What is the difference between a tube cutter and a pipe cutter?

Question

I have a plumbing assignment due, and it lists the two under two seperate tools that I have to describe. I was wondering, is a tube cutter used to cut copper, etc, and a pipe cutter used to cut cast iron with the chain and pressure points?

Answer 1

A tubing cutter is used mostly on copper tubing (but can also be used on stainless steel tubing). The pipe cutter you described (with chain on it) is normally called a pipe snapper. This is used only on cast iron pipe. A pipe cutter is a heavier version of the tubing cutter and is used to cut steel pipe such as black iron pipe and galvanized steel pipe. A pipe cutter has a tee handle that you turn to tighten the cutter wheel while a tubing cutter has a round, knob type, handle to tighten the wheel onto the material.

Answer 2

Good name Sensible-the only sensible answer on here. Thumbs up for you. As for the others, in a category like this, why do you answer questions when you don't have a clue what you're talking about? Tubing cutter for ABS and PVC? I was Operations Manager for a large wholesale plumbing supply and wish I'd grabbed some of those specialty cutting wheels while I had the chance!!

Answer 3

Pipe Snapper

Answer 4

I say size
not really, it's more about material, plastic (ABS, PVC etc) would be a tube cutter and copper and steel would use a pipe cutter

and the one with the chain is just that..... A chain cutter, used for large dia. cast or clay pipe

http://www.toolbarn.com/category/pipe-cutter/

Answer 5

I'm with you couch I think some people are not here to help they're just after 2 points. Go with sensible!!

Answer 6

difficult issue. lookup at yahoo. that can assist!

Answer 7

I think they're the same thing.

Answer 8

size

Answer 9

try this site i think it will help!