5 Gal. Frankenstein Plumbing Bucket

[NoChinaToolsEver]

A Frankenstein of a bucket that I am both ashamed and proud of at the same time. It is actually easy to carry and balanced. No company in the world has created a plumbing tools box/bag that could accommodate these true necessities required for plumbing such as purple primer, cpvc glue, thread/pipe dope, couplings, pliers, torch, solder, flux, lighter, level, etc. I rarely struggle to find a tool in the mind fü** of a contraption. Yes it is coated in spray on plasti- dip and yes I did rig up a light on the handle.
Roast this bucket or ask a me question

 

[NUTTSGT]

I'm outside on my phone and it's hard to see the pictures at the moment but looks like it will work

 

[nadogail]

I refuse to argue with success. Watch out that some company does not reverse engineer your bucket, submit required paperwork and market them for big money.
Your posting on Garage Journal should help establish that the idea is truly yours.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I would suggest either a piece of 3/4" PVC to 1/2" copper for the bucket handle.

 

[462867aa]

The best tool for the job is often home made. Looks good!

 

[pbon]

Patent it before someone steals your invention.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Patent it before someone steals your invention.

Id love too actually

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

The best tool for the job is often home made. Looks good!

This is true.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

I would suggest either a piece of 3/4" PVC to 1/2" copper for the bucket handle.

Thats actually a good idea. Thank you

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

I refuse to argue with success. Watch out that some company does not reverse engineer your bucket, submit required paperwork and market them for big money.
Your posting on Garage Journal should help establish that the idea is truly yours.

Thank you for advice. May just do that

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

All your shite in one bucket who wouldn’t like it.

 

[InsanePyro]

If it works for you, who cares?

 

[MovingAlong]

Looks like it belongs to a man that actually fixes things rather than just replacing them.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Looks like it belongs to a man that actually fixes things rather than just replacing them.

Thank you. Yes sir! Can't afford a plumber. Although I **** at drywall. I installed the Delta shower/tub combo in my father in laws house (that im currently residing in for the rest of the year). Tub turned out decent. I still haven't trimmed out the drywall.
I attached photos. I have installed flooring since then. I had to rough up the shower valve. I ended up going back with PEX B crimp rings out of paranoia. Its been leak free from Day 1 to now which has been about 20 months.

 

[jmiller_2308]

Nice job on the bucket but I'm old school and sad to see there is no room (need?) for copper in your bucket.

 

[OccupantRJ]

I used a Bucket Boss for many years at the factory for rooftop AC repairs. It saved a lot of trips back down for all the various things needed.

 

[Sturgeon]

Works for you, so good deal. For me it's a Husky elongated canvas tool box, amazingly stout. Ones four years old + - and the old one is better than nine years old. Wouldn't be suitable for quart size containers of glue and primer but half pints all day long.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Nice job on the bucket but I'm old school and sad to see there is no room (need?) for copper in your bucket.

No sir, I have copper fittings, flux, solder, sanding paper and even that fireproof torch shield. Its all in that black zipper back i have attached to the side if the bucket. And I have the OXY/Pro torch of course

 

[four.cycle]

not enough pliers

search this thread for ideas

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

not enough pliers

search this thread for ideas

They aren't all "pliers" #1 of the 5 pliers are soft grips on the jaws (to not scar finished chrome). #2 is a pliers wrench which is a toothless wrench so as to not scar up or strip fittings. #3&4 are just red pliers. #5 is a Knipex Twin grip which can remove drains as well as stripped screws, etc.
Everything else you are referring to that looks like a plier are specialty tools like the "Sharkbite crimp ring removal tool" and "knipex bolt cutters" for toilet flange bolts

 

[four.cycle]

That's what I said!
I didn't see any of these in there!

You wouldn't want to be limiting the scope of your capabilities, would you?

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Haha this made me smile! Yes. True. I need more gripping power!

That's what I said!
I didn't see any of these in there!

You wouldn't want to be limiting the scope of your capabilities, would you?

 

[rharman]

I would suggest either a piece of 3/4" PVC to 1/2" copper for the bucket handle.

