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Quick answer from a licensed plumber: Buy the RIDGID 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter for most cast iron work. RIDGID lists it at 17 in. long for 1-1/2 to 6 in. hub and no-hub soil pipe, 8 in. with one chain extension, and it needs only about 1-1/2 in. of room around the pipe. For extra-heavy cast iron or trench work, the RIDGID 246. To cut with a high-torque impact driver, the RIDGID 238-P. For Reed, the SC49-12. Always wear eye protection and stand clear of the pipe.
Our pick for most plumbers: the RIDGID 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter, 1-1/2 to 6 in. cast iron in a 17 in. body. Check the RIDGID 226 on Amazon
A cast iron pipe cutter, also called a soil pipe cutter or snap cutter, wraps a chain of cutter wheels around cast iron drain, waste or vent pipe. Then it squeezes until the pipe snaps. It is how plumbers cut into a cast iron stack to add a tee, or cut out a cracked section and splice in plastic with no-hub couplings. This guide compares RIDGID’s and Reed’s cutters using their manuals, instruction sheets and catalogs. The plumber behind this site uses RIDGID, Milwaukee and DeWalt tools on jobs. The specs below come from the maker documents, not from testing these models. For copper, PEX, PVC and steel, see our pipe cutter guide; this page is cast iron only.
Cast Iron Pipe Cutters Compared
| Cutter | Type | Cast iron capacity | Chain | Weight | Linked seller |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RIDGID 226 (69982) | Ratchet, in-place | 1-1/2–6 in.; 8 in. with 1 extension | Standard RIDGID chain; ext. 33665 | 18 lb | Toolup (third party) |
| RIDGID 238-P (42878) | Powered (impact) or ratchet | Impact: up to 8 in.; ratchet: up to 4 in. | 8 in. chain included | 13.5–14 lb | Empire Rigging (third party) |
| RIDGID 246 (32900) | Ratchet handle | 1-1/2–6 in.; 8 in. with 1 extension; 2–5 in. extra-heavy | Heavier chain; ext. 34570 | 25 lb | Toolup (third party) |
| Reed SC49-12 (08052) | Ratchet | Up to 8 in.; 2–4 in. extra-heavy | 12 in. chain (clay to 12 in.) | 23.0 lb | Toolup (third party) |
| RIDGID Press Snap (34403R), not linked | Press tool attachment | 1-1/2–4 in. no-hub and service weight | Press Snap chain | Kit 12 lb | Amazon.com (future date) |
| RIDGID 286 (59698), not linked | Single stroke | 1-1/2–6 in.; 8 in. with 1 extension | Same chain as 226 | 29 lb | Amazon.com (future date) |
Capacities and weights from RIDGID’s soil pipe cutter manual, 2022 catalog and 238-P flyer, and from Reed’s SC49 instructions, read on October 1, 2026. Nominal pipe sizes. RIDGID’s older 226 catalog sheet lists 2 in. as the smallest size and also lists 2 to 5 in. extra-heavy pipe for the 226; the current manual and 2022 catalog say 1-1/2 in. and list extra-heavy only for the 246. We follow the current documents. “Future date” means the Amazon.com listing showed an availability date instead of stock on October 1, 2026, so we did not link it.
Snap Cutter vs Grinder vs Reciprocating Saw
Snap cutter (soil pipe cutter)
RIDGID’s manual says its soil pipe cutters use chains fitted with cutter wheels that tighten around the pipe until it breaks. They also cut clay and concrete pipe. For a cleaner break, RIDGID says to tighten just enough to mark the pipe, then loosen, rotate the pipe or the tool slightly, and mark again. Repeat until the marks run all the way around, then tighten and break it. Reed gives the same steps. The catch: you need room for the chain behind the pipe, about 1-1/2 to 2 in. per RIDGID.
Grinder with a cut-off wheel
Plumber’s note: a grinder cuts where a chain will not fit, and it gives a square end. It also throws sparks and a lot of dust, so it needs eye, face and breathing protection and a check for anything that can burn. On an old stack in a finished house, that dust goes everywhere. Keep it for the odd cut where a chain will not fit.
