The Tool Desk
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How to choose a soil pipe cutter
Start with the pipe, not the tool name. Check the pipe’s nominal diameter and material, then compare both with the cutter’s stated capacity. A tool rated for a diameter in one material is not automatically rated for that diameter in another.
- Identify the pipe: Confirm its nominal size and whether it is clay, cast iron, concrete, cement, or another material covered by the cutter’s documentation.
- Measure the working space: Consider clearance around the pipe, nearby walls, trench width, and room to position and operate the handles or drive tool.
- Choose the drive: Select a manual cutter for hand operation, a powered cutter only with its specified compatible drive, or a press attachment only if you own a listed compatible press tool.
- Check chains and extensions: Confirm the replacement chain or extension is listed for the exact cutter model and the capacity you need.
The manufacturer specifications below are product information, not comparative hands-on test results. They do not establish which cutter is easiest, fastest, most durable, or best value.
RIDGID soil pipe cutters compared
| Model | Documented material and capacity | Drive and access notes | Weight or length | Chain or compatibility details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 246 | 1 1/2–6 in. clay, cast-iron clay, and cement pipe; also 4-in. Class 22 water main | Manual ratchet-action handle runs parallel to the pipe; includes a hand guard | 25 lb | Replacement chain catalog no. 34575. See RIDGID Model 246 specifications. |
| 246S | 2–8 in.; verify that the material is covered by the manufacturer’s rating | Manual ratchet-action format; handle runs parallel to the pipe | 26 lb | Chain no. 34575 plus two 34570 chain extensions. See RIDGID Model 246 specifications. |
| 286 | Standard: 1 1/2–6 in. clay, no-hub cast iron, and service-weight cast iron. Maximum: up to 8 in. for those materials; up to 15-in. clay only with an extended chain | Manual cutter with long handles, adjustment knob, and outward-facing articulating hooks | 29 lb | Replacement chain assembly and extension assembly are listed. See RIDGID Model 286 specifications. |
| 226 In-Place | 1 1/2–6 in. hub and hubless soil pipe | Compact cutter designed for tight quarters, including against-wall work | 18 lb; 17 in. long | Replacement chain no. 33670; chain extension assembly no. 33665. See RIDGID Model 226 specifications. |
| 238-P | Cast-iron soil pipe, concrete, and clay pipe; confirm exact size and setup in the manual | Accepts a battery-powered, corded, or pneumatic 1/2-in.-drive impact tool. Included ratchet or a wrench can be used manually up to 4-in. nominal pipe | Not stated in the cited manual | RIDGID specifies at least 200 and no more than 400 ft-lb for the impact tool. See the 238-P operator manual. |
| Press Snap | 1 1/2–4 in. no-hub and service-weight soil pipe | Attachment for RIDGID standard press tools; not stated as universally compatible with press tools | Not stated on the cited product page | Compatible tools listed: CT-400, 320-E, RP 330-B, RP 330-C, RP 340, and RP 350. See RIDGID Press Snap specifications. |
| 206 | Full capacity not stated in the cited product information | RIDGID describes closer cutter-wheel spacing and simple ratcheting action for lighter-wall pipe | Not stated on the cited product page | Check the product documentation for capacity and ordering details before selecting. See RIDGID Model 206 information. |
Which cutter fits your work conditions?
For narrow trenches: RIDGID 246
The 246’s ratchet-action handle runs parallel to the pipe, a useful layout when trench width limits handle movement. Its listed scope includes 1 1/2–6-inch clay, cast-iron clay, and cement pipe, plus 4-inch Class 22 water main. RIDGID also lists a 246S variant rated for 2–8 inches; its listed weight and chain extensions differ, so check the exact variant rather than assuming the 246 rating applies.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Dual-powered tool operates using a 1/2-inch square drive impact driver or ratchet
- Cuts up to 8-inch soil pipe when used with an impact driver (minimum 200-ft-lbs) or 4-inch pipe manually with the included ratchet
- Compact, lightweight design allows tool to fit into tight places in overhead and below grade applications and easily mount in difficult places
- Easy to set up, the articulating outward facing chain hooks lay on the pipe to simplify latching
- Features two directional operation that allows scoring of the pipe for a clean cut
For broader manual capacity: RIDGID 286
The 286’s standard capacity is 1 1/2–6 inches for clay, no-hub cast iron, and service-weight cast iron. Its maximum capacity is conditional: up to 8 inches for those listed materials, and up to 15-inch clay with an extended chain. Treat those extended figures as setup-dependent, not as the standard capacity. Its long handles and adjustment knob are manufacturer-described features, not evidence of a particular cutting speed or effort.
For restricted or against-wall access: RIDGID 226 In-Place
At 17 inches long and 18 lb, the 226 is specifically described for cutting hub and hubless soil pipe from 1 1/2–6 inches in tight quarters, including against a wall. This makes it the clearest fit in this group when access is the defining constraint, provided the pipe size and type are within its rating.
