Milwaukee Tool recently announced an expansion of its tubing cutter line with the Milwaukee Quick Adjust Tubing Cutter. These new cutters feature four chrome-plated rollers with a spring-loaded adjustment capable of cutting up to 3-1/2-inch copper tubing as well as 3-inch PEX and PVC through the use of a tool-free, interchangeable blade.
“When we launched our lineup of copper tubing cutters last year, we focused on delivering solutions that would provide the very best durability and cut performance in the industry. We’ve continued to deliver on that promise by enhancing the breadth of our line with options for the majority of tubing sizes our users encounter; from adjustable Mini and Constant Swing Copper Tubing Cutters to compact Close Quarters Tubing Cutters. Now, we’re providing a solution for our users who want to tackle larger capacity applications, including plastic tubing.”
– Derek Rose, Product Manager for Milwaukee Tool
Our Take
Last fall, Scott Strollo took Milwaukee’s mini copper tubing cutter for a turn with positive results. Now Milwaukee is back with more tubing solutions, only this time the tubing cutter will accommodate just about any size copper tube you’ll encounter as well as PVC and PEX. We like consolidating tools, so we’re all ears. Although PEX is quickly supplanting its substitutes, having a cutting that can handle all three materials sounds like a good deal.
The Milwaukee Quick Adjust Tubing Cutter models have the same features that made related versions so successful: chrome plated rollers, durable cutting wheel, and easy adjustment. But unlike their predecessors, these new cutters feature an adjustment mechanism that provides a wide range of diameters. It looks like a black button allows the shaft of the cutting wheel to move up and down for the macro-adjustment, and a large knob on the end of the shaft provides the micro-adjustment needed during the cut.
Of course, this tool will have the most utility to plumbers when a pipe is in the chain vise. The area needed to swing the cutter to sever the pipe is large, so it’s doubtful that you’ll have the room to do anything but prepare pipe for new installation unless the pipe just happens to be out in the open. Is there ever a need for a close quarters cutter for such big diameter? We’ll see if Milwaukee hears the call of the marketplace.
Milwaukee Quick Adjust Tubing Cutter Options
3-1/2-Inch Cutters Features
- 1-5/8 to 3-5/8-inch Cut Capacity
- 4 Roller Design
- Chrome Rollers
- Quick Adjustment Mechanism
- Tool-Free Blade Change
- Extra Blade Included
3-1/2-Inch Cutters Specifications
- Item Number: 48-22-4254
- Length: 10.5 inches
- Width: 1.7 inches
- Height: 5 inches
2-1/2-Inch Cutters Features
- 1/2 to 2-5/8-inch Cut Capacity
- 4 Roller Design
- Chrome Rollers
- Quick Adjustment Mechanism
- Tool-Free Blade Change
- Extra Blade Included
2-1/2-Inch Cutters Specifications
- Item Number: 48-22-4253
- Length: 9 inches
- Width: 1.7 inches
- Height: 3.75 inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
Large Diameter PEX Cutter Wheel
- Item Number: 48-22-4206
