RIDGID 32573 Model 118 2-in-1 Close Quarters AUTOFEED 1/4" to 1-1/8" Metal Tubing Compact Cutter, Silver/Black

This is an awesome tool; this has saved me a bunch of labor in several situations. I know it's only a tubing cutter, but I have used it to cut rigid metal pipe.

Probably every plumber owns one of these. Great design, very well built.

I like the fact that I don’t have to get back in there with my fingers. I can just move the handle back-and-forth and it cuts the pipe.

Delivery – This product was delivered on time/early with no problems. The product was properly packaged and looked great right out of the box.Quality – The metal handle and imp cutter seem to both be well made from good quality metal. These parts seem heavy-duty and made to last. Unfortunately, as many other reviewers have mentioned, the plastic ratcheting mechanism seems like the product’s weak point. This part ought to be made of a stronger material. I suppose with RIDGID’s lifetime warranty, this shouldn’t be difficult to replace, if it does break. I’ve used my cutter for cutting ½” copper pipe for a shower valve install. The ratchet did not break and is still working well. I don’t think the plastic ratchet warrants a bad review.Functionality – I like the design of this product. If you’ve ever used an imp cutter for making many cuts, it can be slow and cause fatigue. The handle and ratchet allowed me to cut pipe faster and without getting tired. Also, the cutter still fits in those tiny spots in framed cavities with the handle and ratchet. The only problem I’ve had is the supposed “self-feeding” cutter wheel. This did NOT work as advertised. I found myself tightening the knob as I would while using any other imp. In fact, I’ve tried to figure out how this tool is supposed to self-feed and there really doesn’t seem to be any mechanism that would allow for that function. The “self-feeding” claim is either false advertising or it’s a mistake. This is why I cannot give this product a 5-star review. Some reviewers have complained that it doesn’t leave a clean cut, but I haven’t had any issue with the quality of the cut.Overall – I bought this product because I saw it on an episode of “Ask This Old House”. I’m glad I did. The downsides are that the “self-feeding” cutter wheel doesn’t seem to work as advertised and the plastic ratcheting mechanism should be made of metal. The positives are that this tool is easier and faster than using just an imp cutter, but still fits into tight spots. Overall I’d recommend this to the DIYer who frequently tackles plumbing projects, but probably not to a professional plumber who prefers standard plumbing tools.

I found this tool incredibly helpful but only with pipes up to 3/4” diameter.Anything larger and the tool slides off which I found when trying to cut 1” diameter copper pipe in a confined space with the wall opened up on one side only.But I still managed to cut 1” pipe but it took quite sometime trying to cut full circle with the pipe set midway through a 3” wide stud wall.I still believe Ridgid to be the best plumbing tools.Particularly with their pipe bending tools.I have 5 RIDGID pipe cutting tools and Ridgid pipe bender that will bend s/steel as well,they are dahm good tools and spare parts are readily available so you can always keep you tools working like new for decades to come.Some are made in the USA and China but I have never had an issue with the Chinese made gear.You only pay for what you get.Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten! I can always rely on Ridgid.

As long as you have room for it to fit and use the ratchet it is a game changer! No more killing your fingers turning that little knob and cutter. This is the bomb!

Use this product for cutting 20 and 25 mm aluminum tube for air line at my job and this cutter works better thwn my larger handle cutterl.i have bard arthritis in both hands and this product makes cutting pipe alot easier. The ratcheting handle makes it a breeze and the auto feed on the cutter saves me from having to stop every few turns to tighten the cutter more. I have found you need to tighten the cuter all the way down to use the auto feed feature and there is a spring on the cutting wheel that advances the wheel in as you cut. I can get through my pipe in 3 full revolutions compared to 6 -10 with my old cutter. I have yet to use the cutter as a standalone without the handle but im sure it will work flawlessly.

As a plumber i can tell you that is worth every penny, i already hadbthe same size copper cutter, but i saw this as a complte kit and it has been amazing help when working on tight spots, the handle attachment helps so much and makes work easier.