Chapter 1 Plumber’s Toolbox

Objectives After completing this chapter, the student should be able to: identify and describe the hand tools the plumber commonly uses. use hand tools in a safe and appropriate manner.

Plumbing Tools Plumbing tools fall under one of two categories: Hand tools Power tools

Hand Tools Manually operated. Not as expensive as power tools. Equally important in completing a task or project. Most employers expect a plumber to have basic hand tools when being considered for employment.

New Residential Plumbers Tool List Quantity Tool 1 Retractable tape measure Medium Phillips screwdriver Medium slotted screwdriver Multi-type screwdriver 2 10” angled jaw pliers 6” combination pliers 7” locking pliers 8” or 10” adjustable wrench 18” pipe wrench 24” pipe wrench Smooth jaw pipe wrench Basin wrench Quantity Tool 1 12” claw hammer Cat’s paw nail remover Allen wrench kit Wood chisel kit 2 12” concrete chisel 5/16” nut driver 1/8” to 1-1/8” copper tubing cutters Copper midget tubing cutters Copper tubing cutter up to 2” pipe size Copper flaring tool Copper tubing bending tool Plastic pipe saw Hacksaw

New Residential Plumbers Tool List (Varies Based on Employer) Quantity Description 1 Mini-hacksaw Flexible tubing cutter Inside PVC pipe cutter Utility blade knife 2 Straight cut type aviation snips or set of three Pencil Magic marker Carpenter’s speed square Basket strainer tool or internal wrench Quantity Description 1 Torpedo type level 24” level Torch regulator assembly Torch striker 1/2” Flexible pipe crimping tool 3/4” Flexible pipe crimping tool Plumb bob Chalk box Adjustable angle jaw pliers Smooth jaw adjustable wrench Pipe wrenches (18” or 24”)

Levels A level is one of the most important tools in a plumber’s toolbox. A level has tubes partially filled with colored liquid leaving a trapped air bubble. Some levels have a dimensional feature that can be used for measuring distances.

Levels

Tape Measures There are numerous makes and models of tape measures. They vary in blade width and length. The retractable type with a pocket clip is the most common.

Tape Measures

Squares The framing square is a tool for laying out angles. It has two edges that form a 90 angle.

Squares

Screwdrivers Screwdrivers are available in many lengths and shank diameters. Phillips and slotted head types are two used by plumbers.

Screwdrivers

Pliers Pliers are available in various styles. The most common type has angled and grooved jaws. Most pliers used in the plumbing trade have cushion grip handles.

Pliers

Adjustable Wrenches Adjustable wrenches are available in various sizes. Some have a cushioned grip. Their jaw opening is adjustable and smooth.

Adjustable Wrenches

Pipe Wrenches Pipe wrenches have grooved jaws designed to provide grip for working with metal piping systems. The two most common sizes are 18” and 24”. All pipe wrenches have an adjustment range for various pipe or fitting sizes.

Pipe Wrenches

Hammers Numerous hammer types are available with different heads, claws, and weights. For a plumber, the type of claw is the most important factor regarding the selection of a hammer.

Hammers

Plastic Pipe Saw Can be used to cut both ABS and PVC pipe. Available in short and long blade styles. Their cutting teeth are closer together than a wood-cutting saw and farther apart than a metal-cutting saw.

Plastic Pipe Saw

Plastic Pipe Cutter Various designs available. Range in pricing and size.

Plastic Pipe Cutter

Metal-Cutting Saw This versatile tool is designed to cut through metal. Numerous blade types are available with various numbers of teeth per inch.

Metal-Cutting Saw

Wallboard Saws Two types commonly used are the compass saw and the wallboard saw. A compass saw is designed to cut circular holes, but is capable of making square cuts The wallboard saw is shorter and more rigid than the compass saw

Wallboard Saws

Aviation Snips The most common are offered in three different styles that cut in three different directions – straight, left, and right. Their cushioned grip handles are color-coded, indicating their direction of cut.

Aviation Snips

Knives Commonly used for cutting wallboard, boxes, or tape

Knives

Chisels Wood chisels are typically used for notching and splitting pieces of wood boards. Chisels used for chipping concrete have a blunter cutting edge than wood chisels and are called cold chisels.

Chisels

Basin Wrench Has a spring-loaded swivel head. Used to install and remove securing nuts of a faucet and water supply connections in confined spaces.

Basin Wrench

Basket Strainer Tools Strainer forks are used for strainers and tub drains. An internal wrench is a multi-purpose tool that allows an installer to tighten or remove parts to a plumbing fixture. The internal wrench has a range from 1” to 2” internal use.

Basket Strainer Tools

Copper Pipe Cutters (Tubing Cutters) Copper cutters use metal rollers and a cutting wheel to rotate around the pipe as a manual handle is turned clockwise to advance the cutting wheel through the pipe.

Copper Pipe Cutters (Tubing Cutters)

Copper Flaring Tool A flaring tool flares the end of soft copper tubing, creating a 45-degree angle to mate with a compatible brass flared fitting.

Copper Flaring Tool

Copper Tubing Bender A copper tubing bender is used to create bends in copper tube. It is useful for tight spaces and for achieving a professional appearance.

Copper Tubing Bender

Torch Regulator Assembly A typical torch assembly consists of: A regulator that controls the amount of flammable gas to be ignited A torch-tip with an orifice specifically designed for the type of gas and the specific torch assembly

Torch Regulator Assembly

Flexible Pipe Crimping Tool Offered in several sizes. Most commonly used are for 1/2” and 3/4” pipe. A dual-size tool and a compact version for 1/2” and 3/4” pipe sizes available. Requires calibration to ensure an adequate crimp is achieved. A crimp gauge is sold with each tool.

Flexible Pipe Crimping Tool

Plumb Bob Provides an accurate method of establishing a vertical point of reference to a lower work area from an upper work area.

Plumb Bob

Chalk Box Houses string (called a chalk line) and chalk powder. Used to mark a straight line for layout or to cut plywood boards.

Chalk Box

Torque Wrench Used to tighten clamps used in installing cast iron pipe and for rubber transition connectors for dissimilar piping. Has a 5/16” socket end.

Torque Wrench

Personal Safety Equipment Recommended personal protection equipment: Eye protection Face protection Hand protection Knee protection Foot protection Inhalation protection First aid kit Head protection

Summary Hand tools are required to install various aspects of a plumbing system. A plumber may be responsible for purchasing hand tools. Specialty hand tools are required more for repair than for new installation work. Everyone on a job site is responsible for safety.

Summary Personal protection equipment (PPE) is usually provided by an employer. Material safety data sheet (MSDS) lists all safety hazards and medical attention requirements for a specific product. MSDS must be available for all products and kept on file on the jobsite.