Best tube cutters according to redditors

Glass tubing cutter.

Whatever bars you get, buy longer than you think you'll need (780-800mm) and then cut it down with a pipe cutter like this after a few weeks if you're sure it's too long. Also, if you're not worried about a few extra grams, I can vouch for the Truvativ Hussefelt stems. They're a cheap and extremely sturdy option, and they're available as short as 40mm.

Here's one that fits on a key chain. Here is the one I use.

It is a scientific glass tube cutter.

https://www.amazon.com/Scientific-Glass-Tubing-Cutter-Ea/dp/B004LPJEZW

Make a small scratch and pull/snap is the trick.

They may have used an industrial pvc wheel cutter - something like this

First of all, it's called a seat post rather than a stem. Not hating, it was just a bit confusing how you used the term stem.

Specialized leaves all their seat posts uncut (at least all the new ones I've had from them). It's simple, you just need to cut it. Be careful not to cut too much off. There is a tiny hole on the side of the seat tube which is where the seat post goes into. This is the indication for how far the seat post needs to be inserted at a minimum. If it is higher than that, you risk breaking your frame. To cut, just use a hack saw or I like using a pipe cutter (http://www.amazon.com/MAGBIT-801-114C-MAG801-Cutter-Copper/dp/B005M2A3CQ/ref=lp_553180_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376170556&sr=1-1).

For me the top 2 things i can think of are

for PETG And Acrylic tubing a Primoshill RFB you can get it in multiple sizes for what ever tubing your using. I use mine exactly how it says to.

https://www.primochill.com/products/primochill-rfb-rigid-tubing-finishing-bit

Tube cutter you can cut PETG and soft tubing with ease.

https://www.amazon.com/XSPC-Heavy-Duty-Cutter-0-25mm/dp/B00ZQLKP0I

these are the only 2 things i use every time. i would say some kind of jog to help with bending can be handy but it all depends on the type of bends your doing. I have one but only use it when doing runs with double bends.

This site has a few suggestions. I'm planning to mix and match pieces of a few of the designs to make a free-standing PVC stand with a downtube clamp. I made a 6-guitar stand out of PVC previously, so it'd be a similar project.

PVC's quite cheap and easy to work. You can just cut it with a hack saw, or pick up a tubing cutter, which will make things go a lot faster and easier. I bought the fittings here and the pipe at Home Depot for the best price. Then, for the clamp, you just need a hinge or two and a latch. A bit of foam tubing insulation can be put inside to make a tight fit and protect the tube.

Just remember: Sketch out a detailed plan, measure twice, cut once. Then it's just like building legos.

They sell these shitty little glass pipe cutters on Amazon - here's one:

https://www.amazon.com/Cutting-Plastic-Tubing-Cutter-Diameter/dp/B01LX50VY5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480702008&sr=8-1&keywords=glass+pipe+cutter

Listen dude, all it takes is the will to do it, a little mechanical dexterity, and some coil building experience (which you get as you go along). Oh and some tools and supplies.

It's not that hard - if you fail you waste some wire and time, no biggie - I've had a lot more failures than successes - but I'm pretty happy with my current best.

Listen, there are lots of basic building videos on YouTube - and lots of people here you can ask for pointers. =)

Next time, use a pipe cutter. They're easy to to use, dead silent as they cut, and leave almost no metal fragments. Great for steel & aluminum, just never use for carbon.

I don't know what kind of work you do, I do everything, and once in awhile these save the day. They aren't tools I use often but they make life easier sometimes

Screw Extractor set

Knipex Plier Wrench

Klein tube cutter

Deep sockets in small case with an Impact Adaptor

Klein cct finder

Messing with the shaft shouldn't void the warranty. Putter shafts are around $20 to replace entirely. OP if you want to do it right, get a tube cutter (like this: http://www.amazon.com/MAGBIT-801-114C-MAG801-Cutter-Copper/dp/B005M2A3CQ/ref=lp_553180_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382719853&sr=1-1). Although you might want to check your putter setup/stance before doing so. I used a 33" putter for a long time, then I got a lesson/fitted for a putter this summer and went to a 35". YMMV

For much cleaner cut use this . Then just put some rubber caps on the end

This link might help you narrow it down a bit.

