Chenier cutter (joint and tube cutter)

[Anna Mc]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for one of these, a decent quality one, as I'm, frankly, crap at cutting tube straight! The one on cooksons looks a bit flimsy, there are three at Cousins, a 20 quid one, an italian one and one that looks positively droolworthy and consequently pricey.
Anyone got one that they think is the bees knees, or can recommend one that I won't have to sell my soul for but offers robustness and won't drop to bit in six months time?

Ta chuckles!

[Quinn]

Hi Anna,

I have the Cooksons one, which is Italian and is identical to the Cousin's Italian one. You have to hold the handle down as you saw, which can be a bit fiddly and the minimum length that you cut is 3.5mm, but yes it does allow you to cut clean level tube, I've had mine for two years and it works as well as it did when I bought it. Having looked at the expensive one I can't really see the point of paying loads of dosh, they all look pretty much the same, it's a really simple tool and not a lot could wrong with it.
Hope this helps xx

[mizgeorge]

I gave up on these completely, and just use a plumbers pipe cutter now. Takes seconds, really accurate cuts and when they wear out, I just buy a new one.

Here's the basic one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MINI-BRAKE-PIP...ht_4618wt_1137

or the expensive version: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monument-264...007678&sr=8-12 (which doesn't need any cleanup on the outside of the tube)

[Anna Mc]

Thanks, Lise, at least I know that one will last a while. I have to stress the need for longevity, as I break rolling mills.... crikey, George, I've got one of those in a toolbox under the stairs, what size tube will that go down to?

[mizgeorge]

I use it to cut tube down to 3mm (od) with no problems. Anything smaller than that I do freehand anyway.

[Anna Mc]

that's fine, I'm cutting 5mm and above generally, will dig it out and have a shot, cheers!

[Mila Jewellery]

I gave up on these completely, and just use a plumbers pipe cutter now. Takes seconds, really accurate cuts and when they wear out, I just buy a new one.

Here's the basic one: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MINI-BRAKE-PIP...ht_4618wt_1137

or the expensive version: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Monument-264...007678&sr=8-12 (which doesn't need any cleanup on the outside of the tube)

ooh George, my husband has recently bought this to do his brakes :) and I was thinking of raiding his tool box tomorrow, so it's nice to know it works well!

[Dennis]

The Cooksons 999 579 is the kind most people have and although the price can vary tremenduosly, I reckon they are all from the same place. The advantage is that there is an adjustable stop so that you can quickly cut multiples of the same length. Mine is now 15 years old and still going strong, but at the college I attend people have cut down through the fixing screws by not paying attention when they are already well through the tube. Please also note that the Bergeon one badly marks tubing despite attempts to smooth the lever which you hold down. Dennis.