Milwaukee M12 Copper Tubing Cutter Model 2471-22 Review
Milwaukee® M12 Copper Tubing Cutter
The folks at Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation sent me their M12 Copper tubing Cutter, Model # 2471-22 to evaluate. The M12 Copper Tubing Cutter, specifically designed for cutting copper with the speed and versatility that plumbers, mechanical contractors and re modelers require.We brought it into the shop to play with then gave it to Scott Robillard Master Plumber out of Waltham, Massachusetts to beat on for a bit under job site conditions.
First Impression:
The Milwaukee M12 Copper Tubing Cutter comes in a durable case and is light weight and comfortable to hold. I was concerned that this tool would not be balanced due to the shape of the tool and where you hold it – I was wrong. It was well balanced and easy to operate. The rubber grip and bumpers help protect the tool and surfaces it is placed on. The trigger is well placed and large enough to accommodate two fingers.
The Copper Tubing Cutter is powered by a 12 volt Lithium-ion battery which is the BEST power source available. I’m a huge fan of the longer life, lightweight and consistently powerful battery life that Lithium-ion provides. Plus lithium-ion batteries are friendlier to the environment than the conventional NiCd battery. Lithium-ion batteries contain non-hazardous soft metals that are easier to dispose of than NiCd batteries.
Milwaukee is the leader in LITHIUM-ION technology, launching the first Li-Ion System in 2005 and the first backward compatible Li-Ion in 2006. Perfecting the formula in 2008, Milwaukee’s LITHIUM-ION batteries are 65% lighter, 50% smaller and store more than 30% more power than “compact” NiCd batteries. They also feature a Fuel Gauge that lets you know when to recharge, making it faster and easier to scope projects and decrease downtime.
To combat on-site problems like bent/broken terminals, damaged clips and broken welds caused by use and abuse, Milwaukee LITHIUM-ION batteries are equipped with recessed terminals, slide pack dual clips and over-molded housing, and integrated welded frame and cell separators.
The shape of the Milwaukee M12 Copper Tubing Cutter made it very easy to get into tight spots to cut or remove pipe. On top off the tool is a Battery Fuel Gauge, which displays the remaining run-time, and also turns on a built-in LED Light, which illuminates the cutter and line of cut. The LED light illuminated the cutter and pipe extremely well.
Video Review:
According to Milwaukee, with a 12V LITHIUM-ION Battery and ultra efficient gearing, the 2471-22 performs up to 200 cuts on a single charge. A close quarter rotating head cuts installed copper tubing with as little as 1-½” of clearance.
The Milwaukee M12 Copper Tubing Cutter has two spaced steel rollers and an opposing cutter that spins at 500 RPM, the cutting mechanism cuts copper tubing up to 10X faster than conventional cutters and automatically adjusts diameter to cut through 3/8” – 1” (½”– 1-1/8” OD, Type K, L, and M). the adjustment was easy to do with just a flip of the switch and operating the trigger.
The Milwaukee M12 Copper Tubing Cutter has what looks like a “reverse” switch in front of the trigger. This switch is used to line the cutter up in order to slide the tool over a pipe. I flipped the switch and pressed the trigger to line the cutter up, then flip the switch to start cutting.
The in-line design offers greater reach and reduced wrist strain in confined spaces. The metal cutting head is corrosion and rust resistant, sealed for protection from water which is a good thing if your cutting into water pipes. Electronic overload protection and uni-body construction provide exceptional durability.
Features
- 12V LITHIUM-ION Battery for longer run-time
- Close quarter rotating cutting head cuts pipe in confined spaces
- Automatic adjustment from 3/8” – 1” tubing
- Auto locking drive mechanism delivers over 200 cuts per charge
- Water resistant metal cutter head
- Battery Fuel Gauge displays remaining run-time
- Built-in LED Light illuminates line of cut.
Specifications:
- RPM: 500
- Total Weight: 3.2 lbs
- Total Length: 14”
Using the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Copper Tubing Cutter:
The Milwaukee M12 Copper Tubing Cutter, really worked great. It felt good in my hand and was very lite. The shape made it possible to get into tight spots to cut out or remove copper pipe. I cut some old pipe out of basement joists and it performed very well with surprising power and control.
I cut 1/2 and 3/4 type M and L and the cutter went through both types of pipe quickly and effortlessly. I made 23 cuts and the battery is still going strong. Five days later I made another 22 quick and clean cuts and still no noticeable battery drain.
The two photos on the right show the tools pipe cutter blade and a section of cut copper pipe. Note the clean cut edge on the copper pipe.
After I reviewed the Milwaukee M12 copper tubing cutter I gave it to my brother, a plumber, and his crew to play around with. After using the M12 copper cutter for a week my brother told me he was impressed with the speed and ease the tool cut copper pipe. He related that this tool would be useful in new construction for cutting all of the copper piping.
My brother also mentioned that the M12 copper cutter eliminates fatigue and wrist related strains and injuries that are common from using the conventional spinner cutters. His last remark to me was, “I wish I had that tool fifteen years ago.”
Overall Impression:
The Milwaukee M12 Copper Tubing Cutter # 2471-22 is the ideal tool for professional
jobs and projects. Replacing the tried and true, time-intensive process of pipe cutting. This tool is a must have for Plumbing, HVAC/Mechanical, Remodel and Maintenance professionals. Whether it’s service, removal, sizing or installing, the M12 Copper Tubing Cutter is the right tool for pipe cutting. It is easy to operate, durable and is designed to get into those tight spots that make it difficult to operate a standard manual copper pipe cutter.
It performed exceptionally well in the field and was eventually the sought after pipe cutting tool on the job site. Like everything Milwaukee does, the M12 Copper Tubing Cutter is a real deal contractor grade tool, I don’t see this as a DIYer tool because of it specialized function. Highly recommended.
Price And Where To Buy:
The Milwaukee M12 Copper Tubing Cutter # 2471-22 is available online for approximately $188.00. Purchase yours here:
Milwaukee-2471-22-12-Volt-Copper-Tubing
This review contains my opinion of a product. I take pride in providing my readers with an honest and objective information as well as a practical approach to using a product. I never accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Many of the tools and products are provided to for free by a manufacturer for review.