The 5 Best Soil Pipe Cutters – [Top Reviews & Rankings]

A soil pipe cutter, also known as a snap cutter, is a specialty tool designed to cut soil pipes. The best soil pipe cutter will cut smoothly and quickly, will be able to cut soil pipe up to 8 inches thick, and will include a lifetime warranty.

Soil pipes are pipes that remove sewage and wastewater from a building. The main purpose of a soil pipe is to transport the waste from your bathroom, toilet and sink to an underground drainage system (Source).

Using a soil pipe cutter is simple and straightforward. The process is started by using chalk to mark a cut line on the pipe. Then, the chain of the soil pipe cutter is wrapped around the pipe. Once the chain is attached, the pressure is applied to the handles of the soil pipe cutter, allowing the blade wheels to cut into the pipe (Source).

The feature-set and price range of soil pipe cutters can vary quite a bit from tool to tool, and from website to website. Before you buy a soil pipe cutter, first consider the price, maximum cutting size, and cost. You should also consider whether or not it includes a vacuum system, among other top factors.

In this review, we will examine the topsoil pipe cutters. All of the pipe cutters in this write-up will cleanly and quickly separate soil pipe, whether you are a plumber performing a work order at a customer’s house, or performing a DIY pipe repair at home.

How Much Do Soil Pipe Cutters Cost?

If you only need to cut a standard soil pipe size around 3 inches in diameter and with walls around 0.25 inches thick, then a soil pipe cutter won’t be that expensive for you. However, those who need to cut larger and thicker pipes will need to invest extra money.

Generally, soil pipe cutters cost anywhere from $30-$500, depending on the model. As a general rule of thumb though, the larger and thicker your pipe cutting needs are, the more that you will have to pay.

In addition, another thing to consider is the durability of the model and how long you need to use it. If you are a professional contractor of some sort, then you might just buy one of the best possible soil pipe cutters.

How Does a Soil Pipe Cutter Work?

A soil pipe cutter works by using compression. A chain wraps about the pipe and a knob is turned to the cut position. Using the long handle, the user starts to ratchet and the scissors around the chain close.

It then pulls the chain tight around the pipe and cuts it by compression. Finally, after enough compression, the cutter snaps through the pipe.

Comparing the Top 5 Models

Best Soil Pipe Cutters: Our Top 5 Picks

1. RIDGID 69982 Model 226 Soil Pipe Cutter – Best Overall Dry Cut Saw

If you want the best soil pipe cutter on the market, this is a great place to start. This model is easily the most versatile and efficient option on the market. Especially for those who have soil pipes larger than 3 inches thick.

On its own, this model can cut through pipes up to 6 inches thick. This includes materials like cast iron, cement, and clay pipes. If you need to cut pipes larger than 6-inches you can also purchase a separate chain extension.

With the chain extension, you will be able to cut up to 8 inches thick. The chain extension will also allow you to cut clay pipes up to 15 inches in diameter.

2. OEMTOOLS 27045 Pipe Cutter – Affordable Option for Occasional Users

Getting an affordable option in a niche of products like soil pipe cutters where expensive options exist can be a little risky. However, this product from OEMTOOLs shows that you can have both a reasonable level of quality and an affordable price.

This is why this is a great option for those who need a soil pipe cutter to handle one job right now. Ideally, you will also keep it around in your garage for future jobs in case the need arises.

If you only need your pipe cutter for a short-term period or on an occasion, it might not be logical to spend big bucks on an expensive model. If this describes your needs, and your soil pipes are up to 3.25 inches in diameter, this is probably a great choice for you to consider.

3. GEARWRENCH Pipe Cutter – 2031DD – Some of the Smoothest and Quickest Cuts

This model from GearWrench is a great choice for anybody who wants an affordably-priced soil pipe cutter that can be dependable for making smooth and quick cuts.

Although this soil pipe cutter can only cut pipes up to 3 inches in diameter, it is widely-acclaimed for making quick and smooth cuts. In fact, it might very well be the best affordable pipe cutter in this category if you are concerned with the quality of your cuts.

The handles are padded and comfortable for long periods of use. Although it may take a small learning curve to use this soil pipe cutter on the first use, you will quickly be able to make cuts in hard to reach areas.

4. DEF Chain Style Pipe Cutter – Best Budget-Friendly Option

If you have a very tight budget and still want to get one of the best soil pipe cutters, you have two options. Either rent a model or get a budget-friendly one like this one. Despite its price, it is still able to hold up to a reasonable standard of quality.

For example, this model will cut soil pipes up to 3.25 inches thick, and can also work on other types of pipes such as exhaust pipes. In other words, this is a versatile and affordable pipe cutter.

Anybody seeking to purchase a pipe cutter but not quite able to invest the money in one of the nicest models might choose to get the most budget-friendly option possible. If this describes you, the DEF chain style pipe cutter is a wonderful choice.

5. Anglo-American Tools Grip-On 186 Pipe Cutter – Best Balance Quality and Affordability

Many people who want the best soil pipe cutter have budget ranges that are right in the middle. People who don’t want to spend around $500, but also not less than $50, usually get a model like this one right in the middle of the standards of price and quality.

This soil pipe cutter can cut hard metal like steel up to 4.5 inches in diameter. The walls of the pipes can stretch up to 0.25 inches thick. Best of all, this is a lightweight model that is very simple to use for long periods of time.

Although this isn’t the most affordable option you can find, it also comes with a set of specifications that aren’t typical. What we are left with then, is a great soil pipe cutter that has a nice balance of quality and affordability.

Soil Pipe Cutter Brands

The brand of a product can often imply many different things. Sometimes, people buy products from a particular brand because they know that they will receive a particular feature or benefit. This can definitely apply to people who want one of the best soil pipe cutters.

