RothenbergerRocut TC 42 Professional Plastic Pipe Shears with Stainless Steel Blade, Rubberized Handle, Transport Lock - Ideal for Plastic Pipes - 0-42 mm Cutting Range - 52000

So far I have made over 100 cuts using this pipe cutter on 3/4" Schedule 40 PVC pipe and a few dozen cuts on a 1" Schedule 40 PVC pipe.Unlike Ridgid 23498 cutter that is comparable in price, this Rothenberger ROCUT 42TC 52000 cutter is made in Spain and is of substantially better quality that is visually and practically apparent as soon as you start using the cutter.Three key features make this a much better cutter than Ridgid 23498 and just about any other under-$100 ratcheting plastic pipe cutter on the market (I have tried the above-mentioned Ridgid and two other cutters before I bought this ROCUT):1. The triangular blade engages the pipe in such a way that it reduces the "squishing" effect on the pipe tremendously, making it much easier to make a straight cut. This becomes even more apparent as you cut the very large diameter pipes. Rothenberger calls this blade shape "V-edge".2. The bottom of the cutter's jaw isn't rounded, offering a "corner" in which to rest a pipe, making it much more likely that the pipe will not try to twist and turn while you're cutting it. This makes it easier to make straight cuts.3. Unlike many other ratcheting cutters, there is almost no felt twist of the pipe happening on the last stroke, making it much easier to make a straight cut.A few tips might be in order here:a. Never cut a cold pipe. If your pipe is of 'old' stock and feels more rigid and less flexible (in other words, it lost its elasticity due to the long-term exposure to the elements and temperature extremes), the best way to cut it is by warming up a pipe in the sun or with hot water if you must do some work at night or in the cold. Otherwise the pipe will crack and shear as you cut it. This is true with all types of plastic pipe cutters that don't "saw" the material around the entire circumference of the pipe.b. Learn the number of strokes it takes before the cutter begins to engage the pipe. For example, on 3/4" Schedule 40 PVC pipe I open the cutter blade, run it three strokes empty and only then position the pipe in the cutter. This makes it easier to start the cutter in just the right place if you need to make precisely measured pieces.c. Go through the entire cutting process in a deliberate, but quick and steady pace. Don't try to be slow and deliberate, since it would tend to contribute to the "squishing" of the pipe and thus produce uneven, non-straight cut. Quick and steady is the way to do it using these types of cutters.d. In order to complete the cut and keep it as straight as possible, make absolutely sure that the last two strokes you make are quick and steady. The quick and steady method makes it far more likely that the last section will be cut, rather than sheared and the resulting cut will be nice and straight.e. Keep the blade clean for best results. Pay especially close attention to it if you have to cut a lot of the old pipe out that is dirty, grimy or has old PVC cement on it. You would want the blade to be perfectly clean when you start to cut new pieces in order to repair old sections or create new fittings.f. The blade isn't really truly stainless. So, a little lube will go a long way to ensure long service life, since some rust spots will appear on the cutting edge of it without lubrication. I personally like Ballistol, but any protective lube will work just as well.

Pros--cuts straighter than the Ridgid 23498 and probably most others that have a straight blade. Has 2 safety locks versus 1.Cons--having 2 safety locks is a bit overkill. Straighter cuts may not be as much of a gamechanger as is having a really good pipe reamer. Ratcheting on the Ridgid is a bit smoother.Update--after making numerous cuts both ½” and ¾”, they are all perfectly straight at 90°. All other cutters I have used are 0.5-2° off center. So far, this is the best PVC cutter for these pipe sizes. Perfection seems to be in the blade design.

I’ve done a lot of CPVC and PVC cutting with these, they score and cut square evenly every time.

I have purchased 6 or more similar cutters. I use them for sprinkler systems, pvc structures and furniture. I have yet to find one that cuts straight but this one does really well. It consistently cuts straight on 1/2” & 3/4” but not on 1” and larger. It cuts better if the pipe is level and cutter blade is perpendicular to pipe. It is one of the easiest to use (squeeze) and has a great blade. Definitely worth the price!

I’m a plumber of 22 years I bought my first pair of rothenberger cutters in 2004 and they are the only cutters I’ve used since. They are durable, reliable, and hands down out preform any other cutter I’ve used. I highly recommend them.

This items breaks way too easily for the cost of the item.

This is a good quality cutter. This is made in Spain. You need to check out the Lenox Industrial Tools 12123 R1 PVC Cutter, it is almost identical to the Rothenberger. The Lenox is made in Taiwan. The Rothenberger has an extra bend it the cutting jaw that makes cutter smaller pipe (like 1/2" CPVC) easier. The rubber grip on the top handle of the Rothenberger is sticky, where the Lenox is just a rubber grip. Other than that they about the same tool. We bought both of them and they both work good.

This cutter is worth every penny. High quality tool that I would buy again, although it is robust enough to last many years. The Lenox I was using will go into the nephew/brother-in-law/neighbor bin (tools I loan and never expect to see again).