The Best DIY Plumbing Tools: Essential Reviews and Usage Guide
Safety and Maintenance
Using the right safety gear and maintaining tools properly are crucial when taking on any DIY plumbing project. These practices help prevent injuries and ensure tools last longer.
Personal Protective Equipment
Safety in DIY plumbing begins with personal protective equipment. Essential items include gloves to protect hands from sharp objects and harsh chemicals. Goggles are necessary to safeguard eyes from splashes and debris.
Sturdy footwear can prevent foot injuries if heavy tools are dropped. Wearing a mask when dealing with dust or mold is also advisable. Keeping a bucket nearby helps manage water spills, reducing slip hazards.
Tool Maintenance and Care
Proper maintenance extends the life of your plumbing toolkit. Clean tools after each use, particularly if they’ve been exposed to water or chemicals. Drying them thoroughly prevents rust formation.
Store tools in a dry, cool place to avoid damage from moisture and temperature changes. Regularly inspect tools for wear and tear. Replace worn-out parts to ensure optimal performance. Organizing tools neatly in a toolbox can help prevent accidental injuries and make future tasks more efficient.
Specialty Tools for Specific Jobs
Specialty plumbing tools are essential for tasks where standard tools fall short. These tools provide precision and efficiency that typical tools can’t match.
Flaring and Swaging Tools
Flaring and swaging tools are indispensable for working with soft copper tubing, often used in automotive and plumbing applications. Flaring tools expand the end of a tube to form a smooth, flared opening, while swaging tools shape the tube to fit into another plumbing piece. These tools ensure secure, leak-proof connections without unnecessary hassle.
Using these tools requires practice. Proper preparation involves cutting the tube to the correct length and deburring it to remove sharp edges. The tube is then clamped into the tool, and the handle is turned to create the flare or swage. This process is essential in tasks such as setting up refrigerant lines or gas supply lines, where precision is critical. Flaring and swaging kits are available in various sizes to accommodate different tube diameters.
Unique Plumbing Instruments
Certain plumbing jobs require specialized tools that are not typically found in a standard tool kit. A plumber’s torch, for example, is essential for soldering copper pipes. This tool uses high heat to melt solder, creating strong, watertight joints. Proper use of a plumber’s torch includes using a heat shield to protect surrounding areas and ensuring a consistent, high-temperature flame.
A faucet key is another unique instrument used to remove and install faucet stems. This tool comes in various sizes to fit different stem designs, ensuring a snug fit and easy operation. Similarly, a water meter key allows plumbers to turn off the main water supply during repairs. These tools are particularly useful during emergency repairs or maintenance work, providing precise control over the plumbing system.