Description
Plastic Tubing Cutter for PEX, PE, ABS, and Thin-Wall PVC
Product Overview
Cutting PEX on a residential rough-in or trimming drip line on an irrigation job calls for a plastic tubing cutter that works in one squeeze. Reed scissor shears handle thin-wall and small-diameter tubing up to 1.7 inches O.D. without multiple ratchet clicks. A non-stick-coated high-carbon steel blade keeps cuts clean, and a built-in end clip secures the handles for storage.
Key Features
One-Squeeze Cutting Action. These tubing shears close like scissors for a single, clean cut through PEX, PE, ABS, rubber, nylon, and conduit tubing. That one-squeeze action is faster than ratchet shears on thin-wall materials, so repetitive cuts on a long run go quicker.
Non-Stick Coated High Carbon Steel Blade. The industrial-grade blade resists material buildup so each cut stays clean without dragging. Both models accept field-replaceable blades (SC1: part 94170, SC125: part 94169), so a worn edge does not retire the tool.
Secure Handle Grip. A textured grip gives a firm hold when cutting overhead or in tight spaces. Reed specifies using these plastic pipe shears with the blade on the bottom, keeping the sharp edge away from the operator's hand during each cut.
Built-In End Clip. A plastic end clip snaps the handles together when the tool is not in use. This keeps the blade covered and the tubing shears compact for storage in a tool pouch or belt holster.
How to Choose: SC1 vs SC125
The Reed SC1 and Reed SC125 share the same blade type and handle design but differ in cutting capacity. The Reed SC1 cuts tubing up to 1.3 inches O.D. (32 mm) and measures 8.25 inches long, suited to standard PEX and small-diameter conduit work. The Reed SC125 extends the capacity to 1.7 inches O.D. (42 mm) with an 8.5-inch length, covering larger thin-wall tubing. Both weigh 0.3 lbs.
For standard 3/4-inch and 1-inch PEX lines, the SC1 handles the job. When your work includes 1-1/4 inch or larger thin-wall tubing, go with the SC125. If you cut both sizes regularly, the SC125 covers the SC1's full range with extra headroom.
Specifications
| Specification | Reed SC1 (04174) | Reed SC125 (04178) |
|---|---|---|
| Catalog No. | SC1 | SC125 |
| Item Code | 04174 | 04178 |
| Capacity (actual O.D.) | 1.3" (32 mm) | 1.7" (42 mm) |
| Length | 8.25" (210 mm) | 8.5" (216 mm) |
| Weight | 0.3 lbs (0.1 kg) | 0.3 lbs (0.1 kg) |
| Blade Material | High carbon steel, non-stick coated | |
| Materials Cut | PE, PEX, ABS, PVC, Conduit, Rubber Hose, Reinforced Vinyl, Cordage, Nylon | PE, PEX, ABS, Thin Wall PVC, Conduit, Rubber Hose, Reinforced Vinyl, Cordage, Nylon |
| Replacement Blade | Part 94170 | Part 94169 |
| Not Suitable For | PVC or CPVC for solvent cement weld connections | |
Applications
Reed scissor shears work as a PEX tubing cutter and general plastic tubing cutter across several trades:
- Plumbing PEX installations: Fast cuts on 1/2-inch to 1-inch PEX supply lines during residential and light commercial rough-ins. The right plastic pipe shears reduce rework from crushed or angled ends.
- HVAC condensate lines: Clean cuts on small-diameter PE and thin-wall PVC condensate drain tubing where space is tight and speed matters.
- Irrigation and drip tubing: One-squeeze cuts on PE and vinyl drip lines during landscape and garden irrigation installs.
- Electrical conduit trimming: Cuts thin-wall conduit and cable sheathing to length on site.
- General workshop use: Handy for rubber hose, nylon tubing, reinforced vinyl, and cordage cuts at the workbench.
Buy Reed Scissor Shears Online from Cleanflow
Cleanflow Utility Supply Company is an authorized Reed distributor. Order Reed scissor shears as a plastic tubing cutter for your next job and get the right tool delivered to your door. We ship across Canada and the USA, with free shipping on orders over $199. Returns accepted within 30 days. Email info@cleanflow.ca for returns or exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size Reed scissor shears do I need?
Choose based on the largest tubing you cut regularly. The SC1 handles tubing up to 1.3 inches O.D., covering 3/4-inch and 1-inch PEX lines. The SC125 reaches 1.7 inches O.D. for larger thin-wall PE, ABS, and PEX tubing. When in doubt, the SC125 covers everything the SC1 does and more.
Can scissor shears cut PVC pipe?
Reed scissor shears cut thin-wall PVC and PVC conduit. They are not recommended for PVC or CPVC intended for solvent cement weld connections, because the squeeze action can slightly deform the cut end. For solvent-welded PVC joints, use a rotary-style tubing cutter instead.
What is the difference between scissor shears vs ratchet shears?
Scissor shears cut in one squeeze and work fastest on thin-wall tubing under about 1.7 inches. Reed RS7290 ratchet shears use a multi-step ratchet mechanism that provides more leverage for thicker-wall pipe up to 2 inches. Pick scissor shears for speed on small tubing, ratchet shears for heavier cuts.
How do I get a Reed scissor shears replacement blade?
Order the correct replacement blade for your model: part 94170 for the SC1 or part 94169 for the SC125. You will also need blade pins (part 94172, qty 2) and the blade rivet and screw (part 94171), which are ordered separately.
How do you cut PEX tubing with these tubing shears?
Hold the Reed scissor shears with the blade facing down (away from your hand) and position the tubing in the jaws. Squeeze the handles in one firm motion for a clean, square cut. The non-stick blade prevents the PEX tubing cutter from dragging or leaving burrs on the cut end.
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