For this reason, let’s go ahead and break down the best soil pipe cutter brands and why each of them stands out as a great potential option.

RIDGID

RIDGID prides themselves on being innovating and providing new practical tools to the world. Founded back in 1923, they are perhaps best known for inventing the modern pipe wrench. Today, they still continue in this path of innovation by producing some of the best pipe threaders and cutters.

The RIDGID 69982 Model 226 Soil Pipe Cutter is a great example of the high level of quality this brand provides due to its versatility, efficiency, and overall quality. Premium features such as a chain extension (sold separately) for cutting larger pipe diameters than typically needed make this one of the best soil pipe cutters.

OEMTOOLS

OEMTOOLS is an internationally renowned manufacturer of various tools. This includes parts for industries such as computers and the automotive industry. Their pipe cutters are so strong that they can easily handle jobs on soil pipes.

The OEMTOOLS 27045 Pipe Cutter is a great example of the level of quality that this brand provides. With pipe cutters like this one capable of cutting ultra-hard materials like steel, this is a great brand to have around in terms of both quality and affordability.

GearWrench

GearWrench is perhaps best known for introducing the five-degree ratcheting wrench in 1996. However, they are also widely-acclaimed for being a manufacturer of high-quality pipe cutters.

The GEARWRENCH Pipe Cutter – 2031DD is one of the best soil pipe cutters in terms of making smooth cuts that are done quickly. This can be very helpful for overall work efficiency and being able to make cuts in hard-to-reach areas.

DEF

DEF (or Diesel Exhaust Fluid) is widely known for having high-quality tools for use on vehicles. Due to the sheer quality of their part materials, they are versatile enough for many types of jobs.

DEF designs its pipe cutters to be used on car exhaust pipes. However, soil pipes are often much easier to cut. In other words, using a tool from this brand ensures that you have enough power for the job.

Anglo-American Tools

Anglo American Tools is one of the industry authorities in hand tools. Their tools can also be used for a wide range of tasks and different industries of work.

The GEARWRENCH Pipe Cutter – 2031DD is a great example of how a manufacturer like this is capable of providing quality tools for many different potential needs. Although this brand isn’t notorious for making soil pipes cutters, this product has one of the best balances of price and quality on the market.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Soil Pipe Cutter

Before you make any sort of purchase, it’s important that you educate yourself on how the industry works. This way, you can know what features to expect, what a fair price is, and so on. This applies to any other cutter purchases you may have, like the best laminate floor cutters and others.

For example, many of the best chain pipe cutters are actually not designed specifically for cutting soil pipes. This opens up your range of possibilities for many different types of products.

Maximum Pipe Diameter

The maximum pipe diameter that your soil pipe cutters can handle is one of the most important things for you to consider right away. This specification will instantly tell you how large the diameter your pipe cutter can cut.

It is a little common for people to not consider this and avoid buying a large pipe cutter that would have been suitable for cutting large enough diameters.

The Versatility of the Pipe Cutter

For your exact type of soil pipe material, you may not necessarily need a ratcheting chain pipe cutter which is versatile enough for other jobs.

However, those who want their new soil pipe cutters to also be able to handle jobs afterward should find a model that is able to cut many different types and diameters of materials.

Size and Weight

The size and weight of the model might not be much of a concern for some people but others will see this as a primary selling point. Especially if you need to cut soil pipes in hard to reach areas, the size of the model can have a huge impact. Larger and heftier models can quickly also become a heavier burden in general.

Type of Materials it can Cut

A typical soil pipe is made with materials like cast iron or uPVC. Using a typical metal hacksaw, this can be a very difficult cutting job to do manually! However, many of the best soil pipe cutters featured here are not only able to cut materials like these, but also even strong materials.

As a general of thumb, it’s smart to ensure that your top choice is strong enough to cut your soil pipe in the first place. Take a look at the material of your soil pipe and ensure that it is supported.

How to Use a Soil Pipe Cutter

Learning how to use a soil pipe cutter will only take you a few minutes or so. For your reference, let’s go ahead and break down the basic steps involved in using your first soil pipe cutter.

1. Open the Cutter and Wrap the Chain Around

Start by planning out where your cut will take place. Once you have your parts ready to go wrap the chain around the pipe. Make sure all the links are straight so that no problems will develop.

2. Latch the Chain Tightly Around the Cut

Now that the chain is wrapped around your pipe, go ahead and start securing it tightly in place. Remember that the pipe is going to cut as a result of high pressure. Using the chain latch, make it as tight as you can possibly do with your hands.

3. Increase Pressure Until Pipe is Cut

With your connection completely in place and ready to go, now is the time to finish your cut. Using the tightening mechanism, increase the pressure even more until the pipe is cleanly cut apart.

Ready to Use a Soil Pipe Cutters for Your Next Project?

Getting one of the best soil pipe cutters is generally very easy to do but requires a bit of research so that you can do things properly. Once you understand the market and what features to expect, finding the best chain pipe cutters for your needs is simple.

All cutters require precision and proper alignment. Start by looking at the RIDGID 69982 Model 226 Soil Pipe Cutter.  If affordability is your top concern, you should instead check out the OEMTOOLS 27045 Pipe Cutter first.

It is also common for people to get a product that balances price and quality instead of the most affordable or nicest model. People like this tend to get the Anglo-American Tools Grip-On 186 Pipe Cutter. In any case, make sure to know what features and prices to expect in order to get the best ratcheting chain pipe cutter possible.

It works by using a system of chains which apply a great amount of pressure to the pipe in order to cut it smoothly when twisted. It definitely has a unique system compared to other cutters, like the best electric rebar cutters or the top shingle cutters.