There are sometimes tools that we may use on a regular basis and we don’t give them much thought. They may even have a specialized purpose but if we don’t know they exist, how would we ever use them for their intended use?
One of the tools that was very popular in certain craftsmanship in the mid-20th century was the aluminum tubing pipe cutter tool. This tool is not only still used today by plumbers, it has a history that is well worth considering.
The pipe-cutting tool became popular after World War II during the industrial boom. People were looking for more reliable plumbing in the United States and the demand began to rise considerably.
That is when the pipe-cutting tool came into play. It was durable and lightweight, and the cutter allowed professionals, along with hobbyists, to cut the pipe they needed very easily.
These vintage aluminum tubing pipe cutters were a very precise tool. You could cut a number of different types of metal tubing, but they were primarily used for aluminum, copper, and steel.
You would use the adjustable clamp to secure the pipe in place in the exact location where the cut was made. As you spun the tool around the pipe, the rotating cutting wheel would gradually cut into the pipe as it tightened. It was made from aluminum, so it was lightweight and easy to carry.
Many tools that were used a century ago have come and gone from the scene. Some of them may not even be recognizable this many years later.
The fact that the aluminum tubing pipe cutter is still in use today is a testimony to how brilliant the design was. Regardless of whether you are using one from 50 years ago or if you are using one you just purchased at Home Depot, it is a durable, functional, and simple tool that serves an excellent purpose.