Copper Cutting Tools

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Copper Cutting Tools

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See what a clean copper joint needs

Tap a number or part name to see what it does and what to look for.

See what a clean copper joint needsCopper tube cutaway with outside-diameter measurement, the cut edge, cleaned outer surface, and a separate fitting cup.

A cut tube and fitting shown apart for clarity. Conceptual solder-joint preparation, not a soldering tutorial.

1. Outside diameter

A cutter must open far enough for the tube’s outside diameter, or OD.

For common K, L and M copper water tube, ½-in. nominal means ⅝-in. OD. Check the material and actual tube.

Compare cutter capacities →

Parts & tools

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RIDGID 101 mini tubing cutter

Cuts ¼–1⅛-inch outside-diameter tubing.

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2. Cut edge

The cut should leave a square, usable end without crushing the tube.

The cutter’s wheel and capacity must suit the material; tightening harder is not a substitute for the right tool.

Compare standard cutters →

Parts & tools

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RIDGID 150 tubing cutter

Cuts ⅛–1⅛-inch outside-diameter tubing.

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3. Inside burr

Cutting can leave a raised edge inside the tube. A suitable reamer removes this burr.

Deburring the edge and cleaning the soldering surface are separate preparation steps.

Compare reamers & deburring tools →

Parts & tools

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RIDGID 223S inner/outer reamer

For ¼–1¼-inch copper and stainless tubing.

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4. Clean mating surfaces

The outside of the tube and inside of the fitting cup need compatible cleaning before a soldered joint is made.

Sandcloth or a suitable fitting brush prepares the surface; avoid removing excessive metal.

Browse sandcloth & supplies →

Parts & tools

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Oatey plumber’s sandcloth

1½-inch × 30-foot roll, 120 grit, for surface preparation.

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5. Flux & fitting cup

Compatible flux is applied to the cleaned mating surfaces before soldering, following the product instructions.

Flux is not a leak sealant. Soldered, press and push-fit joints have different preparation requirements.

Browse flux, brushes & solder →

Parts & tools

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Oatey No. 95 tinning flux

Lead-free tinning flux; confirm application and follow product directions.

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Illustrations explain common parts and conditions. They do not diagnose your home or replace the instructions for your specific equipment.

Choose a cutter by tube size, then add the tools and supplies for preparing the joint.

Product links are paid links. Sergeant Plumber Corp. may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Sergeant Plumber Corp. may earn from qualifying purchases.

OD means outside diameter. Measure the tube; nominal copper size is different. Battery cutters below show both sizes.

Mini tubing cutters

Compact options for tight spaces
3 options
RIDGID 101 Mini Cutter

RIDGID

101 Mini Cutter

¼–1⅛ in. OD

Compact cutter for tight spaces.

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Fit details

Catalog 40617; standard E-3469 copper wheel. Allow room for the complete cutter to rotate. The 101-ML is a different model.

Standard tubing cutters

Handled cutters up to 1⅝ in. OD
3 options
RIDGID 150 Tubing Cutter

RIDGID

150 Tubing Cutter

⅛–1⅛ in. OD

A larger handle for everyday cuts.

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Fit details

Catalog 31622 with E-3469 wheel. Its maximum diameter is the same as the 101 mini cutter; the handle needs more clearance.

Larger tubing cutters

More capacity for larger tube
2 options

Battery-powered cutters

Two copper size ranges
2 options

Reamers & deburring tools

Prepare the inside and outside edges
3 options
RIDGID 127 Inner/Outer Reamer

RIDGID

127 Inner/Outer Reamer

¼–1½ in. OD

Prepare both edges of copper tube.

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Fit details

Match Model 127, listing 34965 / current catalog 34965R. The 127S is different. Reaming does not replace cleaning the tube and fitting.

Flux & soldering supplies

Flux, sandcloth, brushes, solder and torch
6 options
Bernzomatic TS8000 Torch Head

Bernzomatic

TS8000 Torch Head

Compatible fuel cylinder required

For trained soldering and heating work.

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Fit details

Confirm approved fuel, cylinder connection and package contents. Open-flame work requires fire protection, ventilation and training; do not heat a pressurized or unknown line.

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