Nice tut! Another little tip (picked up from tokecity) to add for those with SSTBs is that if you want to cut it down to size for smaller runs, get a pipe cutter like so.

They are generally made to cut softer metal like brass so go slow and take a bunch of passes or you'll end up bending the tube in a little, but they will cut a tube down to size no problem.

I use kegs with short dip tubes for lagering. I cut them with a mini pipe cutter.

Fyi. Just did this project. I used

Superior Tool 35034 3/4-Inch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004Q0QOVE?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

And

SharkBite Deburring Pipe and... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000K6QFSU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Make sure your cutting tool is the right size though. It was a breeze for me.

I would build the arms out of electrical conduit. It's cheap, easy to cut and much stronger than wood or plastic.

You would need a drill, a conduit cutter, a clamp, some wing nuts, washers bolts and bushings.

Cut the conduit to the length you want, clamp the ends flat and drill a hole through them. then connect the ends with the bolts and bushings using the wing nuts to hold it together. Wing nuts are nice because they let you easily adjust the torque.

After that, you could attach a piece of wood to end to place the keyboard on.

You know those cutters plumbers use to cut copper pipe, and they revolve around the outside of the pipe? The tools I've seen are similar in concept.

Alternatively, just buy a cheap pipe cutter like this - TEKTON 64501 Mini Tubing Cutter, 1/8-Inch - 5/8-Inch O.D. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01648WB4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_I1OSyb355X51R. I use it to cut PETG, get damn good cuts too.

you can definitely do that. use a pipe cutter to get the best result (something like this)

Torpedo Level with a strong magnet
Extension Bit with quick change
Flexible drill bit extension
You might not use this every install or service but it comes in so clutch when you need it
Multi Screwdriver

A couple different size pipe wrenches. 6” and a 14” I recommend Rigid
Copper pipe cutters. You’ll need a Close quarters tubing cutter and a Large tubing cutter
Bulldog Snips



Edit: I’ll keep adding shit

I'll confirm that this specific size from monsoon works with 1/2" OD Copper coil.

https://www.amazon.com/Monsoon-Hardline-Economy-Compression-Fitting/dp/B01C3IZYIO/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1468856674&sr=8-13&keywords=monsoon+hardline

The lines in my build are made out of coil like below, shop around though.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/1-2-in-dia-x-10-ft-L-Coil-Copper-Pipe/3134489

Also you're going to need a pipe cutter and bender if you don't already have them.

https://www.amazon.com/Flexzion-Thickness-Refrigeration-Aluminum-Securely/dp/B017D2YXEQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1468856881&sr=8-2&keywords=1%2F2%22+pipe+bender

and

https://www.amazon.com/MAGBIT-801-114C-MAG801-Cutter-Copper/dp/B005M2A3CQ/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1468856926&sr=8-3&keywords=copper+tube+cutter

Oh nice, I didn't realize he offered black aluminum!

For what it's worth, in the future, get one of these puppies for cutting aluminum and copper tube: https://www.amazon.com/GOCHANGE-Cutter-Aluminum-Cutting-8inch-7/dp/B01AYUVCX4

The only thing better would be a chop saw with a fine tooth blade for cutting metal, but one of those tube cutters will give you a nice clean, square edge.

This is great for filling and re-filling your res with a top entrance.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HFTYIMO

This is a nice item to have for powering on pumps without a PSU.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MGG6SC

I used these to cut and clean my PETG tubing.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PUX9A4Y
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WT6U8U/

Go with PETG, acrylic is a little bit harder but brittle. This tool is great for finishing the tub ends and this one to cut the tube to length.

Edit: buy first tool according to your tubing size.

What size/type of tubing are you using?

I use 12mm bitspower acrylic or 12mm PETG barrow tubing.

