Abstract: A ratchet-type pipe cutter is provided for cutting pipes in close quarters. The pipe cutter includes a split-ring cutting head adapted to be clamped about the pipe to be cut, a cutter mounted on the head for cutting the pipe upon rotation of the cutting head, and a handle adapted to be coupled to the cutting head after it is clamped about the pipe for unidirectionally rotating the cutting head. A plurality of peripheral teeth is provided on the cutting head and at least one gripping element is provided on the handle for engagement with the peripheral teeth of the cutting head. The handle also includes a ratchet member spaced from the gripping element and adapted to drivingly engage the peripheral teeth upon rotation of the handle in a predetermined direction and to slip over the peripheral teeth in the opposite direction. The handle is designed to positively engage the cutting head to prevent accidental slippage of the handle off the cutting head.