Reciprocating saw
Plumber’s note: I carry an M18 Sawzall on my jobs, but on cast iron a saw is not where I would start. A reciprocating saw with a blade made for cast iron will get through when nothing else fits. It is slow on thick pipe, and it shakes the stack the whole time. On old, thin or rusted pipe, that shaking can crack joints above and below the cut. A snap cutter puts no saw vibration into the stack, which is why it should be the first tool on cast iron wherever the chain fits. Whatever you cut with, support the pipe above and below the cut first with riser clamps or straps, so the stack cannot drop when it comes apart.
Before You Buy
- Know the pipe. RIDGID’s chart separates no-hub, service weight (hub and spigot) and extra-heavy cast iron. RIDGID’s manual chart lists the 206, 226, 246 and 286 for 1-1/2 to 6 in. no-hub and service weight. For extra-heavy, RIDGID lists only the 246 (2 to 5 in.), and Reed lists the SC49 for 2 to 4 in.
- Measure the room behind the pipe. RIDGID says the 206, 226 and 286 need about 1-1/2 in. around the pipe and the 246 about 2 in.
- Plan for 8 in. pipe. RIDGID’s manual cutters come with enough chain for 6 in. One chain extension takes them to 8 in. RIDGID says never extend a chain to cut soil pipe over 8 in. Only clay pipe goes past that, up to 15 in. The 238-P ships with chain for 8 in.
- Decide hand or power. RIDGID says not to put power tools or cheaters on the 206, 226, 246 or 286. If you want to cut with an impact, the 238-P is built for it. If you already own a RIDGID Standard Series press tool, the Press Snap attaches to it (see below).
- Have the couplings ready. Once the old pipe is out, you will splice in with no-hub couplings. Our no-hub coupling vs Fernco guide covers which band to use. RIDGID also sells preset torque wrenches for no-hub couplings (the 902 and 904); follow the coupling maker’s torque spec.
RIDGID 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter (69982)
Ratcheting chain snap cutter · 1-1/2 to 6 in. soil pipe, 8 in. with one chain extension · 17 in. long · 18 lb · 15 in. 1/2 in. drive ratchet included · removable handle · needs about 1-1/2 in. of room around the pipe, per RIDGID
The 226 is the soil pipe cutter to buy if you cut cast iron in basements, crawl spaces and walls. RIDGID’s manual calls it a compact tool, 17 in. long, for cutting hub and no-hub soil pipe where space is limited. It lists 1-1/2 to 6 in. on the standard chain and 8 in. with one chain extension (catalog 33665). You can pull the handle off to fit tight spots. The feedscrew has a hand knob to snug the chain fast. A 15 in. ratchet with a 1/2 in. drive comes with it. RIDGID says any 1/2 in. drive ratchet or a 15/16 in. wrench also works, but warns that a different ratchet may not lock on and can come loose.
RIDGID’s capacity chart lists the 226 for service weight and no-hub cast iron from 1-1/2 to 6 in., clay pipe and 4 to 6 in. concrete. RIDGID’s current manual and 2022 catalog list extra-heavy cast iron only for the 246. Its older 226 catalog sheet did list 2 to 5 in. extra-heavy for the 226; we follow the current documents, so get the 246 for extra-heavy pipe. The chain needs about 1-1/2 in. of clearance all the way around the pipe, per the manual. Plumber’s note: that clearance and the short body make the 226 the easiest of these to fit. A cast iron stack tight to a wall or a joist is where long-handled cutters run out of swing. On October 1 the only Amazon listing we found was sold by Toolup, a third-party seller, not Amazon.com. Check the seller and stock before you buy.
- 17 in. long with a removable handle, per RIDGID
- Cuts hub and no-hub soil pipe
- 8 in. capacity with one chain extension
- Ratchet included; any 1/2 in. drive ratchet fits
- Not listed for extra-heavy cast iron in RIDGID’s current chart
- No power tools or cheaters, per the manual
- Linked listing is a third-party seller
Verdict: The cast iron cutter to buy if you cut soil pipe in finished buildings, against walls and in tight spots.
