Tools for Plumbers

[Bobcat753]

My little sister is going to trade school and decided that she wants to be a plumber. I'm a metal worker/mechanic and wondering what's necessary tool wise what she will need so I know what to look for at yard sales,etc. I'll be her mentor tool wise and its a good excuse to go to more yard sales

 

[espyking83]

Suspenders.

 

[arsco]

nail clippers

 

[HaroRider]

Plunger

 

[Coolguy83]

Tell her to get knipex pliers. Is she joining a local union ?

 

[Yamaguy]

It really depends on what she is going to be doing, but cannot go wrong with
Tape measure/stick ruler, Channellock 430, 440 a nice torpedo level, 18 Ridgid pipe wrench, Ridgid 151 tubing cutter. The most important part $h!t flows down hill, don't bite your fingernails, payday is on Wednesday...

 

[jhelrey]

 

[Bobcat753]

You guys are too funny! She will be doing everything in the shop (sophomore-senior year) I'm looking for tools that would be good for that environment. I know about channellocks, pipe wrenches but I'm wondering about specialty tools.

 

[AndrewV]

Seems were all still 16 at heart atleast....

 

[Outlawmws]

Well maybe 18...

For shop tools she may need pipe taps and threaders for the common sizes, is she planning on doing residential, commercial, new installs or repairs? Significant differences...

Hmmm. The special wrenches for faucet valve seats, do they ever resurface seats anymore? (Probably not, unless its an expensive huge commercial valve.) The #415 smooth jaw Channel locks, the faucet wrench (long reach spring loaded "pipe jaws" that swivel around for righty or lefty...),

Pipe extractors (for stuck pipe *******, the EZ-out for pipes)

The soldering tools for copper lines....

And then there is the ubiquitous snake and plunger...

 

[cheechi]

Aside from the basic hand tools and measuring tools, many sizes/styles of level won't hurt.

Get her an M12 set. She will need the hackzall, light, and impact driver for sure. The hammer drill might be up to what she will need, though at some point big *** rotary hammer will be needed. They make copper tubing cutter, PEX tool, scope (though she will probably have access to longer/better it might not hurt to have) that will be handy depending on what specifically she will do.

Flare nut wrenches. Not sure specifically what sizes but I know they are a lot easier for me to work with smaller fittings and tight spaces than pipe/adjustable wrenches.

I assume work or school will provide consumables. Even if they do provide all the PPE, I would still buy her the items she wants/needs so you can get her the best quality/comfort for her. BTDT.

My suggestions come from a gen contractor perspective I haven't ever worked as a plumber myself. Make sure she can spot asbestos from a mile away. Can't stress that enough, especially up north.

 

[Bobcat753]

Thanks for the advise and keep it coming! I know about asbestos too well. It is everywhere in our school and they're supposed to be doing something about it

 

[BD1]

nail clippers

yes, do not chew your nails !

 

[absolutelybillsmood]

Maybe not right now but, if she ever does residential work a basin wrench is essential. Shower valve sockets are good too.

 

[cheechi]

Maybe not right now but, if she ever does residential work a basin wrench is essential. Shower valve sockets are good too.

Actually if this is going to be the case, a whole set of tile/mason tools and the skill to use them. Inevitably you will damage a tile or drill in the wrong spot on a wall/floor.

 

[jakemac]

Once she starts working, a variable speed oscillating tool, like this one from HF or one of the other brands (I have a Rockwell), will be helpful when she needs to get into enclosed spaces. They can be good for removing tile without destroying a whole wall as well.

It would make a good X-mas present for her if she plans on sticking with the plumbing thing.

 

[e_d]

Rags come to mind, an **** load of rags.

 

[bonneyman]

You guys are too funny! She will be doing everything in the shop (sophomore-senior year) I'm looking for tools that would be good for that environment. I know about channellocks, pipe wrenches but I'm wondering about specialty tools.

Pasco has a good selection of specialty plumbing tools/jigs.

http://www.pascospecialty.com/catalog/PASCO_CATALOG_C.pdf

 

[BK13]

I was killing time in HF the other day and was somewhat surprised that the aluminum pipe wrenches were USA made!

 

[Outlawmws]

I was killing brain cells in HF the other day and was somewhat surprised that the aluminum pipe wrenches were USA made!

Fixed it for you!

 

[BK13]

Fixed it for you!

Well, yeah, maybe. But the only thing I bought at HF this year is some Superlube.

Funny: I was walking through the gardening section of HD, looking for a hose nozzle for my GF, and took a whiff, and thought, "Whoa, this smells exactly like Harbor Freight!"

 

[bassbone52]

A good hacksaw is essential as is a jab saw. A keyhole type saw comes in handy. Miniature tubing cutters for 1/2" and 3/4" tubing. One of handiest things I carried was a decent bucket for carrying tools and catching water when taking apart a trap. A good flashlight is also a necessity.

 

[Pumpman1968]

She is going to need 9 1/2" Chanel lock pliers, Craftsman 8" & 10" crescent wrenches, Klein 5 in 1 screwdriver, Bernz0matic self lighting propane torch, Rigid mini and ratcheting pipe cutters, burn blanket, both leather and nitrile gloves, good flashlight, pocket knife, pex tools, Rigid 14" & 18" pipe wrenches, Oatey fitting brushes, Rigid basin wrench, Rigid flaring tool, PVC saw....just for starters.

Start with the basics and let her see what works for her.

 

[joe_padavano]

 

[littletoes]

If she goes Union (United Association), she won't need any tools....the Employer supplies all the tools.

And as for tools, the Plumber is the most expensive tool out there, so if you want to know what tools she'll need, how about these?

Sawzall
Porta-Band
Hole-Hawg
Chain Vise try-stand
Cordless driver or any other cordless tools, like a cordless sawzall
Cutting torch
Plasma Cutter
Pipe groover
steel stud punch
Orbital Welder
snap-cutters
ratcheting snap cutters
electric snap cutters
pipe threading machine





Now the big question, she going to be a residential plumber, or make the big money and work shutdowns....in which case the tools will be so expensive, you won't be able to afford any!

Residential? Plastic pipe tools...
Commercial/Industrial? Cast iron/Plastic/Steel/Galvanized/Glass....lets just say you can't imagine every kind of piping she'll get into.

UA Steamfitter/Plumber/Instructor here.....

 

[TheGrooveking]

Well, yeah, maybe. But the only thing I bought at HF this year is some Superlube.

Funny: I was walking through the gardening section of HD, looking for a hose nozzle for my GF, and took a whiff, and thought, "Whoa, this smells exactly like Harbor Freight!"

You are the one who should have a hose nozzle for your girlfriend....

I hate to go there but it needed to be said....

TheGrooveking

 

[TheGrooveking]

I was killing time in HF the other day and was somewhat surprised that the aluminum pipe wrenches were USA made!

I'm going there tomorrow, if they are made inthe USA, I'm buying a bunch...

TheGrooveking

 

[Bobcat753]

Thanks again this will be an excellent reference to look back on when looking for what's necessary! Also thanks for the humour along the way

 

[BK13]

You are the one who should have a hose nozzle for your girlfriend....

I hate to go there but it needed to be said....

TheGrooveking

She doesn't seem to complain...