What’s in a Plumber’s Tool Kit?
There are many different tools that a plumber can use.
Depending on the job and the location the tools can
range from very small to very large. The types of tools
depend on whether your installing or repairing as well.
In this presentation we will look at a typical plumbers
tool kit. What you should have on hand for most basic
jobs.
Measuring and Layout Tools
1. Measuring Tapes
Most plumbers (and other tradespeople) will carry a
steel measuring tape. They are convenient with
automatic retractable blades. These come in
different sizes from 1cm – 2.5 cm wide and 2 metres
– 8 metres long.
Longer tapes are available up to about 100 metres
long. These are usually have steel or fibreglass
blades and have a winding mechanism for retracting
the blades.
Tapes should be kept clean, dry and free from kinks.
This can cause the tapes to breakdown and not lie
straight. As well the numbers can be worn away
with dirt.
2. Rules
These folding rules are typically made of wood or fibreglass.
They are solid and are used for taking accurate internal
measurements. While most plumbers use the metal tapes the
folding rule is still used for certain applications.
3. Squares
Try Square: used for marking and
measuring a piece of wood or pipe and
for keeping things square.
Framing Square: used for measuring,
squaring, and marking cuts or holes on
walls and partitions
Combination square: used for
multiple purposes in woodworking
and metalworking
Layout Tools
Level – A tool used to determine if something is horizontal
(level) or vertical (plumb)
There are a variety of sizes of these. They can be small line
levels which hang from a string to transfer heights from one
area to another. Torpedo levels which are small (about 8 –12
inches); 2 and 4 foot levels, transits which level things over
long distances and laser levels which project a beam of light
to determine alignment.
Some other layout tools:
Chalk Line – Marking tool with a string
coated with chalk used to layout straight
lines
Plumb Bob – a string with a weight at the
end. When the line is allowed to hang freely
it shows an exact vertical point.
Compass and Dividers – Just like those in your
geometry set. The compass is used to draw arcs
and circles. Dividers have two sharp metal
points and is used to divide spaces into equal
parts and to scratch the surfaces of harder
materials.
Cutting Tools
Saws:
Saber Saw (Jig Saw) – an electric saw used to cut openings in
most soft materials. It can make straight or curved cuts. Cuts
material less than 1 ½” inches thick.
A reciprocating saw works similar to a saber saw but has a
longer blade for cutting larger material.
With both these saws, there are different blades for different
materials. Be sure to use the correct type of blade.
The compass saw is a handsaw with a tapered blade that is
used when the electrical saws are not practical.
Hacksaw: A manual metal cutting saw. It
has replaceable blades. The plumber will
use this saw for cutting metal pipe and it
can be used for cutting plastic pipe as well.
It is not usually used for precision cutting.
Jab Saw – Is used to fit into tight spaces that
a hacksaw cannot. This saw uses a hacksaw
blade inserted into a handle.
A backsaw or specialty saw (ie. ABS saw) can be used for cutting
plastic pipe. Along with a mitre box you will ensure square cuts
for fitting
Files are used for shaping metal, wood or other
material. They have cutting teeth that remove
small bits of material. There are a variety of
types of files that are used for different purposes.
Files are designated by their coarseness as well.
Generally you would have a 10” – 12” file with
second-cut teeth.
Wood chisels are used to trim openings and
make notches for pipes. A chisel with a
solid steel shank that extends through the
handle is best. This provides a surface for
striking with a mallet if necessary
The cold chisel is used for cutting metal.
There are a variety of styles: flat, cape, round
nose, and diamond point. The plumber will
generally have a flat chisel which can be used
to cut cast iron pipe.
Pipe Cutters
The pipe cutter is something no plumber is without. They are used
for, you guessed it, cutting pipe. Different sizes and types of pipe
require different cutters.
A general pipe cutter has four moveable parts: a
cutter wheel, two guide wheels and an adjusting
screw. You insert the pipe between the cutter and
the guide wheels. Next adjust the screw until the
cutter is snug on the pipe. Then, twist the cutter
around the pipe tightening the adjusting screw
slightly with each turn until the pipe is cut through.
A soil pipe cutter is used for cutting larger cast
iron pipe. It has a chain with cutters and a
mechanism to draw the cutter tight.
An Internal Pipe Cutter is used for cutting pipe
that is below the surface of a concrete floor so a
closet or toilet flange can be installed .
Drilling and Boring Tools
A plumber will typically have an electric drill. This can be corded
or cordless. Cordless drills are convenient since you do not need
an electrical connection but they run out of power with use and
need to be recharged . Corded drills do not need to be recharged
but have to have an electrical connection at all times for use. You
can also purchase specialty drills such as the offset or angle drill
that is used for drilling where space is limited.
There will be a variety of bits used for drilling
holes through which pipe can be installed.
Multispur bits are designed for drilling large holes
in wood. They range in size from 1 – 4 inches.
Spade bits are cheaper bits that can cut holes
between ¼” – 2” in diameter.
The hole saw combines a saw blade with a drill bit
to cut larger holes fron 1- 3’in diameter.
The auger bit is similar in shape to a traditional
drill bit . It has cutters on the leading edge and an
auger to expel the cut material from the hole.in the
wood.
