The Most Commonly Used Hand-Tools for Plumbers
Plumbers certainly don’t get enough credit for what they do! There aren’t many people that will drop what they’re doing on Christmas day to drive out and fix a boiler in the freezing cold, and yet many of them do. But which handy tools would they need to take with them?
Like any other tradesmen, plumbers have a certain set of tools which are specific to them and their trade. Thinking of exploring plumbing as a trade option? Let’s have a look at some of the most common tools that you’ll need for your kit!
1 – Pipe Cutters
Pipe cutters are to a plumber, what a chisel is to a sculptor: they aren’t getting much done without them! Pipe cutters are the fastest and most convenient way of getting a clean cut through a copper pipe, rather than having to use a hacksaw. The tool is also perfectly designed to fit around the pipe, so they are significantly less likely to slip, so it’s safer too.
2 – Basin Wrench
The basin wrench is perfect for reaching those “out of the way” fasteners that would otherwise be impossible to handle with a standard wrench. This are specifically designed for confined spaces and are available in a wide range of styles to be applied to all manner of tasks.
3 – Water Pump Pliers
Water pump pliers are most commonly used for holding and turning nuts & bolts, gripping odd-shaped objects and holding pipes in place. They come with a sliding pivot with a variety of jaw openings, with a unique adjusting system to allow quick and easy one-handed adjustments. These are an essentiality for any plumber!
4 – Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench is used for loosening and tightening threaded pipes. The top jaw moves up and down, with toothed jaws for gripping onto the pipe itself. Again, these are also available in a large variety of sizes to suit any and all applications.
5 – Pipe Benders
Aside from pipe cutters, pipe benders are a plumbing essential. Naturally, pipes are required to lead in a number of different directions, as opposed to simply straight. As such, a pipe bender would be used to manipulate different piping, such as copper, and stainless steel, to adjust around various obstacles, angles, and curves. This is a much easier and cheaper alternative to using fittings, which of course, come with the risk of leaking. A true plumber bends the pipes to their will!
6 – Toilet Auger
No plumber worth his salt will use just any old plunger! No, instead they opt for the toilet auger, which is significantly more effective. They’re designed to offer the user a safe and easy clearing of any toilet obstruction. It has a bulbous head with a compression-wrapped inner cable and a vinyl guard so as not to damage the porcelain. It’s an unfortunate yet essential part of any plumber’s kit (nobody wants to unblock a toilet, but such is the nature of the job).
7 – Holesaw
A holesaw is a ring-shaped sawblade attachment that is used with a power drill. This attachment rotates at a highspeed to cut holes into a variety of different materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and even brick. This is to create a clear space for pipes and plumbing fittings to fit through for the ultimate, clean finish.
Conclusion
Every plumber should have the finest tools in their kit if they’re to carry out their duties to perfection. You’ll need every one of the tools featured on this list, and you’ll want the best of the best. Good job you’ve come to the right place! Contact us for more information and we’ll get you started.
