Stuff We Love: New School Plumbing Tools
Updated: Dec. 16, 2021Make your next plumbing fix that much easier with one of these innovative plumbing tools.
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Compact Tubing Cutter
A tubing cutter is essential for plumbing work. Typical tubing cutters require manually tensioning the cutting wheel with every turn around the pipe. This gets especially tough in tight spaces.
The AutoCut tool by General Pipe Cleaners automatically tightens as you turn it. The spring-loaded cutting wheel provides equal cutting pressure to avoid accidental crimping of the pipe. It will work with just an inch of clearance but has a ratcheting handle accessory if you’re really tight on space.
Each AutoCut is size and material specific to work with 1/2-, 3/4- and one-inch copper or PEX pipe. Find them online and at most plumbing supply houses for between $20-$30 .
Not Your Average Adjustable Wrench
Available in six-, eight-, 10 and 12-inch versions, The Proferred Adjustable wrench is the bigmouth of this category. Its jaws open up 50 percent wider than other wrenches of this type. The 12-inch wrench we’ve used has a max opening of 2-1/4-in. Also impressive is its jaw depth of 1-1/2-in., making it 30 percent deeper than a typical adjustable wrench.
In addition to these larger capacities, the head is thinner than most, so it’s easier to slip into the tight spaces encountered in plumbing and automotive work. The anti-slip handle is super secure and comfortable to use. If not a flat-out replacement for your old adjustable wrench, it’s certainly a welcome addition to the tool kit of anyone with a tough nut to crack. The four size options range from $25-30.
