Abstract: A chain pipe cutter has a pair of pivotal handles that carry a non-extendable cutter chain. A first handle has a contact member secured to a lower part of the first handle in a pivotal relationship so as to adapt the contact member to an angle most suitable for contacting a power actuator rod. The second handle has a holder for a power actuator rod and a retainer for retaining the rod in a fixed relationship to the handle when the power is delivered to the rod. An arm retainer allows to temporarily retain the handles in a spaced-apart relationship prior to application of the power. A conversion kit is provided for retrofitting a conventional manual pipe cutter to a power actuated cutter.