As a plumber you won’t just be working with pipes and faucets. You’ll need to become familiar with a variety of hand tools to help you get the job done. From wrenches to plungers, your tool box should have all the necessities. Most importantly, you should understand the function of each tool and how to use it. Here’s the top 10 tools for plumbers.
Wrenches and pliers
Wrenches and pliers are used for a variety of functions. They can be used to tighten nuts and bolts and fasten pipes. No two wrenches are the same though, so it’s important for plumbers to carry a few different types. Useful wrenches include a(n)
Pipe wrench. Pipe wrenches are typically the largest wrench in a plumber’s toolbox. These wrenches are used to loosen and tighten nuts and fittings on pipework. Coming in various lengths, plumbers should own a set of these wrenches for any project.
Adjustable wrench. Adjustable wrenches are used to loosen or tighten hexagonal nuts and fittings on pipes. Six- and 10-inch adjustable wrenches are the most common, and plumbers should keep both handy.
Basin wrench. A Basin wrench is used to install or remove faucets. They’re claw-like and allow plumbers to reach into narrow spaces. Basin wrenches are used to tighten or loosen the nuts on sink faucets.
Tongue-and-Groove pliers.These pliers help grip, pry, pull, and loosen plumbing fixtures. Plumbers should carry these in 10- and 12-inches.
Pipe work
Working with pipes is a large part of a plumber’s job. When doing so, it’s important to have the tools you’ll need to get the job done. Tools that help plumbers work with pipes include a
Hacksaw. Plumbers use a hacksaw to cut through a variety of hardware. They’re the best tool to cut brass, steel, and plastic pipes. The small teeth prevent the blade from skipping around on the hard materials. Hacksaw blades are also replaceable, making it a long lasting tool.
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Metal file. After a pipe is cut it typically has sharp, rough edges that can easily puncture the skin. A file is used to remove those sharp edges and make the pipe safer to handle.
Tubing cutter. A tubing cutter is shaped like a c-clamp.The tool is used to cut pipes in tight small spaces and helps cut copper and other pipes that can’t be unscrewed.
Plumber’s tape. Plumber’s tape is a thin teflon tape that’s used to wrap around the threads of a pipe to create a tight seal. It’s commonly used to faucet supply lines and showerheads. This helps prevent leaking where the pipe fittings meet.
Clearing pipes
Clearing pipes is an essential part of the job. Plumbers work to clean out pipes and drains using a few tools. Most commonly used tools include a
Plunger. A plunger is a basic tool that plumbers use to clear an obstruction in a pipe. Typically used on toilets and faucets, a plunger creates pressure in the plumbing to move clogs out of the pipe.
Plumber's snake. When a plunger isn’t enough to clear an obstruction a snake is used. This long flexible cable is stuck down the drain to help break up and remove blockages.
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