Superior Tools - Proper Use of a Mini Tubing Cutter

Proper Use of a Mini Tubing Cutter

Some things to keep in mind when cutting soft tubing or hard (copper) pipe with any of our mini tube cutters, especially when the tube/pipe is at the upper limit of the cutter, i.e. ¾” nominal in the case of a 1/8” to 7/8” cutter such as the model 35078:

A cutter, any tubing cutter, is likely to want to “spiral” when attempting to cut at the largest diameter it will handle. Mini cutters are even more susceptible because they are designed for minimum turning radius along with a wide diameter range. Because they are so compact, they tend to be less stable when cutting larger diameter pipe. For this reason, one should make a conscious effort to first “align” the body, rollers and cutting wheel as straight as possible before turning the cutter around the pipe. Note: this is not normally required for ½” (nominal tube) or 5/8” O.D. pipe and below when using these cutters.
Once it is determined that the cutter is straight on the pipe, tighten the knob fairly tight (this may take some experimentation as to how tight is tight) and proceed to turn the cutter around the pipe in an overhand (clockwise) motion while watching to make sure that the first “track” is running true. Note: even if the first track is slightly off (not more than the width of the cutting edge) keep turning the cutter around the pipe several more times until a fairly deep track is started. At this point, you can continue turning the knob and cutting through the pipe. If the cutter starts to spiral badly—stop—and start again. It’s all about proper alignment on the pipe and getting the first track started. Just because a cutter spirals once does not necessarily mean it is bad—it could have been the initial setup on the pipe.

Several other things to remember:

Keep the cutter wheel, rollers and screw, clean and free from metal chips. Also keep them well lubricated with light spray oil. Also, it helps to lubricate the slide tracks in the body and the nylon washer behind the knob. Although this does not affect tracking, it will make the cutter operate easier and make the knob easier to turn.

Make sure the pipe/tube you are attempting to cut is perfectly round and straight in the area you are cutting—a pipe that is oval or bent, even slightly, will cause spiraling.

Sometimes a cutter will want to spiral when turned clockwise around a pipe, but if the direction is reversed (counterclockwise) it will track—go figure.

Sometimes changing the cutter wheel will correct tracking problems. You can order Superior's cutter wheels at our Parts Locator.

We hope this answers some questions as to the correct cutting procedure to use with a mini tubing cutter; if you still have questions on this or any of our tools, call 1-800-533-3244 or

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