Which tool is primarily used for cutting pipes?

The primary tool used for cutting pipes is the pipe cutter. This specialized device is designed specifically to make clean, precise cuts in various types of piping, including plastic, copper, and steel pipes. A pipe cutter typically features a circular cutting wheel that is adjusted around the pipe, which allows for a straight cut without collapsing the pipe's integrity. This is essential for ensuring that the ends of the pipes are smooth and ready for connections or fittings.

While other tools listed, such as a pipe bender, pry bar, and screwdriver, have their own specific applications in plumbing, they are not suited for cutting pipes. A pipe bender is intended for bending pipes to create angles rather than cutting them, and a pry bar is used for leverage in prying objects apart but has no cutting function. Similarly, a screwdriver is primarily designed for turning screws and is not capable of cutting through materials like pipe. Thus, the pipe cutter is the tool specifically engineered for the task of cutting pipes, making it the correct choice.