Most important tools

[jono1987]

Due to start training as a plumber and want to start building my tools up now to save me spending in bulk at a later date. I appreciate it does take a long time to build up all of the tools needed but what tools are essential kit like pipe cutters and basin wrench etc

 

[Puddle]

Well if I empty out my tool bag
The basic stuff we need are

3 pairs of good quality grips,standard pipe grips

A cheap set of screw drivers with various philips,posy and sloted in

One slotted average size screw driver that you can abuse for many purposes,may get one in set

1 good long philips screw driver

Tape measure

Boat level

Standard Hammer and brick+ wood chisel

Allen keys and maybe security key set

Tap spanner as said

stanly/craft knife

junior axe saw,pipe slices,normal axe saw,do not forget blades

adjustable spanner (I have never used mine,corrodes up first)

Foot prints(again I never use as log as you get good quality pipe grips)

Immersion heater spanner

plier set,with pliers,lond nose pliers and wire cutters

Then you want your jointing compounds,ptfe tape,standard washers for taps,ball valves,silicon greese


Then,in the bottom of the tool bag, to weigh it down a bit and stop any one running off with all your tools, you need bits of pipe ends ,nuts and old olives,maybe the odd old motorized valve body,a few old brass ball valve bodies,a few old solvent weld brushes,about 3 dozen rusty screws and a few crumpled up copies of shower screen instructions,right at the bottom

 

[kirkgas]

Well if I empty out my tool bag
The basic stuff we need are



junior axe saw,pipe slices,normal axe saw,do not forget blades

do you mean hacksaw, or is that what you call a hacksaw?

 

[Puddle]

Well if I empty out my tool bag
The basic stuff we need are



junior axe saw,pipe slices,normal axe saw,do not forget blades

do you mean hacksaw, or is that what you call a hacksaw?

Its been a long hot day but the way I cut through pipework ,I was probably right
you call something silly for long enough ,you start to believe it,sorry

 

[dontknowitall]

And that's just the tool bag. Another three tool boxes to go ...

It's tempting to buy something for every imaginable occasion but it involves a large amount of money and is sometimes a waste.

If I was starting again, I'd buy just the tools I need for the next job as I go along. Best tools so far (apart from basics like pump pliers, screwdrivers, etc) are Jaw Droppers (£45 ish) and Wet Vacuum (around £50+). So that's £100 for starters.

 

[Puddle]

When I started out, the tool I always wanted was a Reciprocating Saw (after me axe saw) but then they were really expensive,then when I got one,never use it much,as now can use modern jigsaws with all blades available,it is more robust when ripping old pipe work out though,never use now but still my favorite tool for some reason
Maybe I was saved by one once when I was a kid

 

[stevetheplumber]

Well if I empty out my tool bag
The basic stuff we need are

3 pairs of good quality grips,standard pipe grips

A cheap set of screw drivers with various philips,posy and sloted in

One slotted average size screw driver that you can abuse for many purposes,may get one in set

1 good long philips screw driver

Tape measure

Boat level

Standard Hammer and brick+ wood chisel

Allen keys and maybe security key set

Tap spanner as said

stanly/craft knife

junior axe saw,pipe slices,normal axe saw,do not forget blades

adjustable spanner (I have never used mine,corrodes up first)

Foot prints(again I never use as log as you get good quality pipe grips)

Immersion heater spanner

plier set,with pliers,lond nose pliers and wire cutters

Then you want your jointing compounds,ptfe tape,standard washers for taps,ball valves,silicon greese


Then,in the bottom of the tool bag, to weigh it down a bit and stop any one running off with all your tools, you need bits of pipe ends ,nuts and old olives,maybe the odd old motorized valve body,a few old brass ball valve bodies,a few old solvent weld brushes,about 3 dozen rusty screws and a few crumpled up copies of shower screen instructions,right at the bottom

footprint are good quality pipe grips they dont rely on your grip like water pump pliers which slip like mad and never seem to be on the right notch

 

[Blackcatgas]

Your best tools are your hands. Become skilled with these and youl be ok with any tools.

 

[dontknowitall]

My hands are fine - I just have difficulties with the grey mass in my head.

 

[oldplumber]

a rechargeable led light to see where you've left all your new tools is essential in my mind. But most important of all buys are a set of baggy work trouser with knee pad pockets and gel pads to enable you to work for the next 40 years.