RIDGID 238-P Powered Soil Pipe Cutter (42878)
Chain snap cutter driven by a 1/2 in. square drive impact driver or ratchet · up to 8 in. soil pipe with an impact, 4 in. with the ratchet · 11.5 in. long · 13.5 to 14 lb in RIDGID’s catalog · torque limiter · chain for up to 8 in. included
The 238-P is the only cutter here that RIDGID builds to run on an impact driver. RIDGID’s catalog says it cuts up to 8 in. soil pipe when driven by an impact driver, or 4 in. with the included ratchet. With the ratchet, RIDGID lists 1-1/2 to 4 in. hubless and 2 to 4 in. service weight. With an impact, its European flyer lists 1-1/2 to 8 in. hubless and 2 to 8 in. service weight. The chain for up to 8 in. comes in the box, so there is no extension to add. RIDGID says it is 11.5 in. long with a removable handle and low-profile cutter wheels, for overhead and below-grade work.
Check your impact before you buy. RIDGID’s US catalog asks for at least 200 ft-lbs. Its European flyer says at least 340 Nm, which is about 250 ft-lbs (our arithmetic). We would plan on the higher figure (our judgment). RIDGID lists a torque limiter to protect the tool from overloading, and outward-facing chain hooks that lie on the pipe to make latching easier. RIDGID also says it runs in two directions, so you can score the pipe for a clean cut. The catalog gives two weights, 13.5 lb in the text and 14 lb in the table. The flyer lists 6.1 kg. We could not open the 238-P operator’s manual. The linked listing on October 1 was sold by Empire Rigging & Supply, a third-party seller.
- Runs on a 1/2 in. drive impact driver, per RIDGID
- Up to 8 in. without adding a chain extension
- Torque limiter, per RIDGID
- 11.5 in. long, per RIDGID; the 226 is 17 in.
- Only 4 in. by hand with the ratchet, per RIDGID
- Needs a high-torque impact; RIDGID’s two documents differ on the minimum
- Not listed for extra-heavy cast iron
- Linked listing is a third-party seller
Verdict: Buy it if you already run a high-torque 1/2 in. impact and cut 6 in. and 8 in. soil pipe often.
RIDGID 246 Soil Pipe Cutter (32900)
Ratchet-handle chain snap cutter · 1-1/2 to 6 in. soil pipe, 8 in. with one chain extension · 2 to 5 in. extra-heavy cast iron · 4 in. Class 22 water main · 25 lb · heavier chain · needs about 2 in. of room around the pipe
The 246 is the heavy one. RIDGID’s manual says it uses a larger chain than the 206, 226 and 286. That chain lets it cut 4 in. Class 22 water main and 2 to 5 in. extra-heavy soil pipe. RIDGID’s catalog lists extra-heavy capacity only for the 246. Standard capacity is 1-1/2 to 6 in. of service weight or no-hub pipe, and 8 in. with one 246 chain extension (catalog 34570).
The ratchet handle sits centered on the pipe. RIDGID says that helps when cutting in trenches and keeps the trench narrow. The catalog adds a hand guard to protect your knuckles. RIDGID’s setup steps say to straddle the long side of the pipe with the adjusting knob to your right, so the short piece falls away from you. Do not try to cut with the adjusting knob. If the ratchet stops before the pipe breaks, the tool is jammed. Switch the knob to OPEN, back it off, and move the chain to the next tighter pin. The 246 needs about 2 in. of room around the pipe, against 1-1/2 in. for the 226. At 25 lb it is 7 lb heavier than the 226 (our arithmetic). The linked listing on October 1 was sold by Toolup with 5 left.
- Rated for 2 to 5 in. extra-heavy cast iron, per RIDGID
- Handle centered on the pipe for narrow trenches
- Hand guard, per RIDGID’s catalog
- Cuts 4 in. Class 22 water main
- 25 lb, 7 lb more than the 226 (our arithmetic)
- Needs about 2 in. of clearance around the pipe
- Linked listing is a third-party seller with low stock
Verdict: Buy it for underground and site work, or wherever you meet extra-heavy cast iron.