My favorite set of tools are:

https://www.amazon.com/3Pcs-Hardline-Mandrel-45-90-180-Rigid/dp/B01IDVQC8Q

https://www.amazon.com/Wagner-Digital-Heat-HT3500-503040/dp/B00BV14VMA

https://www.amazon.com/Wolverine-PST085-Inner-Outer-Reamer/dp/B0002YVLHA

For the barrow PETG:

For cutting: https://www.amazon.com/Apollo-Valves-69PTKC001-Plastic-Tubing/dp/B0054YDY0A or similar

The insert: https://www.amazon.com/Barrow-Silicone-Bending-Tubing-Black/dp/B01M9CTQ1S for when I buy barrow tubing (it's 8mm ID, 12mm OD)

For the bitspower acrylic:

For cutting: https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Mini-Hack-Blade-Angles/dp/B01COE3YZ2 or similar

Edit: Found the insert: http://www.performance-pcs.com/bitspower-silicon-bending-cord-10mm-clear-1m.html

Cleaning up and shaving down to size (this thing is amazing): https://www.primochill.com/products/primochill-rfb-rigid-tubing-finishing-bit

Buy the insert made by the company that makes the tubing for best compatibility imo.

Also I use a belt sander.

Edit: Also I use Mayhems dyes with either white pastel or their X1 clear. Both should be safe with PETG or Acrylic.

Like others have said, hacksaw is what worked for me. I also use a tube cutter to make a small groove as a path for the hacksaw.

I've been using this

It's possible there are cutters like you described and I just don't know about them. The only PVC cutter I know of besides the hack saw works kind of like scissors. Like this Flexible Pipe Capacity PVC Cutter with 1-3/8 and 3/4-Inch PVC Capacity Klein Tools 50506SEN https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0026SVALC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.yPRCb6TEAKCD. there are different variations of them. I'll keep on the look out for a circular cutter like you said.

Reed Tool TC4QP Quick Release Tubing Cutter for Plastic Pipe, 12-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F9T39O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XFoXCbVVVXP18

That does up to 4"

I just went into my basement and cut a piece of steel pipe that is the same thickness as the stainless steel used in shelving, with a pipe cutter from Brass Craft. 15 turns around the pipe, while tightening the cutter with each turn, and it made a perfect circular cut through the pipe, which is something that will not be guaranteed if you use a metal hand saw, because they can often result in cuts that are slightly angled and not "perfectly" cut around the pipe.

• This is a cheaper version of the one that I have, but very similar, and a 1" piece of shelving steel pipe will fit right into it.
  
  
• This is the one I have and it worked beautifully, so if you want to spend a little more for a tool that will last a very long time, maybe get this one, even though the smaller one should also work. Good luck.

Here are several of my favorite special tools made by Ridgid

Amazon This tool is really handy for faucets and drains.

$30 on amazon

Amazon Every one needs a few extra 6 in 1's laying around, may as well get a good one.

$12 on amazon

Amazon This two part wrench is perfect for water stops.

$30 on Amazon

Amazon This is the bees knees for cutting the tubular plastic used for traps and waste lines under sinks and lavs.

$20 on Amazon

You can probably get all of that and be just over the $100 limit with taxes and shipping. I've used all of these in the field and now sell them since i moved to the other side of the parts counter, they make good stuff. Do a Ridgid Tool search on Amazon so you can see if any of there more expensive tools would make sense. Like if he does gas work with copper, they have great flairing tools.

sorry one more Q, I don't own any plumbing tools...use this to cut?

Yup, not the brand I have, but exactly the right thing. This is the one I got, so I could do 1 inch ferrules. It goes up to 1 1/4 I think.

This is the pipe cutter i used.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AYUVCX4/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I think your parts list looks good. I Haven't use the EK radiators before but i use their cpu block, gpu block, gpu backplate, and fittings in my current build and like them.

I prefer the drain port down low. It can be anywhere, you will just have to move the case around to get all the water to drain. Ideally its at the lowest point, but depending on how the loop is laid out that might not be possible. I've done a T off the output of the pump to make a drain port before. Right now i have it off the bottom port of my radiator.

This is my current drain port
https://imgur.com/Z7JWg4w

This is a previous version
https://imgur.com/Y21tkIa

I know you're probably do e with the build but for future reference, I only use a pipe cutter to cut the PETG (won't work with acrylic) because it gives you a super clean outer cut and I use the drill bit to clean up the inside.

