4.8(822)Amazon rating$102.99100+ bought last month
Our verdict
The Ridgid 31642 is the top-rated tool in this batch at 4.8 stars from 822 reviews, cutting tubing from 1/4 inch to 2-5/8 inch in a metal-body 1.8-pound package priced at $102.99 and moving 100 units per month.
Professional plumbers and HVAC technicians who need a wide-range tube cutter that handles 1/4-inch to 2-5/8-inch tubing with consistent cut quality
Skip if
Budget is under $50 or you only cut a single small-diameter pipe type and do not need the full 1/4-inch to 2-5/8-inch range
Material Metal
Weight 1.8 pounds
Dimensions 10 x 5.1 x 2.7 inches
Size 1/4-inch to 2-5/8-inch Tube Cutter
Priced 329% above the category median ($23.99 across 39 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.8/5overall
Owner rating4.8/5
4.8 average across 822 owner ratings
Popularity3.6/5
822 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other hand tools and workshop hand tools we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Ridgid 31642 earns a 4.8-star rating from 822 reviews, the highest rating in this entire batch of tile and tube cutters. Ridgid is a benchmark brand in plumbing tools, and the 31642 cuts tubing across a wide range: 1/4 inch to 2-5/8 inch. That span covers the vast majority of residential and commercial copper, aluminum, and steel tubing encountered in plumbing and HVAC work.
The metal body and 1.8-pound weight reflect a professional-grade build that can withstand the demands of daily trade use. At 10 x 5.1 x 2.7 inches, it is compact enough for most access points while still handling larger pipe diameters. With 100 units selling per month at $102.99, demand is steady from the trade buyers who rely on it regularly.
The $102.99 price is the highest in this batch and places the 31642 in the professional-grade segment. DIYers doing occasional work will find the price hard to justify unless they regularly cut multiple pipe sizes. For professionals, the 4.8-star rating and 822-review depth make it the clear top pick in the tube cutter category.
Pros
4.8-star rating from 822 reviews is the highest in this entire batch
Wide 1/4-inch to 2-5/8-inch cutting range covers most residential and commercial tubing
Metal construction and 1.8-pound weight reflect professional-grade durability
Ridgid is a trusted brand in professional plumbing tools
Cons
$102.99 is the highest price in this batch and hard to justify for occasional DIY use
1.8-pound weight and 10 x 5.1 x 2.7-inch size are heavier and larger than compact alternatives
100 monthly units sold at this price reflects a professional audience, not broad mass market
Specifications
Material
Metal
Weight
1.8 pounds
Dimensions
10 x 5.1 x 2.7 inches
Size
1/4-inch to 2-5/8-inch Tube Cutter
Performance notes
The 1/4-inch to 2-5/8-inch tube diameter range is the defining performance spec: it means one tool covers small refrigeration lines up through larger residential water supply pipe. The metal body at 1.8 pounds adds durability and cutting stability. The 10 x 5.1 x 2.7-inch dimensions make it a mid-size tool suited to most access spaces but not the most compact option for tight pipe chases.
What buyers say
Owners at the professional level consistently praise the Ridgid 31642 for its versatility across diameter sizes and its consistent, clean cuts. The 4.8-star average across 822 reviews is the clearest signal of performance quality in this batch. A small percentage of reviewers cite the price as the primary objection, particularly buyers coming from budget alternatives.
The listed spec confirms a 1/4-inch to 2-5/8-inch tube cutting range, making it one of the widest-range manual tube cutters available at this size and price point.
Is the Ridgid 31642 worth $102.99 compared to the $22 to $30 alternatives?
For professionals who cut multiple tube diameters daily, the wider range, metal construction, and 4.8-star rating from 822 reviews justify the price. For occasional DIY use on a single pipe size, the Lisle 11420 at $23.99 or the RIGID 31622 at $30.98 offer strong ratings at a fraction of the cost.
How does the Ridgid 31642 compare to the RIGID 31622 in this category?
The Ridgid 31642 cuts up to 2-5/8-inch diameter and is rated 4.8 stars from 822 reviews at $102.99. The RIGID 31622 is a smaller, lighter tool at $30.98 rated 4.7 stars from 996 reviews. The 31642 offers a wider range; the 31622 is better for smaller tube sizes on a tighter budget.
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