Reed SC49-12 Ratcheting Soil Pipe Cutter (08052)
Ratcheting chain snap cutter · 1-1/2 to 12 in. nominal chain · cast iron to 8 in. max, per Reed · 26 in. long · 23.0 lb · 1/2 in. ratchet wrench and no-hub roller kit included
Reed Manufacturing, of Erie, Pennsylvania, also makes chain soil pipe cutters, and the SC49-12 is the size we could link. Reed’s instructions list it at 1-1/2 to 12 in. nominal, 26 in. long and 23.0 lb, with a ratchet wrench included and a no-hub roller kit standard on all SC49 models. Read the fine print, though. Reed lists maximum capacities by pipe type: 2 to 8 in. service weight, 1-1/2 to 8 in. no-hub, 2 to 4 in. extra-heavy, 4 to 6 in. concrete and 2 to 15 in. clay. So the 12 in. chain only matters for clay pipe; for cast iron the SC49-12 stops at 8 in., like the others.
Reed’s steps match RIDGID’s. Open the jaws fully, wrap the chain, and hook the closest link to the upper jaw with the extra chain clear of the hooks. Snug the pressure screw by hand, then use the ratchet to mark the pipe. Rotate a little, mark again, and keep going until a line runs around the pipe. Then add pressure until it breaks. Reed recommends a 1/2 in. drive ratchet about 15 in. long, and warns that the cut piece can fly with great force. Because Reed caps cast iron at 8 in., the SC49-8 (1-1/2 to 8 in., 19.4 lb) or SC49-6 (1-1/2 to 6 in., 17.6 lb) covers cast iron with a lighter tool, per Reed’s table, and Reed sells extension chains for its smaller cutters. Neither had an Amazon listing we could link on October 1. The SC49-12 listing was sold by Toolup with 5 left.
- Rated for 2 to 4 in. extra-heavy cast iron, per Reed
- No-hub roller kit standard, per Reed
- Long chain cuts clay pipe up to 12 in.
- Ratchet wrench included
- Cast iron still tops out at 8 in., per Reed
- 26 in. long, per Reed; the RIDGID 226 is 17 in.
- Linked listing is a third-party seller with low stock
Verdict: A solid Reed choice if you also cut large clay sewer pipe; for cast iron alone, the 226 is easier to fit.
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RIDGID Press Snap and 286: Not Linked
The RIDGID Press Snap (34403R) is a soil pipe cutter that attaches to a press tool. RIDGID’s 2022 catalog says it fits all RIDGID Standard Series press tools: the CT400, 320-E, RP 330-B, RP 330-C, RP 340, RP 350, RP 351 and RP 342-XL. It cuts 1-1/2 to 4 in. no-hub and service weight soil pipe. You connect it to the press tool, wrap the chain around the pipe and press. RIDGID says this “eliminates the need to score the pipe” and lists the kit at 12 lb with a case. Plumber’s note: if you already carry a RIDGID press tool, this is a smart add. Check that your tool is on RIDGID’s list first; RIDGID lists only its own Standard Series tools. Our press tool guide covers the tools themselves.
The RIDGID 286 (59698) cuts in a single stroke: you close two long handles. RIDGID says once it is set for a pipe size, it usually needs no more adjustment, which suits cutting many pieces of the same size. Set the handles about 45 to 70 degrees apart for cast iron. RIDGID lists it at 29 lb, the heaviest here. On October 1, the Amazon.com listings for both the Press Snap and the 286 showed a future availability date instead of stock, so we did not link them.
Using a Soil Pipe Cutter Safely
These are the makers’ rules, not ours. RIDGID says to always wear eye protection, and to add a dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, a hard hat or hearing protection when conditions call for it. Keep bystanders out and stand clear of the pipe: RIDGID warns that cutting can throw pieces of pipe with considerable force, and Reed says the cut piece can fly with great force. When cutting short pieces, RIDGID suggests restraining the pipe, for example by sliding a smaller pipe or a piece of lumber through it. Be ready for the cutter and pipe to drop or fall when the cut finishes.
Before you cut a pipe in service, RIDGID says to find out what is in it, drain it, and plan for spills. Clean mud and corrosion off the cut point, because they cause poor cuts and damage the wheels. Open the tool fully and wrap the chain snug before you hook it. If you do not, the wrong pin may catch and the cutter can jam. Keep the wheels square to the pipe. RIDGID also says not to exceed the cutter’s capacity or use cheaters, and to keep good footing; do not overreach.