Thats actually a good idea. Thank you

I've had good luck with these for bucket handle replacement/improvement.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071L1T17G?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[KnurledNut]

Kudos on the creativity. Some thoughts...
Having to dig through jumbled up fittings in the bottom of the bucket would drive me nuts. Plus the hammer is in the way. I would have to keep them separate.
The bucket idea is decent, but it would be too tall for much of the work I have done in crawl spaces. A setup like that would be a little tough to work with when laying on your side or back.
I often just grab a small hand tote and toss in what I need for the job. I'll usually bring a second small bucket or square tub to put parts in and to catch any water I might need to drain off or use for trash.

-I would also consider using a metal container to keep your glue cans in. Primer and cleaner especially like to get around the lid during use and it ends up running down the sides and will damage other stuff. Metal is a little safer for storage.
-Regarding bucket handles, I have used liquid tight pvc conduit.

-If your working in a basement or on hard surfaces, consider using a bucket dolly with your setup. They make spinning it around to get what you need a little easier.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Kudos on the creativity. Some thoughts...
Having to dig through jumbled up fittings in the bottom of the bucket would drive me nuts. Plus the hammer is in the way. I would have to keep them separate.
The bucket idea is decent, but it would be too tall for much of the work I have done in crawl spaces. A setup like that would be a little tough to work with when laying on your side or back.
I often just grab a small hand tote and toss in what I need for the job. I'll usually bring a second small bucket or square tub to put parts in and to catch any water I might need to drain off or use for trash.
View attachment 2525331

-I would also consider using a metal container to keep your glue cans in. Primer and cleaner especially like to get around the lid during use and it ends up running down the sides and will damage other stuff. Metal is a little safer for storage.
-Regarding bucket handles, I have used liquid tight pvc conduit.

-If your working in a basement or on hard surfaces, consider using a bucket dolly with your setup. They make spinning it around to get what you need a little easier. Here's one I used with my electrical bucket:
View attachment 2525332

I loved to read your response. I enjoyed it. Yes, this bucket definitely had its downsides. The only thing hard to reach is the fittings. I have 1 organizer case that is right below the hammer and its filled with pex b inserts and crimp rings.
The hammer.... yeah its been annoying and I was torn on where it should be placed when I was creating it. It does get removed as soon as im starting any type of plumbing work and it does help the bucket stay balanced when im toting it. And great point on the primer and glue. I have the pipe dope in a metal stainless steel holder, maybe I should do the same for the others. Although I do remove then before use because I really dont want to melt the handles on my knipex cobras like I have done in the past. (Primer melts the rubber)

 

[gahrajmahal]

To the OP, if you like it, I love it. When I go plumbing I end up setting my tools and stuff on the counter risking scratches. I made a tool tote from wood for my impact driver and drill. I put a soft rubberized material on the bottom, so no accidental scratching. The Mrs uses “Preen” weed control in the garden and it comes in nice rectangular buckets. I think cat litter also does. If I was to duplicate your setup, I’d start with rectangular shape as it takes up less room on my shelves.



Here is another bucket design that just came out. I asked for it for Christmas and have used it as a tool bucket once so far. It’s cool too.

Multi Pail, something new in a five gallon bucket

Just saw this in my Pro Tool Reviews email for today. An inexpensive upgrade for the generic five gallon bucket. I may just have to get me one! https://www.edgeconcepts.work/home

www.garagejournal.com

Could you show us your PEX Sharkbite pliers and comment on their usefulness? I have some 3/4 sharkbite fittings I wish to remove, reinstall.

 

[Jetfixr320]

I used a Bucket Boss for many years at the factory for rooftop AC repairs. It saved a lot of trips back down for all the various things needed.

I worked in ORD at a Airline, a Guy on Dayshift had setup similar to this.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Those empty "Preen" containers will deteriorate quickly, and the handles are trash.

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

To the OP, if you like it, I love it. When I go plumbing I end up setting my tools and stuff on the counter risking scratches. I made a tool tote from wood for my impact driver and drill. I put a soft rubberized material on the bottom, so no accidental scratching. The Mrs uses “Preen” weed control in the garden and it comes in nice rectangular buckets. I think cat litter also does. If I was to duplicate your setup, I’d start with rectangular shape as it takes up less room on my shelves.



