The DeWalt DCE154 moves the ball forward as the first standalone copper tubing cutter to compete with, and in our real-world testing outperform, the Milwaukee M12 2471.
This is an exciting release. The Milwaukee M12 2471 has been the only option for a small-diameter power copper tubing cutter. That changes now.
DeWalt DCE154 vs Milwaukee M12 2471: We tested both on 1/2″ copper, 3/8″ AC line, and 1-1/4″ drain pipe. The DCE154 cuts in under 2 seconds and handles 1/4″ to 1-1/4″. The 2471? Can’t cut 3/8″ AC line or 1-1/4″.
Last Tested: October 2025 | 8.9/10 Verdict →
One Head. Full Range. No Excuses.
| Pipe Type | DeWalt DCE154 | Milwaukee M12 2471 |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4″ | YES ↑ | NO |
| 3/8″ AC Line (OD) | YES Cuts Clean ↑ | NO Spins Uselessly |
| 3/8″ Plumbing (ID) | YES | YES |
| 1″ | YES | YES |
| 1-1/4″ Drain | YES ↑ | NO |
“Milwaukee bottoms out at 3/8 so it won’t cut through 3/8″ AC line.” The DeWalt will.
— Alex, live test
HVAC pros: No more manual cutters for 3/8 AC line.
Remodelers: One tool for pre-1980s drain lines.
Plumbers: Full range up to 1-1/4″, no swaps.
Built for the Real World
- 90° pivoting head — locks at any angle
- 1.5″ wall clearance (measured: 1-1/8″ from pipe)
- Auto-adjust jaws — drop in, cut, done
- 3-mode LED — off / 20s / 20 min
- Variable speed trigger — control every cut
Live test (2Ah battery):
“Wow. That cut pipe shot across the room… Under 2 seconds. Good cut.”
Faster than M12. Faster than DeWalt’s old Impact Connect.
ToolRev Score: 8.9/10
| Category | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cut Speed | 10/10 | 1.8 sec on 1/2″ copper |
| Range | 10/10 | Only tool for 3/8″ AC lines |
| Build | 9/10 | 90° pivot, LED modes |
| Weight | 7/10 | 3.3 lbs vs M12’s 2.8 |
| Value | 8/10 | $219 bare |
The Downsides (We Tell It Straight)
- Chip pocket adds bulk
- Trigger safety is redundant
- Reverse clutch is loud
- 3.3 lbs bare — slightly heavier than M12 (2.8 lbs)
But for real work, these are minor.
Buy the DCE154 If:
- You cut AC lines
- You want 1-1/4″ capacity in one tool
Stick with M12 If:
- You don’t need 3/8″ AC cuts
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the DeWalt DCE154 cut 3/8″ AC line sets?
Yes — clean cut in 1.9 sec. Milwaukee M12 spins uselessly.
How fast on 1/2″ copper?
Under 2 sec (1.8 sec avg — video at 4:00).
Can it cut 1-1/4″ drain pipe?
Yes — full range. No other standalone cutter does this.
Does the DeWalt DCE154 cut EMT line?
No, like the Milwaukee 2471, the DeWalt DCE154 just spins around steel EMT without cutting through.
Watch the Full Test
See the 3/8″ AC line cut at 0:57 | Speed test at 4:16
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Buy the DCE154:
Price: $219 bare | $329 kit with case, 5Ah PowerStack, and extra cutting wheels.
Final Word
The Milwaukee M12 2471 had a 16-year run.
The DeWalt DCE154 just ended it.
One cutter. One battery. Zero compromises.
To be truly competitive with M12
Milwaukee’s 12V 2479 cuts 1-1/4” to 2″. So between their 2471 and 2479 they’ve got you covers from 3/8-1″. To be truly competitive DeWalt needs to release a 1-1/4-2″ cutter.
You’d think they would within the next year or so but we’ve been waiting for a rafter-hooked reciprocating saw to compete with Milwaukee and Makita for years with nada so…I’m not holding my breath.
Let us know what you think in the comments below and read more about Milwaukee’s M12 here.
If you need any parts check out DeWalt’s parts site.
Reviewed by Alex, ToolRev | October 25, 2025
