The Tools for the Job

Most of the basic tools needed for plumbing are general-purpose tools such as spanners and pliers. For major additions or alterations, however, you will need extra tools, some of them specialised and expensive and not worth buying for occasional use. These can be hired if required. SW11 Plumbers have all the necessary tools.


Pipe wrenches:

For gripping pipes, circular fittings or hexagonal nuts that have been rounded off at the edges. Two wrenches are needed for some jobs. Some pipe wrenches, such as footprint wrenches, are operated by squeezing the handles together, but the stillson type has an adjuster nut for altering the jaw size. These wrench sizes are 10in (250mm) and 14in (360mm), with a jaw opening to 1in (25mm) and 1/2 inch (38mm) respectively. For a cistern-retaining nut you may need a wrench or adjustable spanner that will open to about 2½in (60mm). When using a wrench, always push or pull in the direction of the jaw opening. Pad the jaws with cloth if they are likely to damage the fitting, if it is plastic, for example.


Pliers:

A pair of 7in (180mm) standard combination pliers is useful for jobs such as removing split pins from cisterns, and long nose pliers for gripping a sink or wash basin outlet grid. Mole grips will be useful, also a pair of slip joint pliers. SW11 Plumbers use pliers every day.


Plunger (force cup):

For clearing blockages from a sink or lavatory waste pipe. A medium-sized plunger with a cup about 4in (100mm) across is usually suitable.


Hacksaw:

For cutting metal or plastic pipes, a large or small saw is suitable. Most hacksaws are sold with medium cut general-purpose blades with 24 teeth per inch (TPI). For copper or plastic pipes a blade of 18 teeth per inch (TPI) is best. For steel pipes user fine blade of 32 teeth per inch (TPI).