Rank #2
- 69982 Cutter, 226 Soil Pipe
- This item is used for Hand tools & Tool Organizers ,Pliers & Cutters
- This product manufacture by United States
For a compatible impact-tool setup: RIDGID 238-P
The 238-P can be actuated by a battery-powered, corded, or pneumatic 1/2-inch-drive impact tool. RIDGID’s manual calls for at least 200 ft-lb of impact-tool torque for proper operation and warns that tools under 200 ft-lb may not cut all sizes and pipe types. It also says not to exceed 400 ft-lb because the cutter can be damaged. The included ratchet or a wrench may be used manually up to 4-inch nominal pipe. Follow the manual for the specific pipe and setup rather than treating torque figures as a guarantee of a successful cut.
For owners of listed RIDGID press tools: Press Snap
Press Snap is an attachment, not a standalone universal press cutter. RIDGID lists it for 1 1/2–4-inch no-hub and service-weight soil pipe and specifies compatibility with CT-400, 320-E, RP 330-B, RP 330-C, RP 340, and RP 350 standard press tools. It is relevant when you already have one of those tools and the pipe falls within the stated range.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallRank #3
- Clay Pipe, No Hub Cast Iron & Service Weight Cast Iron: Standard Capacity - 1-1/2" to 6" Maximum Capacity - 1-1/2" to 8"
- Quickly make repeated cuts with a single stroke on soil pipe up to 6 inches
- Articulating outward facing hooks simplifies connecting the pipe
- Adjusting knob for quickly adjusting the handles to the optimal cutting angle
- Set the cutter once for repeated cuts
For lighter-wall pipe: check the 206 documentation
RIDGID describes the 206 as a lighter-weight cutter with closer cutter-wheel spacing and a simple ratcheting action for lighter-wall pipe. The cited product information does not establish its full capacity, so do not choose it by diameter until you have confirmed the applicable model documentation.
What size soil pipe cutter do you need?
Choose by the nominal pipe size and material together. For example, the 246 is listed for 1 1/2–6-inch clay, cast-iron clay, and cement pipe, but its separate Class 22 water-main rating is specifically 4 inches. The 286’s standard 1 1/2–6-inch capacity covers clay, no-hub cast iron, and service-weight cast iron; larger capacity depends on an extended chain and the material. If your pipe is outside a cutter’s documented range, or its material is not listed, confirm suitability with the manufacturer before cutting.
Rank #4
- SOIL CHAIN PIPE CUTTER: Expands the capabilities of RIDGID standard press tools, offering a fast and easy way to create precision cuts on 1-1/2" to 4" no hub and service-weight soil pipe
- NO LENGTHY LEVER ARMS: Improved access is a snap with this pipe cutter that doesn't have the lengthy lever arms used by most traditional soil pipe cutters or other cast iron pipe cutters
- ELIMINATES THE NEED TO SCORE PIPE: Thanks to the innovative chain design and hydraulic power of the RIDGID pressing tool, the need to score the pipe is conveniently eliminated
- EASY TO USE: Simply connect it to a RIDGID press tool, wrap the chain around the pipe, and press the ergonomic trigger
- ATTACHES TO ALL STANDARD SERIES PRESS TOOLS: Attaches to RIDGID Standard Press Tools (CT-400, 320-E, RP 330-B, RP 330-C, and RP 340), and the kit comes complete with a rugged portable tool case and an operator's manual
Replacement chains, extensions, and safe selection
Chain and extension parts are model-specific. RIDGID lists chain 34575 for the 246, with two 34570 extensions for the 246S; chain 33670 and extension assembly 33665 for the 226; and chain and extension assemblies for the 286. Confirm the exact cutter model and part fit before ordering, especially when an extension is needed to reach a stated maximum capacity.
Before use, consult the current manual for the exact cutter, pipe material, size, and setup. Use only the stated capacity and compatible drive tool, and follow jobsite safety requirements. The 246’s hand guard is described as protecting knuckles; it does not eliminate injury risk. If the pipe, access, or equipment falls outside documented conditions, seek manufacturer guidance or a qualified plumbing professional.
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Best Value
- 1-1/2 to 6 INCH CUTTING CAPACITY – Designed for service-weight cast iron, no-hub cast iron and clay pipe from 1-1/2 to 6 inches
- TELESCOPING RATCHET HANDLE INCLUDED – Adjust the ratchet length to match the available workspace. Retract the handle for a smaller swing radius in confined areas, or extend it for additional reach when space allows. The telescoping design also makes the tool easier to carry and store
- FAST & CLEAN CAST IRON PIPE CUTTING: Cuts cast iron pipes in minutes without the mess, sparks, metal dust, or wastewater spray caused by grinders and saws
- STRAIGHT, PRECISE CUTS: Delivers cleaner and straighter cuts than traditional grinding methods, helping make pipe replacement faster and easier
- KEEP THE WORK AREA CLEANER: No flying sparks or metal dust, and the cut pipe section can drop directly into a bucket placed underneath—ideal for plumbing repairs in apartments and older buildings.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
