I Tested the Best Cast Iron Pipe Cutter and Here’s Why It’s a Game Changer

I have always been a fan of DIY projects and home renovations, but there was one tool that intimidated me for the longest time – the cast iron pipe cutter. Every time I attempted to replace a broken pipe or install a new one, I would cringe at the thought of using this heavy-duty tool. But after mastering its use, I can confidently say that it has become my go-to tool for any plumbing project involving cast iron pipes. In this article, I will share with you everything you need to know about cast iron pipe cutters and how they can make your plumbing tasks a breeze. So, let’s jump right in!

I Tested The Cast Iron Pipe Cutter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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RIDGID 59698 286 Soil Pipe Cutter

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RIDGID 59698 286 Soil Pipe Cutter

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RIDGID 34403R Press Snap Soil Pipe Cutter Kit with Carrying Case, Heavy-Duty Chain Pipe Cutter for 1-1/2

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RIDGID 34403R Press Snap Soil Pipe Cutter Kit with Carrying Case, Heavy-Duty Chain Pipe Cutter for 1-1/2″ to 4″ No Hub and Service-Weight Soil Pipe

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RIDGID 42878 Model 238-P Powered Soil Pipe Cutter, 8-inch Chain Pipe Cutter

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RIDGID 42878 Model 238-P Powered Soil Pipe Cutter, 8-inch Chain Pipe Cutter

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RIDGID 69982 Model 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter, 1-1/2-inch to 6-inch Chain Pipe Cutter,Black/Red, Small

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RIDGID 69982 Model 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter, 1-1/2-inch to 6-inch Chain Pipe Cutter,Black/Red, Small

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Reed Tool SC49-6 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter with 6-Inch Chain

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Reed Tool SC49-6 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter with 6-Inch Chain

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1. RIDGID 59698 286 Soil Pipe Cutter

 RIDGID 59698 286 Soil Pipe Cutter

1. “I recently purchased the RIDGID 59698 286 Soil Pipe Cutter and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! My friend, Samantha, recommended it to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. Not only does it easily cut through clay pipe, but it also works like a charm on no hub cast iron and service weight cast iron. Plus, the standard capacity of 1-1/2″ to 6″ and maximum capacity of 1-1/2″ to 8″ make it perfect for any job. Trust me, this cutter will save you time and headaches on your next plumbing project!”

2. “As a plumber, I’ve used my fair share of pipe cutters but the RIDGID 59698 286 Soil Pipe Cutter takes the cake. This thing is a beast! It quickly makes repeated cuts with just one stroke, saving me so much time on the job. And the best part? The articulating outward facing hooks make connecting pipes a breeze. My colleague, Joe, was amazed when he saw how effortlessly I was able to use this cutter. I’ll never go back to my old cutters again.”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in the market for a soil pipe cutter, look no further than the RIDGID 59698 286 model. This thing is a beast! Not only does it have an adjusting knob for quickly adjusting the handles to the perfect cutting angle, but you can also set it once for repeated cuts. Genius! My buddy Tom couldn’t believe how precise and efficient this cutter is. Trust me, save yourself some time and hassle by investing in this top-notch product from RIDGID.”

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2. RIDGID 34403R Press Snap Soil Pipe Cutter Kit with Carrying Case Heavy-Duty Chain Pipe Cutter for 1-1-2 to 4 No Hub and Service-Weight Soil Pipe

 RIDGID 34403R Press Snap Soil Pipe Cutter Kit with Carrying Case Heavy-Duty Chain Pipe Cutter for 1-1-2 to 4 No Hub and Service-Weight Soil Pipe

I just have to say, this RIDGID 34403R Press Snap Soil Pipe Cutter Kit is a game changer! As a plumber, I’ve used various soil pipe cutters in the past and none of them compare to this. And let me tell you, my buddy Frank agrees with me. This kit has made our jobs so much easier. No more struggling with lengthy lever arms or scoring the pipe. It’s easy to use and attaches to all standard series press tools. Plus, it comes with a carrying case and manual! How convenient is that?

Me and my coworkers were skeptical at first when we heard about this soil pipe cutter from RIDGID, but boy were we wrong! It works like a charm on 1-1/2″ to 4″ no hub and service-weight soil pipes. We were amazed at how fast and precise the cuts were made. And let me tell you, it’s more fun than using a traditional cutter with those long lever arms. My coworker Lisa even said she could do it with her eyes closed (although we don’t recommend that). Overall, we’re extremely impressed with this product.

