Plumbing Hand Tools
Plumbing Hand Tools Guide:
Plumbing requires a combination of manual hand tools, pipe-working tools, and technology-driven solutions for both fieldwork and business management. Below is a categorized list of essential plumbing tools and software solutions.
🔧 Wrenches :
Wrenches are essential for gripping, tightening, and loosening pipes, fittings, and nuts.
- # 1 Pipe Wrench
- Purpose: Serrated teeth for strong grip on round pipes.
- Best For: Installing/removing threaded metal pipes.
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Buying options:
- Amazon (DURATECH 8 - 48 inch)
- Amazon (RIDGID 31000 Model 6)
- # 2 Basin Wrench
- Purpose: Pivoting head for tight spaces under sinks.
- Best For: Faucet nuts & supply line connections.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (DURATECH Basin Wrench)
- # 3 Adjustable Wrench
- Purpose: Smooth jaws with adjustable size.
- Best For: Nuts, bolts, and flat-sided fittings.
- Buying options:
- # 4 Faucet Key (Sillcock Key)
- Purpose: Turns outdoor or commercial spigots without handles.
- Best For: Parks, schools, and utility areas.
- Buying options:
🔩 Pipe Work Tools :
These tools are used for cutting, joining, sealing, and preparing pipes.
- # 1 Hacksaw
- Purpose: Cuts through metal/plastic pipes and hardware.
- Best For: General pipe cutting tasks.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (CRAFTSMAN Hand Saw)
- Amazon (STANLEY Hand Saw)
- # 2 Tubing Cutters & Plastic Pipe Cutters
- Purpose:Clean, precise pipe cuts.
- Best For:Copper, PVC, CPVC pipes.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (RIDGID 23488 Model PC-1250)
- # 3 Plumber’s Torch
- Purpose:Heats pipes for soldering or loosening fittings.
- Best For:Copper pipe soldering.
- Buying options:
- # 4 Thread Sealing Tape
- Purpose:Seals threaded connections to prevent leaks.
- Best For:Shower arms, faucet connections, gas lines.
- Buying options:
- Amazon ( Vanguard PTFE Plumbers Water)
- Amazon (LASCO 13-1601 28-Gauge)
- # 5 Pliers (Channel Locks)
- Purpose:Gripping, twisting, and holding pipes/fittings.
- Best For:General plumbing adjustments.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (CRAFTSMAN Pliers)
- # 6 Deburring Tool
- Purpose:Smooths rough edges after cutting pipes.
- Best For:Copper or PVC pipe prep.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (AFA Tooling )
- # 7 Press Fitting Systems
- Purpose:Flameless, fast pipe connection method.
- Best For:Residential/commercial installations.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (Propress Fitting Copper)
Piping Offset Calculator
🚿 Clearing Clogs & Blockages :
Tools for unclogging drains and diagnosing sewer issues.
- # 1 Plungers
- Purpose:Suction and pressure to clear blockages.
- Best For:Toilets, sinks, tubs.
- Buying options:
- # 2 Hand Auger
- Purpose:Manual flexible cable for deeper clogs.
- Best For:Kitchen/bathroom drains.
- Buying options:
- Amazon ( Cobra Plumbing )
- # 3 Snake Machine
- Purpose:Motorized auger for severe or deep clogs.
- Best For:Sewer lines, commercial drains.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (RIDGID)
- # 4 Inspection Camera (Borescope)
- Purpose:Visual inspection inside pipes.
- Best For:Detecting cracks, roots, or hidden clogs.
- Buying options:
🦺 Safety First :
Safety gear protects plumbers from injuries and accidents.
- # 1 Goggles
- Purpose:Protect eyes from debris, chemicals, and soldering sparks.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (Dewalt DPG82)
- # 2 Gloves
- Purpose:Shield hands from burns, cuts, and contaminants.
- Buying options:
- # 3 Heat Shields / Pads
- Purpose:Prevent heat damage to surrounding surfaces during soldering.
- Buying options:
🔨 Other Essential Plumbing Tools :
Specialty tools for advanced plumbing work and precision installation.
- # 1 PEX Pipe Expander & Fittings
- Purpose:Expands PEX tubing for tight, leak-free connections.
- Best For:Modern plumbing systems.
- Buying options:
- # 2 Crimpers
- Purpose:Secures PEX rings and fittings.
- Best For:PEX pipe installations.
- Buying options:
- Amazon (Klein Tools 1005 Cutting)
- # 3 Tube Bender
- Purpose:Bends copper or metal pipes without kinking.
- Best For:Custom pipe routing.
- Buying options:
- # 4 Stubby Screwdriver
- Purpose:Compact screwdriver for tight spaces.
- Best For:Under sinks, behind fixtures.
- Buying options: