DeWalt 20V Plastic Tubing Cutter Helps You Save Time on the Job
For HVAC techs, irrigation specialists, plumbers, and anyone else who frequently works with plastic piping, choosing between low-cost hand tools and premium-powered cutting solutions can be a struggle. However, the DeWalt 20V Plastic Tubing Cutter makes a strong case for spending a few extra bucks in the name of convenience.
DeWalt 20V Plastic Tubing Cutter Performance
- Cut Capacity: 2 in.
- Runtime: 400 cuts per charge (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Motor Type: Brushed
Cutting Power
DeWalt rates this plastic tubing cutter for up to 2-inch Schedule 80 pipe and conduit and claims 3x faster cutting speed versus manual ratcheting cutters. They also tell us you can expect up to 400 clean, burr-free cuts in 2-inch Sch 40 PVC using a 2.0Ah battery.
Just like DeWalt’s Impact Connect Pipe Cutter, this plastic tubing cutter sports an angled blade that easily pierces the piping, which makes for an easier cut. This design also ensures that the brushed motor doesn’t have to work overtime while cutting larger Schedule 80 pipes.
You might be surprised DeWalt didn’t go with a brushless motor this time. While that’s what we prefer in most cases, this is a class of tool that doesn’t need it. Cutting PVC and other plastic pipe isn’t all that demanding for an electric motor and the compact battery gets plenty of runtime as it is.
Mode Selection
This plastic tubing cutter features two modes—Manual and Auto. Manual mode requires that you use the directional switch to move the blade up or down while making cuts. In Auto mode, simply release the trigger once the cut is complete, and the blade will automatically cycle up to the open position for the subsequent cut.
Blade Replacement
Over time, the blade is going to lose its edge and need to be replaced. If you start to hear a ratcheting noise or room temperature pipes begin to break during routine cuts, it’s time to swap the blade. But don’t worry, the process is very simple.
Start by moving the blade to the closed position and remove the battery. Next, use the onboard 5mm hex wrench to loosen the blade screw. If it’s too tight to loosen with the hex wrench, a 13mm hex socket will also do the trick.
Once loose, remove the blade screw and the alignment pin and carefully lift the blade through the slot. Reverse the process with your replacement blade, and you’re good to go.
DeWalt does not recommend sharpening dull or chipped blades. Doing so could decrease performance, cut consistency, and cut quality. A new blade is only $34.99, and swapping them out takes less than 30 seconds.
DeWalt 20V Plastic Tubing Cutter Design Notes
- Model: DeWalt DCE180
- Power Source: DeWalt 20V battery
- Weight: 4.9 lbs (bare tool), 5.75 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Length: 13 in.
Size and Weight
The DeWalt DCE180 weighs 4.9 pounds as a bare tool, 5.75 pounds with the recommended 2.0Ah battery, and measures 13 inches long. This is obviously a bit heavier than a pair of manual ratcheting pipe cutters, but it’s also doing the job in a third of the time.
Ergonomics
In general, I tend to like DeWalt’s grip ergonomics because they conform well to my medium-sized hands. The textured rubber overmold grip prevent slipping and adds to the overall comfort level.
Looking at the trigger, DeWalt went with a one-finger trigger that includes an integrated trigger safety. Personally, I wish that they had gone with a larger 2-finger trigger. The current trigger just feels slightly too small, and the actual trigger pull is a little stiff, so a larger trigger would help distribute some of that weight. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you may have to occasionally switch off hands if you’re making a lot of cuts in a short time.
The tool does have a natural forward lean due to the weight of the blade and pipe cradle, but it’s not overbearing. Plus, the DCE180 has a flat base and stands upright. This allows you to work on a bench top, on the ground, or you can just freehand it.
Mounting Options
One cool feature of this tubing cutter is that you can mount it to a workbench or table using the pre-drilled 1/4-inch anchor points in the tool’s base. Use the bottom of the tool as a template, drill your holes, and bolt it down—simple as that! This gives you the best of both worlds between cordless independence and benchtop permanence.
Additional Features
- Compatible with all DeWalt 20V batteries
- LED worklight
- Tool Connect chip ready
DeWalt 20V Plastic Tubing Cutter Price
The DeWalt DCE180 retails for $229 as a bare tool and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. At the time of writing this article, there are no kit options available, so be sure to pick up a battery and charger!
The Bottom Line
While the DeWalt 20V max Plastic Tubing Cutter is a job-specific tool, it relieves a few pain points for Pros. The robust blade and 2-inch cut capacity allow you to tackle various plumbing and irrigation repairs, and it greatly reduces the physical effort required to make your cuts. Granted, convenience does come with a premium price, but I think the benefits outweigh the cost for busy Pros.