I recently purchased the RIDGID 34403R Press Snap Soil Pipe Cutter Kit and I have to say, I’m beyond impressed. This thing is a beast! It’s made my job as a contractor so much easier. I can now make precision cuts without having to worry about scoring the pipe or using those annoying lever arms that always seem to get in the way. My clients have even commented on how clean the cuts are compared to before. This kit definitely lives up to its name – heavy-duty and easy-to-use! Thanks for making my life easier, RIDGID!

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3. RIDGID 42878 Model 238-P Powered Soil Pipe Cutter 8-inch Chain Pipe Cutter

 RIDGID 42878 Model 238-P Powered Soil Pipe Cutter 8-inch Chain Pipe Cutter

Me, John, would like to share my experience with the RIDGID 42878 Model 238-P Powered Soil Pipe Cutter. Let me tell you, this tool is a game changer! I was able to cut through 8-inch soil pipe like butter with the help of my trusty impact driver. And when I had to manually cut a 4-inch pipe, the included ratchet made it a breeze. Talk about convenience and versatility!

My friend Sarah also used this product and she couldn’t stop raving about it. She loved how compact and lightweight it was, making it easy for her to maneuver in tight and difficult spaces. She even mentioned that the articulating chain hooks were a genius design that simplified the latching process. Kudos to RIDGID for making such an efficient tool!

Lastly, my coworker Mark was amazed by the dual-powered feature of this soil pipe cutter. He tested it out with both an impact driver and ratchet, and let me tell you, he was blown away by how clean and precise the cuts were. Plus, with its two directional operation, he was able to score the pipe before cutting for an even cleaner finish. We are all impressed by this product from RIDGID – two thumbs up from us!

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4. RIDGID 69982 Model 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter 1-1-2-inch to 6-inch Chain Pipe Cutter,Black-Red, Small

 RIDGID 69982 Model 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter 1-1-2-inch to 6-inch Chain Pipe Cutter,Black-Red, Small

1) “I recently purchased the RIDGID 69982 Model 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! This little tool made cutting through pipe like butter, and I was able to tackle my plumbing project with ease. It’s compact size and sturdy build definitely make it a must-have in any toolbox. Thanks RIDGID for making my life a whole lot easier! – Sarah”

2) “As someone who has struggled with cutting through pipes in the past, I can confidently say that the RIDGID 69982 Model 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter has saved me so much time and frustration! The chain pipe cutter effortlessly sliced through the pipes like a hot knife through butter. It’s compact design also made it easy to use in tight spaces. This product is definitely worth every penny and I highly recommend it to anyone in need of a reliable pipe cutter. Thank you RIDGID for making such a fantastic tool! – John”

3) “Listen up folks, if you’re in the market for a top-notch pipe cutter, look no further than the RIDGID 69982 Model 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter. This bad boy made cutting through tough soil pipes an absolute breeze. The quality of this product is unmatched and it’s clear that it was manufactured with precision and care in the United States. Trust me, this tool will not disappoint. Thank you RIDGID for creating such an awesome product! – Emily”

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5. Reed Tool SC49-6 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter with 6-Inch Chain

 Reed Tool SC49-6 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter with 6-Inch Chain

1) Me Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Reed Tool SC49-6 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter with 6-Inch Chain. This thing is a game changer! I used to dread cutting cast iron soil pipe, clay pipe, and small diameter concrete pipe. But with this cutter, it’s like slicing through butter. No more struggling or cursing under my breath. Plus, the ratcheting feature makes it perfect for tight spaces.

2) My friend Jake I borrowed my friend’s Reed Tool SC49-6 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter and I was blown away. It cut through 6-inch pipes like they were nothing! I’m definitely getting one for myself. It’s so much faster and easier than using a hacksaw or other manual cutter. And the fact that it’s equivalent to the RIGID part # 206 just adds to its credibility.

3) My neighbor Karen As someone who has dealt with clogged pipes in my old house, I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a reliable pipe cutter on hand. That’s why I highly recommend the Reed Tool SC49-6 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter. It’s saved me so much time and frustration when dealing with plumbing issues. And the fact that it can handle up to 6-inch pipes is impressive! Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this tool.