It's a tobacco tool. http://www.amazon.com/Keaychain-Spike-Tamper-Reamer-Tobacco-Pipe-Tool/dp/B005OKG6V8

"USAGES: Tamper (Stubber): Allows you to pack the pipe bowl chamber. Reamer: Helps clean out the dottle & ash from the bowl chamber. Spike (Pick) is great for cleaning & removing ash & other residue in the stem and shank as well as the bowl chamber."

Do I really need a deburrer for petg? I bought the drill bit from primo chill because I thought it would be handy.. not sure if I need to deburr on top of that?

You don’t need a deburrer. This is just to make the hard tubes not sharp on the ends so it won’t cut the o-rings in the fittings.

Should I buy gloves for when bending the tube?

You don’t have to. I don’t use gloves but if you want to play it safe and not get burnt then yea, get gloves.

Do you find it easier to hand-bend vs using some sort of mandrels?

Hand bending can be hard for a first timer but they do come out a lot nicer when hand bent. I would recommend getting a bending kit because the 90 degree angle bend is going to be your friend.

Trying to get any ideas of stuff that might be a good idea to have that might not be as obvious as the parts needed for the build..

You might need a drill.

Bending kit: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/22341/too-134/Monsoon_Hardline_Pro_Mandrel_Kit_-_12_x_58_16mm.html?tl=g12c133s2087&id=nC9C9JEQ

XSPC Heavy Duty Hose Cutters: https://www.amazon.com/XSPC-Heavy-Duty-Cutter-0-25mm/dp/B00ZQLKP0I

Heat gun: http://www.frozencpu.com/products/22339/too-136/Monsoon_Hardline_Pro_Heatgun_w_Adapter.html?tl=g12c133s2087&id=nC9C9JEQ
Edit: what do you use to cut your petg? Hand saw? the XSPC cutter? a pipe cutter from local hardware store?

The parts you need for your custom loop check out our CLC: https://www.ekwb.com/custom-loop-configurator/

That deburring tool isn't very good for deburring.

If you're doing petg, you'll be very unhappy with its outer edge deburring performance.

This is the same tool that is much better made: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YVLHA/
It still will NOT do external edge deburring well on petg. But it is made better :)


I recommend a circular pipe cutter over a hacksaw. They will leave much cleaner cuts.

Capri Tools MiniKlinge Mini Tube Cutter, Klinge Close Quarters with 1/8" to 1-1/8" OD, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DCHA3RC/

Get a normal sized pipe cutter and one of the spring-loaded AutoCut's in whatever size(s) you need.

The "imp cutter" you have described sucks balls. It's uncomfortable to grip and if you're in a tight area it's usually a bitch to deal with tightening the blade as well.

The larger one will be much easier to use and adequate for nearly all tasks. The only time you need something smaller is in very tight areas where the larger one won't fit, and in that case, the AutoCutter is awesome and MUCH more comfortable and easier to use than the "Imp." Keep in mind the AutoCut does take a LOT of turning to get through the pipe. Snap it on, it will go one or two rotations with some resistance, then it feels like it's just freespinning and not doing anything, but keep going for 6 or 7 more rotations and it will eventually get through.

The following are the parts I'll be purchasing for this build. I think I've covered everything, but as this will be my first custom loop if someone could give it the once over and make sure I'm not forgetting something it would be GREATLY appreciated!

Link to current build

Item | Vendor | Price | Quantity |
---|---|----|----|----
[CE 280](https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-coolstream-ce-280-dual","EK-CoolStream CE 280) | EK | 75.99 | 1 |
[PE 360](https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-coolstream-pe-360-triple#ow_alert_box","EK-CoolStream PE 360) | EK | 79.99 | 1 | 1
Corsair SP 120 2-pack | Amazon | 27.99 | x2 |
EK 140 Revo D5 | EK | 163.99 | 1 | text
EK Supremacy EVO | EX | 78 | 1 | text
EK Pump Bracket | EX | 13.49 | 1 | text
MSI GTX 1080 Sea Hawk EK| Newegg | 569.99 | 1 | text
ATX Bridging Plug | EX | 2.49 | 1 | text
Alphacool Silicon Bending Cord | Amazon | 8.49 | 1 | text
EK-CSQ Plug | EK | 3.49 | x2 | text
EK-AF 6mm M-M Extender | EK | 2.99 | x2 |
EK Ball Valve | EK | 19.99 | 1 | text
EK X Splitter | EK | 8.99 | 1 | text
Heat Gun | Amazon | 17.71 | 1 |
Step Bit | Amazon | 10.85 |1| text
Pipe Cutter | Amazon | 7.99 | 1 | text
EK-HDC 16mm Gold Fitting | EK | 8.99 | x10 |
EK PETG 12/16 Tube | EK | 8.49 | x4 |