Here is another bucket design that just came out. I asked for it for Christmas and have used it as a tool bucket once so far. It’s cool too.

Multi Pail, something new in a five gallon bucket

Just saw this in my Pro Tool Reviews email for today. An inexpensive upgrade for the generic five gallon bucket. I may just have to get me one! https://www.edgeconcepts.work/home

www.garagejournal.com

Could you show us your PEX Sharkbite pliers and comment on their usefulness? I have some 3/4 sharkbite fittings I wish to remove, reinstall.

I will upload photos of the Sharkbite branded pliers as soon as im back home. I will send you some photos of it as well. It is extremely useful tool. In comparison to the cheesey orange piece that comes with woth the fittings. Its a finger saver as well. Those orange pieces require you to have the hand strength of a Greek god to remove the fitting.

 

[gahrajmahal]

I will upload photos of the Sharkbite branded pliers as soon as im back home. I will send you some photos of it as well. It is extremely useful tool. In comparison to the cheesey orange piece that comes with woth the fittings. Its a finger saver as well. Those orange pieces require you to have the hand strength of a Greek god to remove the fitting.

Tools, I really like Sharkbite and its competitors and have used it on several jobs. I purchased PEX crimping ring pliers and have used that version too. I would like them to invent a installation tool for Sharkbite fittings and a simple marking system allowing you to know the pipe is completely engaged in the fitting and a tool that not only helps to release the clamping system, but to then work to push the fitting off of the pipe. If I understand the tool you own, as you said, it replaces the orange plastic collar tool with a “pliers action” tool which releases the clamping system inside the fittings, then you must be able to firmly grip the pipe, either copper or PEX tubing and pull them apart. Easier said than done once many fittings are installed in a tight place.

Thanks!

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Tools, I really like Sharkbite and its competitors and have used it on several jobs. I purchased PEX crimping ring pliers and have used that version too. I would like them to invent a installation tool for Sharkbite fittings and a simple marking system allowing you to know the pipe is completely engaged in the fitting and a tool that not only helps to release the clamping system, but to then work to push the fitting off of the pipe. If I understand the tool you own, as you said, it replaces the orange plastic collar tool with a “pliers action” tool which releases the clamping system inside the fittings, then you must be able to firmly grip the pipe, either copper or PEX tubing and pull them apart. Easier said than done once many fittings are installed in a tight place.

Thanks!

Then you definitely need these pliers for removing SB fittings. Its super easy. If you do one SB fiting a year then its barely worth buying. But if you do 10 a year its worth it.
SB does have a way to mark your depth by the way. Its in their Sharbite Branded Deburring tools. You simply debur and then take a sharpie and mark the pipe at the bottom of the deburr tool

 

[NoChinaToolsEver]

Tools, I really like Sharkbite and its competitors and have used it on several jobs. I purchased PEX crimping ring pliers and have used that version too. I would like them to invent a installation tool for Sharkbite fittings and a simple marking system allowing you to know the pipe is completely engaged in the fitting and a tool that not only helps to release the clamping system, but to then work to push the fitting off of the pipe. If I understand the tool you own, as you said, it replaces the orange plastic collar tool with a “pliers action” tool which releases the clamping system inside the fittings, then you must be able to firmly grip the pipe, either copper or PEX tubing and pull them apart. Easier said than done once many fittings are installed in a tight place.

Thanks!

I dont know if YouTube Links are supported here but I made a video and posted it to my YouTube Channel for you. That should give you a better idea

 

[gahrajmahal]

I replied to your PM, thanks for that! Another tip I saw another bucket user do was to saw two opposing 45 deg. Notches opposite each other. The use is to hold tubing and pipe securely in place when you need to saw it.


Here is a link to my drill and driver dock I made using your same logic. All accessories together in one place, easily carried to the worksite.

Cordless Drill/Driver Dock Tote, Ditch your tool bag

First the photos, then the explanation (so you can avoid my boring dribble). The inspiration from the internet: What I made:

www.garagejournal.com