Reed tc346qr Quick Release Tubing Cutter

Product Description

The REED tc346qr is a quick-release tubing cutter designed for cutting copper, aluminum, and thin-wall tubing in plumbing and HVAC service work. The quick-release mechanism allows the technician to retract the cutting wheel rapidly, speeding up repetitive cuts and reducing hand fatigue on the job. This type of hand tool is standard in the tool bag of licensed plumbers, HVAC technicians, and pipefitters who need clean, burr-minimizing cuts in tight spaces. Manufactured in the USA, the tc346qr is a compact, lightweight cutter suited to field and shop use alike.

This cutter is used in residential and light commercial plumbing, HVAC refrigerant line, and hydronic piping applications where tubing must be cut cleanly and squarely before flaring, swaging, or soldering. The quick-release collar makes it practical in confined spaces such as mechanical rooms, wall cavities, and equipment cabinets where repeated jaw adjustments slow the work. It is a common replacement or backup cutter for service technicians working copper and soft-metal tubing runs.

Key Features

• Quick-release mechanism retracts cutting wheel instantly for fast repositioning
• Designed for clean, square cuts that prep tubing for flaring, swaging, or soldering
• Compact and lightweight at approximately 0.01 pounds for easy one-hand use
• Manufactured in the USA

Compatibility

Designed as an OEM-style replacement or direct-use hand tool compatible with standard tubing cutter applications in plumbing and HVAC service work.

Installation Notes

Tubing cutters are installed and used by licensed plumbers and HVAC technicians in accordance with applicable plumbing and mechanical codes. Before cutting any refrigerant line, recover the refrigerant charge and isolate the section per EPA Section 608 requirements. Before cutting any water supply or hydronic line, shut off the water supply and relieve system pressure. Keep the cutting wheel clean and aligned square to the tubing to avoid oval cuts or burrs that can compromise fittings and connections.