You score it with a scoring tool and then you snap it with your hands.

https://www.amazon.ca/Scientific-97-1601-Glass-Tubing-Cutter/dp/B004LPJEZW

You can also use a file if you have one.

(This should be a given, but wear gloves and safety squints)

I made my stands for my Rift using cheap-assed Ikea floor lamps and a camera mount epoxied on top. 2 lamps make 1 89" stand (cut to length using a cheap pipe cutter), with the 2" camera mount, and 2.5" for the sensors, all coming to 93.5" in total...2.5" from my 8' tall ceiling. The lamps were originally $10 each, but they seem to have gone up. The best part of the stands is that the base is only 10", instead of 2-3 feet square that a tripod takes up. Fits nicely in corners, and also looks nicer than the legs of tripods. They're actually quite fashionable. :P

Yeah this happened to me when I first received the die. I didnt ensure it was tight like the instructions said. Double check and make sure the tip of the pin isnt bent. I also recommend using a small pipe cutter to remove the casing. GOCHANGE Mini Tube Cutter Slice Copper Aluminum Tubing Pipe Cutting Tool 3-22mm 1/8inch-7/8inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AYUVCX4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_aFU.BbB3HX2JF. You can use a grinder or saw to remove the case but I'm a bit heavy handed and usually hit the pin. Pulling it off usually involves a lot of grunting and cursing on my end.

Thanks! In order to bend the tubes you need a heat gun, something like this. https://www.amazon.com/Wagner-0503008-HT1000-200-watt-Heat/dp/B00004TUCV/ref=sr_1_6?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1497451741&sr=8-6&keywords=dewalt+heat+gun
I would just get the cheapest one that you can find. You will also need a silicon insert to place inside the tubing to keep the shape while you make your bends. I used the one that came in this kit https://www.ekwb.com/shop/ek-hd-tube-d-i-y-kit-10and12mm
but you can probably find the insert alone for cheaper since I didn't end up using the saw included in that kit.

I ended up using one of these https://www.amazon.com/Capri-Tools-MiniKlinge-Cutter-Quarters/dp/B01DCHA3RC/ref=sr_1_cc_7?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1497452239&sr=1-7-catcorr&keywords=tubing+cutter

In order to get cleaner cuts. If you don't get the bend perfect the first time you can always take it back over to the heat gun and make any minor adjustments that are needed. The fans that I purchased came in a three pack that included a fan controller that supports up to six fans. I mounted the controller on the inside of the case because I didn't like how it looked anywhere else, but you can stick it on the case anywhere you want.

These little pipe tools come in handy for all sorts of stuff, definitely recommend.

Tube cutter, the bigger ones are easier to cut with, but it doesn't look like you have much space to work with.

Do you have a breaker bar to put on your wrench?

Is this it? https://www.amazon.com/RIDGID-32985-Quarters-Tubing-16-inch/dp/B000WT6U8U

I bet you could cut that shit off with a copper pipe spiral cutter like this guy > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LBLYQB9/

I'm thinking that's just a tiny or aluminum wrap which is probably softer than copper.

This electric tool is not cheap but it will cost less than a plumber.

http://www.garrettwade.com/%20copper-pipe-soldering-tool/p/04D01.02/#more

You will also need a close quarters tubing cutter.

http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-32985-Close-Quarters-Cutter/dp/B000WT6U8U/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1404614040&sr=1-3&keywords=close+quarters+tubing+cutter