9 Best Plumbing Tools Every Plumber Needs to Get the Job Done
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Ask a good plumber what the most valuable skills for the job are, and they’ll probably tell you that it takes planning, precision, and patience.
But beyond skillset, it’s all about the toolset.
Having the right tools for the plumbing project at hand makes all the difference in creating work you can be proud of, ensuring lasting results that showcase quality. Plus, as a bonus, the right plumbing tools will make your job easier and your schedule more efficient.
Japanese tools, in particular, have earned worldwide respect for their craftsmanship, durability, and innovative design features.
These help make challenging plumbing tasks surprisingly manageable. We’ll take a look at a wide range of Japanese tools for plumbing that should be featured on your roster.
5 Must-Have Plumbing Tools
Before going about that comprehensive list, let's cover the absolute essentials that should be in every plumbing toolkit.
These five tools form the foundation of plumbing work. They will help you tackle the most common issues faced by plumbers universally:
- Pipe Wrench – The iconic tool of the plumbing trade, a good pipe wrench gives you the leverage needed to loosen and tighten pipes and fittings
- Water Pump Pliers – Also known as channel locks or tongue-and-groove pliers, adjustable water pump pliers are great for gripping odd-shaped objects & working in tight spaces
- Pipe Cutter – Clean, straight cuts are essential for proper pipe installation, making a quality pipe cutter an indispensable tool
- Plunger – Simple but effective, a plunger is your first line of defense against clogs in sinks, tubs, showers & toilets
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Plumber's Tape – This thin, white tape (also called PTFE or Teflon tape) creates watertight seals on threaded pipe connections
Top 9 Plumbing Tools
With that covered, let's jump into the nine best plumbing tools that professionals rely on daily, including some specialized items that make certain plumbing tasks flow (sorry, we had to throw in a pun or two) much more smoothly.
1. Pipe Wrench
The pipe wrench might very well be the most recognizable plumbing tool around. With that adjustable jaw and those serrated teeth, this is the tool that gives you the grip and torque needed to work with pipes of various sizes. High quality, Japanese-made pipe wrenches are often lighter than their Western counterparts, while boasting excellent strength and durability.
For most plumbing work, you'll want at least two pipe wrenches. Why? One to hold the pipe steady and the other to turn the fitting. Quality wrenches will last for decades if properly maintained, making them well worth the investment.
If you're curious about the difference between a monkey wrench and a pipe wrench, this detailed article on Daitool breaks it down
Lobster Pipe Wrench Lightweight Adjustable Plumbing Wrench
$64.00
2. Water Pump Pliers
Water pump pliers (also called channel locks) feature an adjustable pivot point that gives a great grip on objects of a wide range of sizes. Their long handles provide ideal leverage in tight spaces where a pipe wrench won't fit.
These versatile pliers are the right players in your plumbing tool lineup. They are ideal for working with nuts, bolts and oddly shaped fittings. Look for models with cushioned grips to reduce hand fatigue during longer projects.
Fujiya Kurokin Lightweight ROHS Water Pump Pliers 200mm 130-200-BG
$36.00
3. Pipe Cutters
Looking to create clean, straight cuts in pipes? Well then, nothing beats a dedicated pipe cutter. These tools are far more precise than hacksaws – and they take a lot less effort in those confined spaces.
Japanese pipe cutters often feature razor-sharp cutting wheels and smooth adjustment mechanisms. Great for perfect cuts with minimal effort. For a complete setup, you may want to have cutters sized for both small & large diameter pipes.
MCC Pipe Cutter 6A-50A Carbon Steel Pipe Cutter 500mm
$144.00
4. Pipe Scraper
Now this silent background player may sometimes go overlooked, but it’s incredibly useful. Why? A pipe scraper helps clean and prepare pipe surfaces before soldering or applying adhesives. This tool removes burrs, oxidation or old old sealant, ensuring proper bonding and leak-free connections. Consistent and reliable, that’s just what you want in your plumbing tool arsenal!
How do you know what to look for in a quality pipe scraper? It should have a comfortable handle, as well as a durable blade that maintains its edge through repeated use. This is one tool where the superior steel quality of Japanese tools really comes through!
