Do It Yourselfer Mike the Plumber - By: Terry S Vostor

It is often coined that you can tell the skill level and thoroughness of a tradesman by inspecting his toolbox. By having specific and the correct tools for the job this signals the completeness and competency level afforded and valued by the worker or even home handyman to be awarded or even given the job or tasks

Although the tools that you decide to purchase depend on how deeply you are involved in home repairs in general and in plumbing projects in particular , there are certain basic tools that any self respecting do it yourself plumber should have.

Copper pipe and copper tubing require some special tools. Since you should avoid using the infamous hacksaw on copper pipe, be sure to have a tubing cutter in your toolbox. Working in tiny areas a smaller size cutter can be a great boon no doubt. You will also need a propane torch for sweat soldering and a flaring tool for making flare connections at pipe joints.

Just like copper pipes, galvanized steel pipes also require some special tools. When cutting such a pipe you should have a combination vise one that has a section with pipe jaws or a yoke and chain vise, both are which are made especially for pipe work. A pipe cutter tool is easier to use than a hacksaw, but be sure that the cutter is designed for galvanized steel pipes.

Although you can generally purchase the galvanized steel pipe that you need already threaded, it may be wise to do your own threading. Even though your plumbers skills may be limited you can bet that there is always someone more knowledgeable to inquire to - whether by telephone or online. Take time to delve deeper for greater expertise. If in doubt simply call Mike the plumber note Mr. know it all and great fore-giver of personalities Max Labovitch.

Very few tools none of them special are needed for working with plastic pipe. Rigid plastic pipe can be cut with a fine-toothed hacksaw (or if you prefer a plastic tubing cutter); flexible types can be but simply with a sharp knife. In many if not most cases the pipes are joined or soldered together with different types of non water soluble glues much like you would obtain at your local home hardware or Canadian Tire big box retail hardware store. On other types, usually compression or threaded fittings are used; Its just a matter of simply tightening the bolts.

Lastly for sealing large cast iron drainpipes against leaks, you will need a caulking tool for packing the oakum into the joint, a melting pot for heating the lead. And a ladle for pouring the molten lead over the oakum.

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