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

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?

Image taken on 2009-01-24 08:51:53 by Thirteen Of Clubs.



7 Responses to “What is the difference between a tube cutter and a pipe cutter?”

  1. ktbug3335
    December 13th, 2009 19:56
    7

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

  2. Jack the Toad
    December 13th, 2009 19:23
    6

    try this site i think it will help!

  3. martin couch
    December 13th, 2009 19:06
    5

    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!!

  4. sensible_man
    December 13th, 2009 18:52
    4

    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.

  5. rvsreno
    December 13th, 2009 17:54
    3

    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/

  6. fuzzykitty
    December 13th, 2009 17:11
    2

    I think they’re the same thing.

  7. blossom-end rot
    December 13th, 2009 16:13
    1

    size

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