Tomita Nisaku Pipe Scraper Curved Chisel For Cleaning Metal Pipes 50mm
$28.95
5. Basin Wrench
A basin wrench is a specialized tool designed specifically for working in the tight confines under sinks. It’s got a unique design that allows you to reach and turn nuts that secure faucets and supply lines. As you know, these are places where conventional wrenches simply won't fit. Enter the basin wrench!
A good basin wrench features a swiveling jaw that grips in both clockwise & counterclockwise directions. Plus, an extendable handle comes in handy for better reach.
6. Plumber's Snake (Drain Auger)
When plungers fail to clear stubborn clogs, the plumber's snake becomes essential.
This flexible, coiled metal tool extends into pipes to break up or retrieve blockages. Manual snakes are sufficient for most household jobs, while power models make quicker work of tough clogs and are standard equipment for professionals.
Japanese tool manufacturers often add innovative features like ergonomic handles and (no need to ask) smooth-operating drums that make a plumber’s snake more comfortable to use.
7. Plastic Pipe Cutters
How are these different from metal pipe cutters?
Well, plastic pipe cutters use a ratcheting mechanism and extremely sharp blades to slice cleanly (like butter!) through PVC, PEX and other plastic pipes. This specialized tool creates square, burr-free cuts that are a must for proper fitting and leak-free connections.
The best plastic pipe cutters require minimal hand strength and can make cuts in seconds, even in tight spaces where a saw wouldn’t exactly be very practical, now would it?
8. Tubing Bender
For working with copper and other soft metal tubing, a tubing bender prevents kinks and crimps that would otherwise restrict water flow.
A tubing bender creates smooth, consistent bends at precise angles. You want professional-looking installations, right? Well then, get yourself a bender – and make it a good one!
Quality tubing benders feature calibrated markings for common angles, as well as anti-slip grips. While they might be sitting on the bench for much of the first half, they're invaluable when the coach calls for them – like for running water lines in finished spaces (kitchens, restaurants, etc) where appearance definitely matters.
9. Anti-Vibration Gloves
If you’ve been at it for a while now, you know that plumbing work can be tough on your hands.
Quality anti-vibration gloves protect against cuts, provide better grip on slippery surfaces and reduce fatigue when using power tools or working with vibrating pipes. Any one of those would be a good reason to get yourself a pair of these gloves, but all three? Pays off in multiples!
Today’s plumbing gloves bring together advanced materials that offer protection without sacrificing dexterity. With these on your hands, you’ll be able to handle small fasteners and components while keeping yourself safe and comfortable.
Atom Shingen-kun Anti-Vibration Gloves Rubber Work Gloves 1130
$11.87
Investing in Quality Tools
When it comes to plumbing tools, quality matters.
The difference between premium Japanese tools and budget alternatives becomes apparent after just a few jobs. Higher-quality tools offer:
- Durability: Quality tools are made from superior materials that resist wear, corrosion & damage
- Precision: Well-crafted tools provide more accurate cuts, tighter connections & better overall results
- Efficiency: Good tools just work better, allowing you to complete jobs faster with less fatigue
- Safety: Premium tools are less likely to slip, break, or fail during critical operations
Many Japanese tools are manufactured according to the strict Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS), ensuring consistent quality and compatibility. These standards have helped establish Japan as a leader in tool manufacturing. The more you know!
For plumbers wanting to explore quality options, familiarizing yourself with top Japanese tool brands can be an excellent starting point. Many of these companies have centuries of metalworking excellence behind their product lineups.
Building Your Plumbing Tool Collection
For beginners, start with the essential plumbing tools list: a good pipe wrench, water pump pliers, pipe cutter, plunger & plumber's tape. These basic plumbing tools will handle most common household issues and provide a foundation for your growing collection.
As you take on more complex projects, add specialized tools one by one. Rather than buying an expensive pre-assembled kit that might include items you rarely use, build your collection based on the specific types of work you find yourself doing the most often.
Professional plumbers often carry multiple sizes and variations of their most-used plumbing tools. Having options available makes adapting to unexpected situations on job sites much easier.
By now, you know that plumbing tools are an investment in your capability.
Each quality tool you add expands the range of jobs you can perform effectively and professionally. When properly cared for, your high-quality plumbing tools will serve you reliably for many years.
Now that’s a great return on investment, isn’t it?!
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