When working with metal or plastic pipe it is
important to ensure that any cuts are clean and
free of debris before joining them in any manner.
If not cleaned correctly the bits of material left on
the pipe, called burrs, can collect deposits and
eventually obstruct he flow of water or waste.
Reamers are used to clean any metal or plastic
burrs that get left on pipe. The reamer is tapered
to fit almost all pipe and has cutters that remove
the burrs. Most regular pipe cutters have a reamer
on them as well.
Before galvanized metal pipe can be assembled in
a plumbing system the ends must be threaded. So
that can be screwed together. For this you need to
use a pipe die. This has cutters which make a
spiral cut in the pipe, similar to the top of a pop
bottle.
Holding and Assembling Tools
When plumbing you will need a variety of these types of tools.
Wrenches: You will a selection of these.
Pipe Wrenches, while adjustable, come in different sizes for
different sized pipe. Pipe wrenches are usually sold in the following
sizes (in inches): 10, 14, 18, 24, 36, and 48. They are usually made of
either steel or aluminum
They have heavy toothed jaws for gripping pipe. The teeth are set
at an angle to grip the soft pipe. You will generally need at least two
as they often have to be used together to loosen or tighten pipe..
Three types of pipe wrenches are the Straight, End and Offset
Some other specialty plumbing wrenches are :
The chain wrench which uses a chain wrapped
around the pipe. It dispenses pressure more
uniformly and doesn’t take up as much space.
The strap wrench is used on chrome-plated or
other finished pipe. It uses a material strap
that won’t scratch the finish of the pipe.
The Monkey or Spud Wrench looks similar
to the pipe wrench except the jaws are
smooth and they don’t tighten as pressure is
being applied. It is useful for turning or
holding objects that have flat edges. Pipe
fittings, valves, and fixtures have hex or
square shoulders that allow the use of this
tool.
There are many general use wrenches that the
plumber will use. Some of these are:
Open-end, Box-end and Combination wrenches:
These come in a wide variety of sizes in both metric
and imperial measurements.
Adjustable wrenches are popular since they can
replace several different sizes of open-end wrenches.
Force is always applied in the direction of the
moveable jaw.
In cramped work spaces a plumber can use a basin
wrench to loosen and tighten nuts that secure
faucets and other plumbing to vanities, kitchen
counter tops, sinks etc.
Pliers are another general tool that a plumber needs. These come
in different sizes and styles. Typically a plumber will have
grooved joint and/or Slip joint pliers that can be widened to
different sizes; and locking pliers that have a vice mechanism to
hold things or to clamp onto a nut or bolt that has the shoulders
worn away
Hammers are important in your tool kit. A standard
16oz hammer will be used for nailing in braces and
fastening boards as well as for removing, any pieces
of wood that may obstruct your pipe run. (ensure
that the removal or addition of any material does not
weaken the structure or interfere with other trades).
A ball peen hammer can be used for driving punches
and chisels.
A variety of screwdrivers are necessary as well. The
plumber should have all the standard screwdriver
heads; straight, Phillips, Robertson, in a variety of
sizes.. In installing any fixtures you can run into any
of these types of screws. You can purchase an all-inone screwdriver set that will have a wide variety of
screwdriver heads.
A plunger is a common device used to release stoppages
in plumbing. it consists of a rubber cup with an
attached stick, usually made of wood. The cup is pushed
down against the drain, to force air in, or to pull out,
causing a vacuum. The intent is to loosen or break up a
clog, excessive material, or other blockage in a sink,
toilet, bathtub, shower, etc.
There are two types: The sink plunger has a flat rim to
fit over a drain. The toilet plunger which has a flange
which fits into the toilet
The Closet Auger is a specialized plumbing tool
used to clear stubborn clogs in toilets. The auger
has a flexible shaft with a special auger bit at the
end. There is a hand crank that is used to turn
the shaft. The end bit tears into the obstruction
and removes the material. Special care should be
taken as their could be waste material attached to
the auger when it is removed.
For joining copper pipe or putting on fittings, you will need a good
soldering torch. Typically, this consists of a 1lb. Propane tank and
a flame head. To light it you can use a spark lighter . You will also
need flux and solder as well as some emery cloth.
Professional plumbers may have variations of the torch but the
premise is the same.
While this is a pretty extensive list of tools, these are the basic
tools that a general plumber will have. There are times when
specialized tools will be needed. Depending on the size of the job
to be completed, whether it is a new install or a renovation, what
needs to be done, etc. will determine the types of tools needed
There are times as well when specially trained people will need
to be called on to operate certain tools or to perform certain
tasks.
It is important that you know and understand the tools you use.
Know and follow all the safety rules of the tools. Use the tool for
what it was made for. Know the tools limitations and your
limitations as well.
Using Ch. 2, Modern Plumbing by Blankenbaker,
complete the following activities:
Explain and demonstrate one of the plumbing tools . How
to use, safety, etc.
Explain the teeth of the hacksaw.
Explain how to care for and sharpen files and chisels.
Explain the different types of files and their uses.
Explain how to use a pipe wrench.
Explain the proper use of an adjustable wrench.