Originally Posted by bikejunkie
Most pipe cutters are meant for copper or plastic tubing. Steel ruins the cutting wheel pretty quick.
Most handlebars these days are made of aluminum, which is about three times
softer than
copper. For an easy, clean, precise cut, I would highly recommend a pipe cutter, although a hacksaw would do the job in a hurry.
If you're not sure whether the bars are aluminum or steel, try putting a refrigerator magnet on them. Of course, the magnet will stick to only the steel.