Inspect the cutter before each use. RIDGID says there should be no significant gaps between the chain plates; large gaps mean the chain was overloaded and should be replaced. Worn or damaged cutter wheels raise the cutting force and give poor cuts. Lightly oil the pivots and chain, wipe off the extra, and do not drag the chain when you carry the tool. Plumber’s note: once you cut through, dress the end and check it is square before the coupling goes on. A ragged or crooked break makes a no-hub band harder to seal. A good pipe wrench helps on any threaded steel you run into on the same job.
FAQ
What is the best cast iron pipe cutter?
For most plumbers, the RIDGID 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter. RIDGID lists it at 17 in. long for 1-1/2 to 6 in. hub and no-hub soil pipe, and 8 in. with one chain extension. For extra-heavy cast iron, get the RIDGID 246. To cut with an impact driver, get the RIDGID 238-P.
Can a snap cutter cut hub (service weight) cast iron?
Yes. RIDGID’s manual chart lists its 206, 226, 246 and 286 for 1-1/2 to 6 in. service weight and no-hub cast iron. Extra-heavy cast iron is harder: among RIDGID’s hand-operated cutters, the current manual and catalog list only the 246 for it, from 2 to 5 in. Reed rates its SC49 for 2 to 4 in. extra-heavy.
Can I use an impact driver on a soil pipe cutter?
Only on a cutter made for it, like the RIDGID 238-P. RIDGID’s manual for the 206, 226, 246 and 286 says not to use handle extensions or power tools on them, because they can overload the cutter and cause tool failure or serious injury.
How much room does a soil pipe cutter need around the pipe?
RIDGID says the 206, 226 and 286 need about 1-1/2 in. around the pipe for the chain to fit, and the 246 about 2 in. Plumber’s note: check behind the pipe before you buy. A stack tight to a wall or slab is where this matters.
Is a snap cutter better than a saw for cast iron?
For most cuts on 1-1/2 to 6 in. cast iron, yes (our judgment). RIDGID says a snap cutter breaks the pipe with cutter wheels in a chain. Plumber’s note: that means no grinder sparks and no saw dust. RIDGID still says not to use its cutters around flammable liquids, gases or dust, because tools can create sparks. A saw or grinder still has a place where there is no room for the chain.
Why Trust Plumbing Picks
Plumbing Picks is written by a licensed Georgia journeyman plumber who uses RIDGID, Milwaukee and DeWalt tools on jobs. Every spec here comes from the RIDGID and Reed documents linked below, or from the Amazon listings we link; we did not test these models ourselves. On October 1, 2026, every linked listing was in stock, but all four were sold by third-party sellers, not Amazon.com. The Amazon.com listings we found for RIDGID soil pipe cutters showed a future availability date. If you buy through a link we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Nobody pays to be included here. More on who writes this and how we pick.
Sources
- RIDGID: 206/226/246/286 Soil Pipe Cutters Operator’s Manual (999-998-611.10 Rev. C)
- RIDGID: Full Line Catalog 2022 (V9.5), Soil Pipe Cutters pages 3.8 to 3.12 and Press Snap page 11.20
- RIDGID Europe: Model 238-P Powered Soil Pipe Cutter flyer
- RIDGID: Model 226 In-Place Soil Pipe Cutter catalog sheet R-98-C
- RIDGID: Press Snap Soil Pipe Cutter catalog sheet R-09-EE
- Reed Manufacturing: SC49 Soil Pipe Cutter Operating Instructions, SC49 replacement parts sheet
- Amazon listings for the RIDGID 226 (69982), 238-P (42878), 246 (32900) and Reed SC49-12, linked above
Bottom Line
The RIDGID 226 is the cast iron pipe cutter to buy for most plumbers: short, rated for hub and no-hub soil pipe from 1-1/2 to 6 in., and good for 8 in. with one chain extension. The 246 handles extra-heavy pipe and trenches, the 238-P cuts with an impact driver, and Reed’s SC49-12 is the Reed option we could link. If you own a RIDGID press tool, watch for the Press Snap to come back in stock. Wear eye protection, keep people clear, and never use a cheater or an impact on a manual cutter.