Best Cutter for PEX Pipes (16mm, Smartex)

Alley Cat on 02/09/2023 - 19:50

Hi OZ Plumbing,

I’ve been experimenting with PEX pipes and had been shocked by the poor performance of the SmarteX pipe cutter. It just won’t cut at 90°. I have tried to use the normal copper pipe cutter on it, but the pipe is too soft and the blade is not deep enough to produce a clean cut. Don’t want to use a utility knife to cut it because then I’ll have to deburr it. (The internet says if you have a clean cut, it’s better to not deburr plastic pipes.)

What do you use to cut these bad boys? I’m using the coiled pipes if that makes a difference.

Home & Garden

Comments

  • brendanm on 02/09/2023 - 19:57

    I've done it with a knife with no issues. Have also used (sharp new) cable cutters.

    • Alley Cat on 03/09/2023 - 07:49

      Thanks, will investigate cable cutters.

  • nocure on 02/09/2023 - 19:58
    -2

    Secateurs

    • Alley Cat on 03/09/2023 - 07:50

      Huh never occurred to me. I don’t have one tho, putting it on the list.

    • Nickels n Dimes on 03/09/2023 - 19:28

      I would go with anvil lopper style secateurs, e.g. Fiskars PowerGear 394751-1002 or 79726997J, or if you need to do a lot of pipe cutting, go with a Knipex or Ridgid Ratcheting Cutter.

  • subywagon on 02/09/2023 - 23:29

    I just use tube and pipe cutters like this. I've got various types, similar to that design. They all do the job for me.

    • Alley Cat on 03/09/2023 - 07:49

      It warps the tube when I did it because the material was too soft. Maybe I need to get a better one.

      • subywagon on 03/09/2023 - 11:33

        I don't really have that issue. You might have did it too hard, unless the tube is cheaper and softer now? I bought a shitload of tube (a few house loads) during a clearance at Bunnings ages ago.
        I let the blade do the job and slowly tighten it as not to warp the tube.

  • JIMB0 on 03/09/2023 - 09:16

    A sharp utility knife. I'd take the burr off otherwise you might cut the o-ring when pushing it into the fitting.

    How many cuts do you need to make? Might be worth buying a quality tool to save you time.

    • Alley Cat on 03/09/2023 - 09:28

      The demurring thing might make it really sharp. The ‘official’ gauge deburrs the outside, and also normal debuting tool that handles the inside. After all that, it makes the edges sharper, which I think could penetrate the o-ring.

      Might be worth buying a quality tool to save you time.

      Yes, that’s why I’m asking here. Too fidgety otherwise.

      • JIMB0 on 03/09/2023 - 11:35

        You're just meant to take the edge off by giving it a small chamfer, don't keep going until its been sharpened like a pencil.

  • Protractor on 03/09/2023 - 09:27

    If you are pre-cutting use a mitre box and hacksaw

    Or one of these?>
    https://www.paengineeringsupplies.com.au/product/tube-cutter…

    • Alley Cat on 03/09/2023 - 09:32

      Hacksaw is too rough and leaves uneven edges. Tube cutter crushed the pipe too much.

      • Protractor on 03/09/2023 - 09:35

        Give Reece a call and ask what "hacks" to use then.
        I do think you are too 'keen' with both tools you are using at the moment. Hacksaws come with the option of different blades. I's be using a coarser one for plastic then scrape the edges after the cut. You are either over thinking, under prepping or expecting too much. Watch some YT vids

        • Alley Cat on 03/09/2023 - 09:44

          I disagree. The official tool is supposed to cut it nice and clean, but SmarteX seems to be a poor knock off of Sharkbite, and the cutter blade wobbles during operation so it’s always at an angle. The fittings are also tremendously difficult to undo, even with their official tool.

          It might be a good opportunity for you to watch some YT vids to catch up on the current trends.

          • Protractor on 03/09/2023 - 09:57

            @Alley Cat: I don't need to. I'm not the one asking for help after repeat failed cuts. But if I do go all 'Plexy' I'll suss it out then 'if' cut number one is an issue.The bloke in the Bunnings video makes it look easy. Albeit not much info to learn a technique.

  • Alley Cat on 03/09/2023 - 09:32

    I think I’ll give this one a go https://www.bunnings.com.au/irwin-poly-tube-cutter_p0096162

  • revheadgl on 03/09/2023 - 12:08

    Have a look at the Milwaukee cutter. I haven't used one but recall it being well rated when it was first released years ago. Sells for $36 from most tool stores, Total Tools, Sydney Tools etc.

    https://www.milwaukeetool.com.au/hand-tools/pipe-tools-and-w…

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