Channel locks as pipe wrenches

[ajchien]

Want to do a little home sink replacement/fixture replacement plumbing work. Do you think my channel lock groove joint 460 and 440 pliers are good enough or should I get a pipe wrench?

 

[marnav1]

Pipe wrench(s).

 

[mrholeshot]

Use the Parrot nose Channellocks. Thos babies lock up like a pipe wrench. I use them a lot doing alignments

 

[Sterff]

It all depends what materials you are working with. If you get a pipe wrench I would get a 12" Ridgid.

 

[djjsr]

I've replaced a lot of sinks and 3 just recently. Never had a need for a pipewrench. Use PVC for the drains.

 

[scott37300]

It depends on a lot of things. Meterial of pipe, etc. I have done a lot of plumbing and all my drains are PVC so no pipe wrenches needed.

 

[Gtamazing]

Use the Parrot nose Channellocks. Thos babies lock up like a pipe wrench. I use them a lot doing alignments

Parrot nose??

 

[mooman]

Parrot nose??

Or they are called Nutbuster.

 

[mrholeshot]

Parrot nose??

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000189GQK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Monte]

 

[wellstig1]

if your gripping round metal pipe go for some knipex cobras. If hex, go with monte's suggestion.

 

[lbgradwell]

Pipe wrenches are almost obsolete for residential purposes. I have a number, but very, very rarely use them.

Large T&G pliers, some SAE combo wrenches, a cheap "spud" wrench (basically a large adjustable) and a utility screwdriver will take care of most issues. One specialized tool that can save you a lot of aggravation is a basin wrench. When you need it, you need it!

The only other tool I'd like to add to my kit is one of those Knipex Plierwrenches that Monte posted above...

 

[Techniker]

On a related note, I know a lot of other guys (including myself) use pipe wrenches for alignments. How do the Nutbusters compare for alignments? Why would I use them over the pipe wrench? I'm considering buy a set...

-Techniker

 

[fflintstone]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000189GQK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

My neighbor swears by these.

 

[sberry]

If I can do the work with Channeloks I usually do.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

If you're using PVC, Channel Locks will do the job. Pipe wrenches will crush it. I have 2 and rarely use them, but if it's steel/black pipe, nothing else will grip better.

+2 on the basin wrench, nothing works better at those angles.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Knipex Cobra pliers.

Charles

 

[premierplayer]

your 440's will handle all the 1-1/2, 1-1/4 CP brass and PVC drain parts with ease, been the choice of the pros for decades
if you need to tackle any galvanized steel drain parts you'll likely be needing some pipe wrenches.

and for the pressure side:
the channellocks
adjustable length basin wrench
5/8 line wrench
10-12" adjustable wrench
some basic wrenches, sockets and extensions, hand tools should handle most jobs

 

[ToddyB]

I would think the cobras would be better based on most drain pipe sizes. The parrot jaw c-locks are hard to beat for the sizes designed for though.

 

[59 wagon man]

unless you are working with galv pipe there is not much need for a pipe wrench . a large pair is need ed to tighten the strainer and a smaller pair for the water connections. also a basin wrench can be a very handy tool

 

[Techniker]

So a pipe wrench can deliver more torque than the Nutbuster pliers? I find that disappointing as I was looking forward to buying a set for use in alignments...

 

[marnav1]

I agree with all the above comments. I guess I have bad luck, if I don't bring a pipe wrench invariably I'll need it............I always have Channelocks along.

 

[sberry]

Its not always about if one can deliver more ultimate torque than the other but if its adequate. Channelok fits in back pocket,,, ha. A guy probably should own a pipe wrench or 2 though.
Most could probably get by without the pair of 48's though.

 

[DRhodes]

Like everyone said above, you do not need one if your working with PVC. I have a few on hand when I'm removing my hot water heaters and such. I cant ever get the fitting tight enough to not leak with channellocks so I have the pipe wrench for that purpose.

 

[Techniker]

Now the next question is which one should I get first to try it out? 414 or 410?

 

[ajchien]

Well, I think I'll forgo the pipe wrench fot this project, but this thread also has peaked my interest in the parrotbeak/nutbuster channellocks.

 

[adm84]

im a plumber, i use the 410s on domestic plumbing fittings like compression unions and plant attachments, when we work on industrial stuff like 3" black and such stuff i stick to my snapon aluminium pipe wrenches as they apply more torque to the steel.the channellocks work in a similar way to swedish style pipe wrenches, also the channelocks have the hardest teeth ive ever come across, mine are the blue boint vairiants.

 

[strnjss]

For fixture replacement, I can't see any need for a pipe wrench. Channellocks are all you really need, unless you have some massive old pipe in your basement, or a fitting that's too tight for the CL.

I'm no professional, and only do stuff in my own house and family members houses, but the times that I've needed a pipe wrench were always in places a pipe wrench just wouldn't fit.

I bought a pair of Channellock 460's which have handled everything I've thrown at it so far. They're massive, but thin enough to fit where I need them.