Whether you’re a residential or commercial plumber, you rely on the gear you tote to the jobsite. Different jobs require different tools, though some—like torches and wrenches—are used on just about every plumbing job. Take a look in your kit. Do you have all 20 of these plumbing tools needed to be a successful plumber?
1. Hacksaw
- A good hacksaw can be relied on to cut through all sorts of items, such as metal pipe, PVC pipe, bolts, and screws.
- Different blades are designed to cut through different materials. Hardened blades maintain a sharper edge, but flexible blades are less brittle.
- A key number to take note of is the TPI, or the number of “teeth per inch.” Lower TPI means a coarser cut for softer materials, while higher TPI represents a finer cut necessary for harder metals.
2. Hole Saw Kit
- This tool cuts larger-diameter holes quickly when a plumber needs to run new pipe.
- Hole saws come in much larger sizes than standard drill bits and work well on both wood and metal.
3. Tubing Cutter
- Pipe cutters cut around metal pipe.
- If you’re cutting plastic or PVC, you’ll need a tubing cutter.
- The hardened blade slices straight through for a quick, clean cut.
4. Pipe and Tube Benders
- Sometimes a pipe needs to curve around a piece of framing or make a hard turn to follow a wall.
- Pipe and tube benders permanently shape a piece of pipe, adapting it to fit the space.
5. Torch
- Torches come in many different styles, temperatures, and fuel sources for many different applications. Sweat soldering, brazing joints, acetylene cutting—no matter the job, there’s a torch for it.
6. Slip-Joint Pliers
- Featuring an adjustable pivot point, slip-joint pliers quickly adapt to the task at hand.
- No matter if you’re gripping or bending pipes or bolts, crimping metal, or cutting wire, the jaws on these pliers open and close their size range so they can be used for nearly anything.
7. Ratchet Set
- A trusty ratchet, with its interchangeable sockets, gives you the leverage to tighten or loosen just about any bolt, no matter the shape or size.
8. Pipe Wrench
- The workhorse of the plumber’s tool kit, a pipe wrench can grip pipe like no other tool.
- They are often used in pairs, with one wrench holding a pipe in place as the second one grabs and loosens a stuck fitting.
- You’ll find medium-duty pipe wrenches for everyday use, though some monstrous tools have jaws opening to 10" or more.
9. Basin Wrench
- The T-shaped basin wrench gets into tight places around faucets that ordinary wrenches could never reach.
10. Adjustable Wrench
- The most versatile tool in a plumber’s tool kit is the adjustable wrench.
- Also referred to as a Crescent® wrench or spanner wrench, the expandable jaw opens and closes to fit different sizes of nuts and bolts.
11. Work Gloves
- A good set of work gloves can give a better grip on pipes and protect your hands from cuts, hot solder, and caustic materials.
12. Safety Glasses
- Sight is very important to any plumbing job, so protect yours with a set of durable safety glasses.
- With a variety of protective eyewear from basic protection to rugged and stylish polycarbonate scratch-resistant lenses, you can stay on-trend while staying on the job.
13. Goggles
- Like safety glasses, goggles guard your eyes while welding, sanding, cutting—pretty much anything you’re working on.
- Because they fit close to your face, they offer more complete protection than safety glasses.
14. Knee Pads
- When your job requires you to be on the floor a lot, a set of comfortable knee pads can reduce damage to joints and provide cushioning, letting you stay on your knees for longer stretches of time.
15. Pressure Test Gauges
- Pressure test gauges are useful for testing water pressure to make sure it’s not too high, and making sure pressure regulators are working properly.
16. Tape Measure
- Measure twice, cut once. Using an accurate tape measure eliminates guesswork, reducing the chance of costly and time-consuming rework.
17. Bucket
- Though it might not fit in a tool kit, a bucket is an indispensable part of the plumber’s arsenal, great for carrying parts, catching water from a leaky pipe, and even sometimes as a stool to sit on.
18. Caulk Gun
- Caulk guns are the simplest way to fill cracks and create seals around toilets, sinks, and bathtubs.
19. Jab Saws
- For small holes or cuts, especially in building materials, a simple jab saw (also called a drywall or keyhole saw) can be a real lifesaver.
20. Drain Cleaning Tools
- Sometimes you just need to clear a stubborn clog from a toilet or sink drain.
- Grab the right plunger for the job, get those arms pumping, and the pipes will be clear in no time.
Start with These Essential Plumbing Tools
There are many different tools a plumber may carry around. But if a job is worth doing, it’s worth doing well. Doing any plumbing job well is going to require some combination of these plumbing tools, so be sure the first tools in your kit include the ones on this list.
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Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.