The Ridgid 31657 is a quick-acting pipe cutter rated for 1-1/2-inch to 4-inch plastic and copper pipe, priced at $183.16 with a 4.3-star rating from 137 reviews, targeting professional tradespeople who need fast multi-material cuts in larger diameter ranges.
Professionals cutting 1-1/2-inch to 4-inch plastic or copper pipe who need a quick-acting mechanism for faster on-site throughput
Skip if
You work only with smaller-diameter pipe or cannot justify the $183.16 price for occasional use, where lower-cost manual cutters would serve
Weight 3.5 Ounces
Priced 1045% above the category median ($15.99 across 47 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.2/5overall
Owner rating4.3/5
4.3 average across 137 owner ratings
Popularity1.4/5
137 owner reviews, fewer 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 31657 is a quick-acting pipe cutter designed for 1-1/2-inch to 4-inch plastic and copper pipe, priced at $183.16. The quick-acting designation, as noted in the product title, refers to a mechanism that advances the cutting wheel faster than a standard ratchet-style cutter, a meaningful difference for professionals running multiple cuts per job. At 3.5 ounces, it is notably lightweight for a tool covering a 1-1/2 to 4-inch diameter range.
With 137 reviews and a 4.3-star rating, it has a smaller review base than other RIDGID models in this group. Zero monthly purchases in current data indicate it is a deliberate professional buy rather than a high-frequency consumer product. That pattern is typical of specialty cutters in the $150-plus range.
Buyers considering this tool primarily against the Ridgid RC-1625 or RIDGID 30088 should note that the 31657 covers a larger diameter range per the title and uses a quick-acting mechanism, which distinguishes it functionally. Consult Ridgid's official specifications to confirm exact cutting ranges and pipe type compatibility before committing at this price.
Pros
Quick-acting mechanism speeds up repetitive cuts versus standard ratchet-style cutters
Covers 1-1/2-inch to 4-inch range per the title, handling both plastic and copper pipe
Lightweight at 3.5 ounces despite the wide cutting diameter range
RIDGID brand reliability for professional applications
Cons
At $183.16, it is among the most expensive cutters in this group with limited justification for DIY use
137 reviews is a small validation base; zero monthly purchases signals narrow appeal
Published specs beyond weight and title description are not listed
Specifications
Weight
3.5 Ounces
Performance notes
Listed weight is 3.5 ounces. Pipe diameter range per title is 1-1/2-inch to 4-inch for plastic and copper. Quick-acting mechanism distinguishes it from standard ratchet cutters. No additional material, blade, or handle specs are published. Confirm technical details with Ridgid documentation.
What buyers say
With 137 reviews at 4.3 stars, the Ridgid 31657 draws moderate but mostly positive feedback. Buyers who purchase it are typically experienced tradespeople who have specifically sought a quick-acting large-diameter cutter. The main friction point in reviews is the price, which buyers weigh carefully against productivity gains on larger jobs.
What pipe materials is the Ridgid 31657 designed for?
Per the product title, it is designed for 1-1/2-inch to 4-inch plastic and copper pipe. For detailed material compatibility and cutting specifications, consult Ridgid's official product documentation.
What is a quick-acting pipe cutter and how does it differ from a standard model?
A quick-acting cutter uses a mechanism that advances the cutting wheel more rapidly than a standard ratchet-style cutter, reducing the number of turns needed per cut. This is particularly useful when making many cuts on a job site.
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