

Solution: Cordless Copper Tubing Cutter

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	Description:	A cordless copper tubing cutter can reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) from repetitive spinning to cut tubing. The cordless cutter automatically adjusts to piping size and cuts through the pipe at 500 revolutions per minute with the press of a button. The cutter is uses 12V lithium ion batteries and can easily be carried around a job site. The cordless tubing cutter also has an extended handle that allows the tool to fit into spaces with as little as 1 ½” clearance. The cutter automatically adjusts diameter to cut through 3/8" - 1" copper tubing. Shown below is a cordless lithium ion copper tubing cutter: More Detail
	Risks Addressed:	Stressful hand and wrist activity, stooped postures
	How Risks are Reduced:	Cutting copper tubing requires reaching with awkward wrist postures. The cordless copper tubing cutter allows the user to keep a neutral wrist position while cutting tubing. Repetitive wrist motions are also reduced when cutting copper pipe because the cordless copper tubing cutter has a revolving head that spins without the need for hand movement. Repairing copper tubing in confined spaces also requires excessive stooping of the low back. Working repeatedly in these positions can cause fatigue, pain, and injury. The cordless cutter reduces the time spent stooping since it is faster than traditional cutters.
	Quality of Evidence (Risk Reduction):	Independent published studies have found a risk reduction. Manufacturers, vendors, or worksites have reported a risk reduction. Safety and health experts believe there is a risk reduction.
	Quality of Evidence Explanation (Risk Reduction):	Manufacturers say the design of cordless copper tubing cutters offers greater reach and reduced wrist strain when working in confined spaces. Safety and health experts believe that it is important to avoid prolonged and repeated forward bending of the back (stooping) even in the absence of other risk factors for low back disorders. Awkward and forceful hand exertions are associated with MSDs of the upper extremity such as carpal tunnel syndrome and wrist tendonitis (Bernard et al., 1997; Thomsen et al. 2007). Reducing the frequency of awkward and repetitive hand, wrist, and elbow motions may reduce the risk of developing upper extremity MSDs. There are no published independent studies examining the effect of cordless tubing cutter use on the prevalence or incidence of MSDS. However, Seidler et al., 2001 observed associations between prolonged stooped postures and certain low back MSDs.
	Effects on Productivity:	Manufacturers claim cordless copper tubing cutters cut copper tubing up to 10X faster than conventional cutters and automatically adjusts diameter to cut through 3/8" - 1" copper tubing.
	Return on Investment:	To calculate the return on investment (ROI) for your specific application, please visit our Return on Investment Calculator. While a specific ROI example has not been developed for this particular solution, the ROI Calculator provides a useful tool and guidance on how to generate your own on investment analysis.
	Availability:	Milwaukee M12 Cordless LITHIUM-ION Copper Tubing Cutter For purchasing information visit http://www.milwaukeetool.com or contact 1-800-729-3878 J&B Industries, Inc. JBCTC-1 For purchasing information visit http://www.jbpowertools.com or contact 1-860-489-2624 Superior Tool UltraCut Cordless Tubing Cutter For purchasing information visit http://www.superiortool.com or contact 1-800-533-3244
	Additional Considerations:	Recently, tool manufacturers have been making spring loaded copper tube cutters that automatically adjust and easily clamp onto copper tubing. These cutters offer a quicker option to traditional cutters but still require repetitive hand and wrist motions to use. photo taken from: www.faucetdirect.com
	Contributors:	Dan Anton, PT, PhD, ATC and Zack Sinner, SPT – Eastern Washington University
	Hazards Addressed:	Pipes & Vessels Cut, thread, hammer and bend pipes and vessel tubes Stressful hand & wrist activity Disassemble and remove damaged or worn pipe Stressful hand & wrist activity Install pipe assemblies, fittings, valves, appliances and fixtures Stressful hand & wrist activity