Handy Plumbing Tools That Help You Get the Job Done

by DoItYourself Staff

Miscellaneous Tools Safety Tips

Do not apply excessive pressure to a pipe cutter, as this could cause the cutting wheel to break.

Do not use a pipe cutter as a C-clamp.

Replace worn cutter wheels on pipe cutters.

Use the proper cutting wheel in the pipe cutter. There are separate wheels available for plastic, cast iron, copper and other materials.

Always wear eye protection when cutting pipe.

Do not use a flaring tool for holding pipe.

Do not thread hardened steel or any pipe bigger than the working diameter of the threader

Nipple Extractor

Also known as an internal pipe wrench.

Used to remove pieces of pipe that have broken off.

Has a rigid cylinder with a moving part that fits into the inside of the pipe and is used with pliers to turn it

Handle Puller

Also known as a faucet handle puller.

Used to remove corroded or frozen handles without scarring the chrome.

Has two hook-like jaws with a center rod that turns.

Use penetrating oil to help loosen the handle before pulling.

Yoke Vise

Helps hold pipe when cutting or reaming pipe.

Has V-shaped jaws that grip pipe from above and below. The lower jaw is fixed, while the upper jaw is raised or lowered by a screw.

Holds pipe with the inverted V-shaped yoke that unlatches on one side and tilts to accommodate the pipe.

Chain Vise

Helps hold pipe when cutting or reaming pipe.

Smaller than the yoke vise. Has a fixed lower V-shaped jaw with teeth on where the pipe is laid and a bicycle-type chain fastened to one end. When the pipe is inserted, the chain is placed over it and locked in a slot on the opposite side.

Reamer

Removes burrs from the inside of the pipe. Burrs are the flakes of metal or plastic on the outside and inside of the pipe after the pipe is cut.

Cone-shaped, with ratchet handles.

Cutting edges can be sharpened, but this is difficult and time-consuming and the small replacement cost usually makes it impractical.

Straight-fluted reamers have straight cutting edges. They can be used by hand or in a pipe rotating on a power drive unit.

Spiral-fluted reamers have spiral-shaped cutting edges. They cut more easily, save time and are often used by sheet metal workers to enlarge holes in sheet metal and conduit box outlets, as well as smoothing inside edges of pipe. They are for hand use only.

PVC Cutter

Used for cutting ABS, PVC and PE pipe.

Makes clean cuts with one-handed operation

Tubing Cutter

Primarily used to cut copper pipe.

Easier to use than an ordinary hacksaw, and it makes a cleaner cut.

Has a single cutting wheel and two rollers that make smooth right-angle cuts.

Some have a triangular blade-type reamer that folds out of the way when not in use.

Sized to cut material with outside diameters ranging from 1/8" through 4-1/2".

Major points of wear are rollers, wheels and pins on which they are mounted. When cutter wheels are worn out, they should be replaced; sharpening them is not advisable.

Separate cutting wheels for plastic pipe are also available.

Pipe Threader

Uses a die head to create threads on unthreaded pipe ends

The hand tool type revolves around a stationary pipe. It is good for threading pipe on the job.

With the powered type, the tool stays stationary while the pipe revolves into the die.

Always use thread cutting oil for best results

Seat Dresser

Also known as a faucet seat reamer or valve seat-grinding tool.

Used to smooth a faucet seat. Seats may not operate properly if they collect corrosion or calcium deposits or become rough with wear.

Inexpensive ones often have 1/2" and 5/8" cutters

Flaring Tool

Use to flare the end of a pipe before joining it with a flared fitting.

The two flat bars of the tool (the yoke) clamp around the pipe at the appropriate sized hole. Then the cone-shape, powered by the drive screw, forces its way into the pipe and creates a flare.