Even the BEST 2″ ratcheting PVC cutter, while good at cutting 1.5″ pipe, isn’t the best choice if you want consistent straight cuts from 2″ PVC or ABS pipe. For that, swing and power cutters do a better job.
That said, a good 2 in. ratcheting cutter deserves a place in your kit for those times when you need to make a few quick cuts. In this review we look at four popular cutters from Husky, Milwaukee, RIDGID, and Pasco to determine which is best. Let’s go!
Popular 2-Inch Ratcheting PVC Cutters:
Quick Specs
| Feature | Husky I6PL0805 | Milwaukee 48-22-4215 | RIDGID RC-2375 | Pasco 4654/Waterman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Cut (OD) | 2″ nominal PVC/CPVC/PEX) | 2″ nominal PVC/CPVC/PEX) | 2″ nominal PVC/CPVC/PEX) | 2″ nominal PVC/CPVC/PEX) |
| Construction | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Blade type | pierce-point | pierce-point | flat | flat |
| Blade change | Quick | Slow | Quick | Slow |
| Pipe schedule | 40 | 40 | 40 and 80 | 40 |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Limited Lifetime | Lifetime | Varies, typically 1-year |
Our Pop 4 Rankings
#1 RIDGID RC-2375 Ratchet Action Plastic Pipe & Tubing Cutter
The RIDGID RC-2375 was the best all around cutter in our review. It handles pipes from 1/8″ to 2-3/8″ (OD), including PVC, CPVC, PEX, PP-R, PE, multilayer, and flexible tubing.
Pros:
The RIDGID’s grip feels good in the hand. It ratchets well and, in our hands-on testing, required 20% less effort to cut pipe than the Waterman/Pasco cutter. It has a tool-free, quick-pin, blade change and the blade is the only one of the four specifically rated for schedule 80 PVC.
Cons:
One downside for me is that the RIDGID has a flat blade, which can more easily squish and break cold PVC vs a pierce-point blade.
RIDGID RC-2375 Ratcheting PVC Plastic, CPVC, PEX, PP & Flexible Tubing Cutter
#2 Husky 16PL0805 2″ Ratcheting PVC Cutter
The Husky 16PL0805 ratcheting cutter tackles PVC, CPVC, PEX and Flex-tube up to 2-3/8 in. outer diameter (2 in. inner diameter). It came in second place in our review. It cut as well as the RIDGID but had a couple of hiccups (see cons below).
Pros:
Delivers budget-friendly yet solid performance. Its pierce-point blade has the fastest tool-free blade change on the market. The Husky cradles pipe straighter than the other three in this review. An unmatched warranty lets you bring in your—or any—broken Husky cutter to Home Depot for a free, no-questions-asked exchange. And no receipt needed.
Cons:
Some say it doesn’t last, which may be true. It is pretty cheap, and mine didn’t always open fully without help, nor cut all the way through the pipe without a little twist of the wrist at the end. If it doesn’t last, you know what to do.
Husky 2 in. Ratcheting PVC Cutter
#3 Pasco 4654 2-Inch Ratcheting Plastic Pipe Cutter
The Pasco 4654 is a favorite among pros. It cuts up to 2-3/8 in. OD plastic pipe (based on our measurements) and hangs for sale on the walls of many a plumbing supply shop. It’s also sold under the Waterman brand (without a handle latch) and the Crescent brand (sold at Home Depot).
Pros:
It has more robust build and feel than the other cutters and delivers basically the same quality cuts. I own this cutter, (the Waterman version) and I love it. Just used it a couple of days ago for a couple quick cuts. I recommend the Pasco version to get the handle latch.
Cons:
The pro-cut blade (replaceable as 4654-B) is flat and not quick change. The Waterman version does not have a handle latch. I’ve tried both the Pasco and Waterman versions and they require more grip force than the RIDGID and Husky cutters.
Pasco/Waterman/Crescent 2″ Ratcheting PVC Cutter
#4 Milwaukee 48-22-4215 2-3/8 in. Ratcheting Pipe Cutter
The Milwaukee cuts PVC, CPVC, PEX, Rubber Hose, ABS up to 2-3/8″.
Pros:
This cutter has a pierce-point blade and the handle has a lanyard hole.
Cons:
I literally could not get one good cut on 2″ PVC in our three weeks of testing these cutters. It works okay on 1.5″ pipe, otherwise it’s clunky and uninspired. No quick blade change. Enough said.
Milwaukee 2-3/8 in. Ratcheting Pipe Cutter
Check out our video review here to see these tools in action:
FAQ: Top 6 Searched Questions on 2″ Ratcheting PVC Cutters
What size pipe can 2-inch ratcheting PVC cutters cut?
The Husky, RIDGID and Milwaukee cut up to 2-3/8″ outer diameter, easily handling 2″ nominal Schedule 40 or 80 PVC, CPVC, and PEX. The Pasco 4654 (Waterman) is rated for 2″ nominal so… all good.
Can ratcheting PVC cutters cut materials other than plastic pipe and rubber hose?
No, ratcheting PVC cutters are not designed to cut materials other than plastic pipes (such as PVC, CPVC, PEX, PE, PP, and similar) and rubber or flexible hoses/tubing. They could be damaged if used on harder substances like metal, wood, or wire.
RIDGID vs Husky vs Milwaukee PVC cutter – which is best?
The RIDGID and Husky deliver the same cut quality but the RIDGID has a better build quality. In our hands-on testing the Milwaukee did not make usable cuts on 2-inch PVC.
Will these cut Schedule 80 PVC?
Yes. All four of the cutters here can cut Schedule 80 pipe but only the RIDGID actually specs for Schedule 80. So, we expect the RIDGID blade will probably outlast the others on Schedule 80 PVC.
Which 2″ ratcheting PVC cutter is the most durable / best overall?
The RIDGID RC-2375 has solid reputation with pros and is well designed so it’s probably a good bet for durability. I’d say it’s the best overall. The Pasco 4654/Waterman is built like a tank without the extra heft. Its two-piece die-cast construction could make it the most durable. Mine works great.
How do you replace the blade on PVC ratcheting cutters?
Replacement blades are swapped via a push pin or screw. You can find replacement blades for the Husky, RIDGID, Milwaukee, and Pasco/Waterman/Crescent 2-inch PVC cutters below.
What are replacement blade part numbers?
| Cutter | Replacement Blade Model/Part # | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Husky I6PL0805 (16PL0805) | 16PL0805-1 | Home Depot |
| RIDGID RC-2375 | 30093 (also called RCB-2375) | Home Depot |
| Milwaukee 48-22-4215 | 48-22-4216 | Home Depot |
| Pasco 4654 (Waterman same) | 4654-B | Amazon |
Thanks for stopping by. We hope this information was helpful. Feel free to leave any comments or questions in the comment section below and we’ll see YOU there.
