Plumbing Tools
DEAR TIM: You may not like this, but I am about to attempt some diy plumbing. I have all sorts of plumbing questions, and I need some help selecting some plumbing tools. What are the most important tools you think I should buy? The primary plumbing supplies I will be using are copper tubing for water lines and PVC for the drain lines. What plumbing tools have served you well in your career? Barbara D., Baltimore, MD
DEAR BARBARA: Believe it or not, I have no issues with anyone attempting to do diy plumbing. Even licensed master plumbers, like myself, had to solder their first copper fitting and weld their first PVC joint. But you will learn very quickly that plumbing is a true craft, and that you will not learn how to do it from watching shows on television. What's more, you need to develop a deep respect for the work immediately as your health and that of those around you can be negatively affected if you fail to do all things in strict accordance with all plumbing codes.
Let's talk about some of the basic tools you must have to work with copper tubing. I feel you must have a high-quality tubing cutter. This plumbing tool has a hardened-steel wheel that rotates around the copper tube. As you tighten the tool, the cutting wheel cuts into the copper with each revolution of the tool. The cutter makes precise cuts that are free from burrs you will get if you try to use a hacksaw.
These different plumbing tools have helped do lots of work. PHOTO CREDIT: Tim Carter
To melt the solder that is used to make leak-free joints, you can get by with a propane torch. But if you are thinking about doing lots of solder joints, an acetylene torch will serve you well as it burns hotter than propane. You will also need some small circular wire brushes and abrasive paper, but these are things that wear out and must be replaced on a regular basis.
You will undoubtedly need an assortment of wrenches to round out your plumbing-tool collection. A 14-inch pipe wrench is a great beginner size that will work well in many situations. I would buy an adjustable wrench that will work well on compression nuts and toilet bolts. You might find a need from time to time for an adjustable set of pliers. A basin wrench is a must-have tool. It will allow you to tighten nuts under countertops in that narrow space between the sink and the cabinet.
I will assume you already own different types and sizes of screwdrivers. You will need these for sure. The same is true for a hammer, tape measure, different levels and all personal safety equipment.
You will thank your lucky stars if you can afford a power mitre-box saw, a regular power drill and a right-angle drill. The powerful right-angle drill is made to accept boring bits that make the giant holes for PVC pipes that penetrate wall studs, wall plates and floors.
A power reciprocating saw is a must-have plumbing tool. These saws allow you to make any number of cuts when you are installing all of the pipes before the walls, floors and ceilings are finished.
There are many more specialized tools used by plumbers. I have so many, I sometimes marvel at the investment made over the years. For example, I have a special hand-held flaring tool made just for three-quarter-inch soft copper. The tool is used when you connect a primary water line to a water meter, the actual municipal water valve, or an interior shut-off valve in a home.
Then there are all of the pipe-threading dies I use to thread black-iron pipe for gas line work. The dies, ratchet, pipe vise, cutting tool etc. are all made to work with pipe that must be custom fabricated in each particular home.
Other plumbers could easily expand this plumbing-tool list. There are all sorts of tools you will buy if you really start to enjoy this line of work. I must admit that plumbing work is among that which gives me the greatest amount of satisfaction. There is something that is really special about soldering 50 or more copper fittings over a period of several hours, letting them cool and then turn on the water to see there is not one leak. That is a neat feeling!
I highly recommend buying quality tools. The extra money will give you tools that will not let you down in a time of need, but they will also last for many years. Visit a plumbing supply house that sells nothing but plumbing goods and you will often see the best tools on display.
Be sure to dry plumbing tools that get wet. Most quality tools are made so they have few parts that will rust, but all the same keep old rags handy that you can use to dry your tools. Keep them oiled if necessary to prevent rust when they are stored.
Avoid buying low-cost saw blades. Great saw blades that are more costly will often hold their edge longer and produce straighter cuts.
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