steel pipe cutters work for pipes up to 50 mm (2 in) diameter. Some designs are large enough for 76 mm (3 in) diameter pipes.

Steel pipe cutters are the best tool for cutting steel pipe. They make a square (90°) cut and leave a smooth finish that requires minimal deburring. However, pipe cutters are much slower at cutting than power saws. So, if a job requires a lot of cutting, consider one of the power tools discussed later in this section.

The following steps describe how to cut steel pipe with a steel pipe cutter:

1. Place the head of the steel pipe cutter around the pipe and tighten it until the cutting blade makes contact with the pipe’s surface.
2. Spin the steel pipe cutter around the pipe to begin the cut groove.
3. After one or two spins around the pipe, push the cutting blade into the groove using the tightening knob or handle.
4. Repeat spinning and tightening until the cut is complete.
5. Use a deburring tool or the deburrer attached to the steel pipe cutter to deburr the end of the cut pipe.

Steel pipe cutter vs steel tube cutter

When it comes to cutting steel pipes and tubes, a steel tube cutter is the same tool as a steel pipe cutter. The difference between a pipe and a tube is how the diameter is measured. The diameter of a pipe is its inside diameter, often called nominal diameter. The diameter of a tube is its outside diameter. Also, tubes come in different shapes (e.g., round, square, or oval), whereas pipes are always round. If the name of a tool is simply tube cutter, it is more than likely a tool for cutting plastic tubes.

Other tools for cutting steel pipe

Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a special type of saw for cutting metal. Using a hacksaw to cut a steel pipe can be precise with the additional use of a guide. The saw blade fits in the guide, which keeps the blade in the same position on the pipe and prevents the blade from jumping. Ensure that the hacksaw blade can cut through steel. Read our hacksaw blade selection article to learn more about choosing the right blade.

To cut steel with a hacksaw:

1. Use short strokes with the middle of the blade to create a groove in the pipe’s surface.
2. Once there is a groove, use the blade's full length to saw the steel pipe.
   1. Apply pressure on forward strokes. Most hacksaw blades do not cut on the backstroke.
3. Finish the cut and deburr the pipe end.

For more information on how to use a hacksaw, read our hacksaw overview article.

Reciprocating saw

A reciprocating saw, commonly called a Sawzall, is an efficient tool for cutting through steel pipes. Ensure that the blade of the saw is a hard metal cutting blade. Reciprocating saws do not accurately cut, though. So for cutting steel pipes, these saws are best for demolition work.

Circular saw

Circular saws can quickly cut through steel pipes. Ensure the saw’s blade is meant for cutting hard metal. Before cutting, ensure that the steel pipe is clamped down. Also, take extra care with a circular saw. Because it can quickly cut through steel pipes, users sometimes go too fast and make costly mistakes while cutting.

Steel pipe cutter advantages

Although it does not cut through steel pipes as fast as power saws, a steel pipe cutter still has distinct advantages:

• Cost: Steel pipe cutters cost much less than power saws.
• Finish: Steel pipe cutters leave the smoothest finish, requiring the least amount of deburring after the cut.
• Accuracy: Steel pipe cutters make the most accurate and square cuts.
• Readiness: Steel pipe cutters are always ready to use since they do not require a power source.

Steel pipe cutter disadvantages

Steel pipe cutters have the following disadvantages:

• Speed: Of all the pipe cutters, steel pipe cutters are the slowest.
• Availability: Most users likely already have a hacksaw available, whereas pipe cutters are less common due to their specific application.

Steel pipe cutter advice

The following tips are useful for anyone buying or using a steel pipe cutter:

• Typically, the larger the frame of the tool, the larger and thicker the cutting blade. Therefore, larger pipe cutters are better suited for steel pipe but not softer pipes like copper.
• A small spray of lubricant (e.g., WD-40) reduces friction and heat during the cutting process.
• Replace worn or damaged cutting blades immediately.

Read our copper and PVC pipe cutter articles for more information on pipe cutters for copper and PVC.

FAQs

Can a pipe cutter cut steel pipe?

Large pipe cutters with hardened steel cutting blades are suitable for cutting steel pipe.

Can a copper pipe cutter cut steel pipe?

Check with the copper pipe cutter’s manufacturer before trying to cut steel pipe with it. The copper pipe cutter’s cutting blade may be too small to efficiently cut steel pipe. Also, cutting steel pipe may add undue wear on the copper pipe cutter’s cutting blade.

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