The 10 Best Air Cut-Off Tools
This wiki has been updated 28 times since it was first published in April of 2016. Suitable for cutting pipes, rebar, nails, bolts and more, these air cut-off tools can make a useful implement in any mechanic or DIY handyperson's arsenal. Employing pneumatic power that can drive their rotating blades as fast as 22,000 revolutions per minute, they offer a powerful, means to rip through rugged materials. Just note that they also require an air compressor and hose. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Ingersoll Rand 422G
2. Astro 409
3. Chicago Pneumatic CP9116
Editor's Notes
February 25, 2021:
With all of our previous picks continuing to be sensible selections for this category, it was a very straightforward round of updates that saw no major comings or goings for these rankings. Note that the size of cut off disc these tools can accept varies considerably, and while four-inch models – like the Chicago Pneumatic CP9116 and Astro 409 – are common, bigger models are also available – like the five-inch Ingersoll Rand 422G – as are smaller — like the three-inch Astro 208 Onyx or DeWalt DWMT70784, or even the diminutive two-inch Chicago Pneumatic CP7500D.
Speaking of the DeWalt DWMT70784, I should mention that since there was some ambiguity regarding its housing construction, we reached out to the company and they were quickly able to clarify that it's made of an aluminum composite. Without insulting anybody’s intelligence, just in case anybody’s confused, I'll also say that, as pneumatic equipment, these tools will all require a separately purchased air compressor and air hose to function.
If metal fabrications your game, you might also be interested in our rankings for straight grinders and angle grinders.
April 10, 2019:
Air cut off tools are very versatile, making them a handy addition to any shop or home garage, Whether you need to remove weld splatter, cut into a muffler, or hack of a length of pipe, these items are up to the job. From the options on our list, commercial contractors would be best served by the Chicago Pneumatic CP9116, Chicago Pneumatic CP7500D, Astro 409, Ingersoll Rand 422G, DeWalt DWMT70784, and Aircat 6525-A. Your applications will go a long way to determining which of the above models is best for you. If you need to cut through large-diameter tubing or thick steel, choosing a tool that has a four- or five-inch disc is a smart idea. Home DIYers can generally get by with less expensive models, since they won't be subjecting their tool to daily use. If you fall into this category, we recommend you take a look at the Astro 208 Onyx, Ingersoll Rand 326G, Craftsman 9-19953, and Sunex SX6210. While all of these models are also relatively well-built and perform admirably, some of their interior components may not be intended for heavy volume use day in and day out.
4. DeWalt DWMT70784
5. Astro 208 Onyx
6. Ingersoll Rand 326G
7. Aircat 6525-A
8. Sunex SX6210
9. Craftsman 9-19953
10. Chicago Pneumatic CP7500D
After deciding that the pen was mightier than the pliers, Canadian electrical contractor William Rhoda abandoned his career and headed back to college, where he majored in marketing and advertising and won a scholarship along the way to earning a diploma in creative communications. His past career landed him a depth of knowledge in tools and hardware, while his current career schooled him in audio, video and camera equipment. During his leisure time, he’s learned lots about outdoor gear, and years of tiresome backyard maintenance have taught him all about pools and hot tubs. His recreational pursuits include rest, relaxation and revolutionary action, and his roommate’s a hairless cat.