Which basic plumbing tools can I add ?

[ChevyEFI]

If I am placing an order w/ Zoro, eligible for discount with more stuff, I throw a Ridgid aluminum pipe wrench that I won't use for months into the order.

 

[enrare]

Thanks to this thread I picked up a Lasco 13-2708 compression sleeve puller. Wish I would have known about these a few years back when I replaced all the turn-off valves in the house to the quarter turn ones.

 

[coleman10]

Thanks to this thread I picked up a Lasco 13-2708 compression sleeve puller. Wish I would have known about these a few years back when I replaced all the turn-off valves in the house to the quarter turn ones.

Sometimes it’s not a good idea to take it off and just use the old, nasty nut behind it with your shiny, new stop valve. I’ve seen some ferrules where the previous guy tightened the fitting so much that it compressed the tubing, leaving it misshapen so you can’t put another sleeve in the same place. Depending upon how much stub you have to work with, it’s better sometimes to leave it as long as it’s not damaged. The idea is to tighten the fitting just enough so that it doesn’t leak, not crank on it until it won’t move anymore.

 

[jgromada]

The question really needs to address whether you have old antiquated plumbing with Cast Iron or copper waste pipes or newer waste pipes like PVC and what type of supply lines you have , copper, galvanized steel or other plastic. This will help determine what you need more than anything.

I still got some old huge pipe wrenches but they will never get used. my waste pipes are all PVC now (cuts with hack saw or similar) and my supplies where not copper have been replaced with PEX & PEX manifold. Waaaay better

I take it you're looking at what to get to service your own plumbing and not become a plumber!

 

[coleman10]

My overall advice for the OP is if you’re looking just to maintain your own home’s plumbing, just get what you need when you need it, otherwise you will end up buying all kinds of tools you may never need or use. For instance, I have never once needed a tap reseating tool. Good to have if you have a dripping faucet and readily available at big box stores and online, but if you don’t need it, why spend the money on it now? Basin wrench, basket wrench? Yep, both great to have, but all these tools together will add up quickly. As you move through repairs, believe me, you will amass quite an array of tools and supplies, but I would just start off with a couple pairs of Channelocks, a couple different sizes of adjustable wrenches (sometimes you can get these in a 2- or 3-pack) and some Teflon tape. That should be enough to fix a leaky toilet and change a stop valve. Need to install a new bathroom faucet? Use those same tools and maybe you might need a hacksaw or PVC cutter to add to your arsenal. If you find you need to sweat copper tubing, buy a torch, flux, solder, and prep tape at that time, but I don’t see a need to buy all that stuff before you need it. Take the money take your SO out for dinner instead. A better investment.

When I started out maintaining and replacing my own stuff, I had just what I mentioned above - some pliers, wrenches, and Teflon tape. As I needed to do more stuff and my knowledge and skills increased (at least I think they did), so did the tool collection. It’s easier to pay for all that stuff gradually instead of all at once.

Anyway, just my 2 cents.

 

[strutaeng]

I bought this funky many years ago specifically for the plastic p traps. I used to use it exclusively for this, but now just use the 16" Channellocks or the Knipex Cobras.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3...VAo9bCh0pxwSIEAQYBSABEgJiCvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

It is still useful for kitchen sink strainer installations.

 

[coleman10]

I bought this funky many years ago specifically for the plastic p traps. I used to use it exclusively for this, but now just use the 16" Channellocks or the Knipex Cobras.



https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3...VAo9bCh0pxwSIEAQYBSABEgJiCvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds



It is still useful for kitchen sink strainer installations.

That reminds me of a locknut wrench used to fasten conduit to a junction box.

 

[bonneyman]

That reminds me of a locknut wrench used to fasten conduit to a junction box.

I saw those a couple of years ago, and man did I wish I'd known they existed when I was doing electrical work.

Honestly, for most of the DIY plumbing work I do around my house, my regulrr tools fill most of the jobs. One of the few "specialty" plumbing tools that I strongly recommend is a basin wrench. I've got two - an 11 inch and a 15". For those darn corroded sink connectors way up behind the basin these things will save your ****!
Here's my Covers Company 11"er. Old school, made in USA, defunct company but examples can still be found. And as you can see I only paid $2 for it.

 

[KDoug]

Pasco makes decent specialty plumbing tools too. Pasco 4525 Angle On Wrench is basically a handle for tightening angle stops, it screws straight on the 3/8" outlet threads. This tool does the same job as the Ridgid One Stop Wrench, but I like Pasco's better because you can also use it to install shower arms.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002XFPIGQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Pasco Tool Catalog:
https://www.pascospecialty.com/catalog/PASCO_CATALOG_C.pdf

Photo attached:

 

[HeelSpur]

Flashlight of some sort, inspection mirror is handy.

Sponge.

 

[nev]

UK general maintenance guy here.

My basic plumbing kit is

Screwdrivers
Two pair of 8 inch bahco wide mouth adjustable
1 250mm knipex cobra
1 250mm irwin pump pliers
Needle nose pliers
7inch knipex plier wrench.


Sent from my SM-G960F using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Ton ton]

UK general maintenance guy here.

My basic plumbing kit is

Screwdrivers
Two pair of 8 inch bahco wide mouth adjustable
1 250mm knipex cobra
1 250mm irwin pump pliers
Needle nose pliers
7inch knipex plier wrench.


Sent from my SM-G960F using The Garage Journal mobile app

Nice list of tools.