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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.
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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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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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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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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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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Lead-free tinning flux; confirm application and follow product directions.
View on Amazon ↗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.
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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 spaces3 options

RIDGID
101 Mini Cutter
¼–1⅛ in. OD
Compact cutter for tight spaces.
View on Amazon ↗Fit details
Catalog 40617; standard E-3469 copper wheel. Allow room for the complete cutter to rotate. The 101-ML is a different model.

Milwaukee
1-in. Mini Tubing Cutter
⅛–1⅛ in. OD
Compact copper cutter with spare blade.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Model 48-22-4251. Check actual tube diameter and full rotation clearance; the 1-in. name is not its minimum or maximum OD.
Model specifications ↗
KNIPEX
TubiX S Mini Cutter
⅛–1⅛ in. OD
QuickLock adjustment in a compact body.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
90 31 01 SBA. Copper and stainless steel; maximum wall thickness 2 mm. Allow the full cutter body to rotate.
Model specifications ↗
Standard tubing cutters
Handled cutters up to 1⅝ in. OD3 options

RIDGID
150 Tubing Cutter
⅛–1⅛ in. OD
A larger handle for everyday cuts.
View on Amazon ↗Fit details
Catalog 31622 with E-3469 wheel. Its maximum diameter is the same as the 101 mini cutter; the handle needs more clearance.

KNIPEX
TubiX Tubing Cutter
¼–1⅜ in. OD
Quick adjustment with an integrated deburrer.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
90 31 02 SBA. For copper, brass and suitable steel tubing up to 2 mm wall. Check cutting wheel, tube material and rotation space.
Model specifications ↗
RIDGID
151 Quick-Acting Cutter
¼–1⅝ in. OD
A step up in diameter from mini cutters.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Catalog 31632, E-3469 wheel and fold-away reamer. Choose the metal-tubing version; 151-P, 151-ML and CSST versions differ.
Model specifications ↗
Larger tubing cutters
More capacity for larger tube2 options

RIDGID
152 Quick-Acting Cutter
¼–2⅝ in. OD
Wider capacity for larger copper tube.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Catalog 31642 with E-3469 wheel and fold-away reamer. The 152-P is a different plastic-pipe configuration.
Model specifications ↗
KNIPEX
TubiX XL Cutter
¼–3 in. OD
Wide opening with a removable deburrer.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
90 31 03 BKA. Copper, brass and suitable stainless tubing; wall thickness up to 2 mm. Check clearance around the larger body.
Model specifications ↗
Battery-powered cutters
Two copper size ranges2 options

Milwaukee
M12 Copper Cutter
⅜–1 in. nominal copper
½–1⅛ in. outside diameter.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
2471-20 tool-only. For Type K, L and M copper. Check battery/charger separately and follow clearance and operating instructions.
Model specifications ↗
Milwaukee
M12 Brushless Copper Cutter
1¼–2 in. nominal copper
1⅜–2⅛ in. outside diameter.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
2479-20 tool-only. For Type K, L and M copper. Check the selected package for battery and charger; this is a different size range from 2471-20.
Model specifications ↗
Reamers & deburring tools
Prepare the inside and outside edges3 options

RIDGID
127 Inner/Outer Reamer
¼–1½ in. OD
Prepare both edges of copper tube.
View on Amazon ↗Fit details
Match Model 127, listing 34965 / current catalog 34965R. The 127S is different. Reaming does not replace cleaning the tube and fitting.

REED
DEB200 Inner/Outer Tool
⅜–2 in. nominal CTS
One tool for inside and outside edges.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Item 04431. Manufacturer lists 10–54 mm actual ID/OD, copper/aluminum/steel/stainless. CTS and IPS nominal capacities differ.
Model specifications ↗
Noga
NogaBurr 3 Deburring Tool
S10, S20 & S35 blades
Hand deburring around cut edges.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
NG1003 set. Select the included blade to match the material and edge shape. A deburring pen does not clean or prepare the entire soldering surface.
Model specifications ↗
Flux & soldering supplies
Flux, sandcloth, brushes, solder and torch6 options

Oatey
No. 95 Tinning Flux
8 oz · model 30372
Tinning flux for compatible solder joints.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Petrolatum-based formula with tinning powder. Follow flux, solder and fitting instructions, including cleaning after soldering. Check the selected container size.
Model specifications ↗
Nokorode
Regular Paste Flux
1.7 oz · RectorSeal
Paste flux for copper and brass work.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Match Regular Paste Flux and the selected package size. Follow its soldering and cleanup instructions; flux does not replace cleaning the mating surfaces.
Model specifications ↗
Oatey
Plumber’s Sandcloth
1½ in. wide · 120 grit
Abrasive cloth for surface preparation.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Model 31315, 2-yard roll. Check the listing’s roll length. Abrasive cloth cleans the surface; remove cutting burrs separately.
Model specifications ↗
Oatey
Acid / Flux Brushes
½ in. brush width
Apply flux with a small brush.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Select the ½-in. acid brush and confirm the pack quantity. Keep the brush clean and use it only with a compatible product. Packaging varies.
Model specifications ↗
Oatey
95/5 Plumbing Solder
95% tin / 5% antimony
Lead-free wire solder for permitted joints.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Match solder, flux and fitting requirements. Choose the roll weight on the seller’s page. Soldering requires training, ventilation and fire precautions.
Model specifications ↗
Bernzomatic
TS8000 Torch Head
Compatible fuel cylinder required
For trained soldering and heating work.
View on Amazon ↗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.



