Different Types of Plumbing Tools and Their Uses

In this article, we will present plumbing tools used to solve problems with the drainage system of a house. What are their types? What is the purpose of each? Read on to learn more.

Plumbing Tools and Their Uses

The tools used to solve the problems of drainage, sanitation, and water distribution in a house are called plumbing tools. Plumbing tools include many types, and they have their own different uses and uniqueness.

Here we list some of the very common and most useful plumbing tools mainly used in plumbing projects.

1. Pipe cutter

A pipe cutter is one of the most common plumbing tools used to cut water, sanitary or sewer pipes. Generally, solid, hook and chain type pipe cutters are mostly used.

A pipe cutter consists of a cutting reel, a moving reel base, screws and an adjusting handle. The moving reel base is adjusted to the pipe size with the help of the adjusting screw handle. The pipe is cut by the rotating cutter around it.

2. Slip joint pliers

Slip joint pliers are sometimes referred to as channel pliers. They are similar to regular adjustable pliers, but have an extended adjustment section and angled jaws that allow them to grip almost any size pipe or other plumbing component. The long handles provide great leverage for squeezing and twisting. They can be used to grip heavy steel pipes or to gently tighten large plastic nuts on sink drains. If a plumber uses only one professional plumbing tool, slip joint pliers must be the best choice.

3. Pipe wrench

An adjustable pipe wrench is the quintessential metal plumbing tool. It provides great leverage and grip. It is designed to firmly grip round objects (such as pipes) by digging sharp serrated teeth into the pipe with increasing pressure as the wrench is turned.

Pipe wrenches leave teeth marks and are not recommended for removing shiny fixtures or small or delicate pipes, such as copper water pipes. Pipe wrenches are mainly used on galvanized steel and iron pipes and heavy fixtures with rough surfaces, such as outdoor faucets or fire hydrants.

4. Hacksaw

A hacksaw is a handheld saw designed to cut materials such as metals and plastics. The small teeth on the hacksaw blade allow for clean cuts, while the handle and manual operation make it easier to control than power tools such as reciprocating saws and grinders. This makes the hacksaw the perfect tool for cutting metal and plastic pipe accurately and cleanly.

5. PVC pipe cutter

PVC pipe cutters are like super strong scissors for cutting plumbing materials like PVC pipe and PEX. PVC pipe cutters are driven by a ratchet mechanism, which gives them tremendous power to push the blades through hard materials. The thin, ultra-sharp blades create perfectly clean, straight cuts.

6. Pipe Bender

Benders are used to turn or bend pipes at various angles as required to achieve the assembly requirements of water pipes. Hand-operated benders are used to bend small size pipes, while hydraulic benders are used to bend large size pipes.

Hand Tools Safety: 5 Tips For Every Workplace

People working in warehouses, construction sites or industrial grounds may use hand tools more frequently, but even office workers use scissors, box cutters and utility knives. Hand tools safety is very important in every workplace. The safety and health of workers is necessary for every job.

Why is hand tools safety so important?

In fact, in these seemingly "safe" workplaces, such as offices, safety is still the most important point to emphasize: complacency and lack of safety awareness are major causes of injuries. In addition, employees who do not use tools are often less likely to know how to use them properly. It is easy to deviate from practice when it comes to hand tools safety.

It's worth highlighting cutting tools, which pose a risk of cutting, tearing and puncturing. The National Safety Council lists these as one of the top three injuries that cause employees to be unable to work. Therefore, we have prepared these five hand tools safety rules that we hope will help ensure the safety of all workers.

Tips for hand tools safety

1: Reserve specific areas where workers use hand tools

If possible, arrange a designated place for your workers to use hand tools, especially cutting tools. The requirement to go to a specific area to use tools will help workers to be more focused when working. Other workers or visitors will also be aware that this is an area where people are using potentially dangerous tools and they need to be cautious about this area.

It's also a great way to stay organized. Keep everything related to using cutting tools (e.g. PPE, safety tools, etc.) all in one place. Workers can easily find the protection they need. The easier it is to stay safe, the more likely workers are to fully comply with all protocols.

2: Keep PPE and hand tools in good working condition

Hand tool safety must first ensure that the tool is in proper working order. For cutting tools, this means that the blades must be in good condition. Blunt blades are dangerous because they require more force to cut. This increases the likelihood of the tool slipping.

The blades should also be clean, free of large debris and, if metal, should not be rusty. When it is time to replace a blade, the used blade must be discarded in a container specifically for sharp objects. The tool itself should have no loose parts or cracks. Any tool that does not meet these standards should be repaired or replaced.

3: Provide proper PPE

All personal protective equipment must be in good condition. Equally important: PPE must fit properly. As an example, if safety gloves are bulky, it will not allow workers to move freely and may discourage them from wearing hand protection. Providing the right gloves is important because lack of hand protection is a major cause of injury.

PPE should be cleaned regularly, especially when several workers share the same set of PPE. The same reason applies to the cleaning tools here: it's just good hygiene.

4: Choose the safest tool

High-quality tools are more durable and safer than thin, cheap tools. The well-being and safety of your employees is worth the investment. Better quality leads to better hand tools safety.

Look for tools that are ergonomically designed. This will reduce the likelihood of fatigue and repetitive stress damage. Make sure the handle surface is easy to grip, which will reduce the likelihood of slips and falls.

When choosing a cutting tool, also pay attention to how the user is protected from the blade.

5: Regularly teach your workers about hand tools safety

Improper use is one of the most common causes of injury to workers while using tools. Make sure your employees are regularly trained in hand tools safety to teach them the proper methods and rules for using tools. Remember that workers are also an important factor in work safety.

It's easy to stay safe

Safety isn't complicated, but it must be taken seriously to avoid injury. Simple precautions, such as these five safety tips above, may reduce the probability of employee workplace injuries.

Always consider hand tools safety, and it will be one of the best decisions you ever make.