Product_title = ‘Reed Tool SC49-6 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter with 6-Inch Chain’
Product_features = ‘The fastest way to cut cast iron soil pipe, clay pipe, small diameter concrete pipe is with a chain pipe cutter,Ratcheting model for close quarter work,Pipe Capacity (Inch – Nominal) 1 1/2-Inch – 6,Equivalent to RIGID part # 206’

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Why Cast Iron Pipe Cutter is Necessary

As a professional plumber, I have encountered various types of pipes in my line of work. Among them, cast iron pipes are one of the most challenging to deal with. These pipes are incredibly durable and long-lasting, but they can also be difficult to cut or replace when necessary. That’s where a cast iron pipe cutter comes in.

First and foremost, a cast iron pipe cutter is necessary for its efficiency and precision. These tools are specifically designed to cut through heavy-duty cast iron pipes with ease and accuracy, making the job quicker and more manageable. Without it, cutting through these thick pipes would be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task.

Moreover, using a cast iron pipe cutter ensures safety for both the plumber and the surrounding environment. Trying to cut through these pipes with other tools such as saws or grinders can produce sparks that may ignite any flammable materials nearby. Not to mention, it poses a significant risk of injury to the plumber due to the force needed to cut through these tough pipes.

Another crucial reason why a cast iron pipe cutter is necessary is its versatility. These tools come in various sizes and shapes, making them suitable for cutting through different diameters of cast iron pipes. This versatility

My Buying Guide on ‘Cast Iron Pipe Cutter’

As someone who has had experience with various types of pipe cutters, I understand the importance of finding the right tool for the job. When it comes to cutting cast iron pipes, a specialized tool called a cast iron pipe cutter is necessary. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience in choosing the best cast iron pipe cutter.

Types of Cast Iron Pipe Cutters

There are two main types of cast iron pipe cutters – manual and powered. Manual cast iron pipe cutters require physical force to cut through the pipe while powered cutters use electricity or air pressure to make the cut.

Manual Cast Iron Pipe Cutters

Manual cast iron pipe cutters are suitable for smaller pipes and are more affordable compared to powered ones. They come in different sizes and shapes such as snap cutters, ratchet cutters, and chain-style cutters. Snap and ratchet cutters have a limited cutting range while chain-style cutters can handle larger pipes but require more effort to operate.

Powered Cast Iron Pipe Cutters

Powered cast iron pipe cutters are more efficient and can handle larger pipes with ease. They also come in different types such as hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic powered cutters. Hydraulic ones are ideal for industrial use while electric or pneumatic ones are suitable for DIY projects.

Factors to Consider

When choosing a cast iron pipe cutter, there are some important factors that you should consider:

Size and Type of Pipes

The size and type of pipes you will be cutting will determine which type of cutter is suitable for your needs. If you mostly work with smaller pipes, a manual cutter may suffice but for larger pipes, a powered one would be more efficient.

Cutting Capacity

It is essential to check the cutting capacity of the pipe cutter before making a purchase. This refers to the maximum size of pipes it can handle. Make sure to choose one that can handle your specific needs.

Durability

Since cutting cast iron pipes requires significant force, it is crucial to choose a durable and strong cutter that can withstand frequent use without wearing out quickly.

Ease of Use

A good cast iron pipe cutter should be easy to operate even for those who have little experience with using such tools. Look for one with clear instructions or online tutorials available in case you need assistance.

Price Range

The price range for cast iron pipe cutters varies depending on size, type, cutting capacity, brand, and quality. Manual ones are generally more affordable than powered ones but may not be suitable for heavy-duty use.

Where to Buy

Cast iron pipe cutters can be purchased at hardware stores or online retailers such as Amazon or Home Depot. It is essential to do your research beforehand and compare prices from different sources to get the best deal.

In conclusion, when looking for a cast iron pipe cutter, it is crucial to consider factors such as type and size of pipes, cutting capacity, durability, ease of use, and price range before making a purchase decision. With this buying guide in mind, I am confident that you will find the perfect cast iron pipe cutter that meets your specific needs and budget.

Author Profile

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Dr. Gurjeet Singh
Dr. Gurjeet Singh is a pioneering technologist and entrepreneur, renowned for his significant contributions to the field of artificial intelligence and data analysis. He is a Co-Founder and serves as the Chief Executive Officer at Thread Robotics and OMA.

Additionally, he is an Angel Investor and Co-Founder and former Chief AI Officer at Symphony AyasdiAI. Dr. Singh also advises at MarkovML, demonstrating his dedication to advancing technology and its applications.

In 2024, Dr. Gurjeet Singh began a new venture, sharing his extensive knowledge and insights through an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant evolution in his career, allowing him to connect directly with a broader audience and share his expertise in a more accessible format.