Information sheet.

Training:
Module: plumbing and pipe fitting Detail: plumbing tools	Prepared by:
When planning the plumbing work, you must decide which type of pipes to use. Your choice will depend on the plumbing tools available. As plumbing with steel pipes requires a lot of different tools to cut, bend, thread and join the pipes, it is less practical for village plumbing, because of the high costs of these tools. Plumbing with PVC-pipes and copper-pipes need only a few tools because pipes need not to be threaded due to the fittings which are either glued (PVC-pipes) or connected with special designed flare connectors (Copper-pipes). Below follows a list of the most important tools for plumbing with steel, copper and PVC pipes. a) Hacksaw: - Used for steel, copper and PVC-pipes. b) Pipe cutter: - For steel, copper and PVC pipes. Pipe cutters do not remove any metal. The wheel squeezes the metal and forces it ahead of the cutter until the pipe is cut through the wall thickness. c) Self-locking, hinged pipe vice: - For steel pipes only. Pipes to be cut or threaded must be held steady and prevented from rotating by holding them in a suitable vice. d) Chain pipe vice: - For steel pipes only. These vices are made to hold pipes with outside diameters up to 8" (200 mm). They are mounted on solid benches. e) Pipe reamer: - For steel-pipes only. To remove internal burrs caused by cutting pipes. Several types of tapered reamers are available from ½" to 2" with a cross handle. f) File: - File off all the outside burrs of the galvanized steel pipe with a flat bastard file or with a half round bastard file. g) Stock and die: - For steel pipes only. These are stock and dies for cutting external threads on bars and small pipes up to 1". - The stock is a suitable frame with handles to hold and rotate the die. - These dies are used to cut external threads. - The die must be set exactly at an angle of 90 degrees to the bar or pipe-end and is pressed firmly against the end while rotating the stock clock wise until -the length of the thread is cut. - Reverse and rotate the stock carefully anti-clock wise. Then repeat to clean out the thread. h) Ratchet stock and die: - For steel pipes only. It works in the same way as the other model but is adjustable from ½" to 2" and the single cutter can be exchanged. - It has only one handle and when reversing, the knob has to be turned around. - The length of a pipe thread should be between 15 mm and 35 mm long - depending on the pipe diameter. i) sealing threads: - For steel and PVC threads. Threads must be sealed to ensure a completely tight joint between pipe and fitting. - Hemp string: For steel threads. Wind it in the same direction as the male thread. - Seal tape: For steel and PVC threads. If using sealing tape, unroll a sufficient length of tape and wrap it around the male thread as shown. j) Still son pipe wrench: - It is used for all types of pipes with ½" to 2" diameters. - The stilsons pipe wrench is designed as a heavy duty tool to withstand rough handling and heavy work. The jaws give a immediate and positive grip. k) Adjustable spanner: - For tightening or loosening connectors. Available in different sizes for pipe fittings up to 2". l) Tube flaring tool set: - Only for copper pipes. Copper pipe-ends must be flared to fit with the copper ring used by connectors which are tightened with a nut to the pipe. - The flaring tool consists of two parts. The part in which the pipe is fastened, and the sharp pointed inserter which is forced with a hammer or with a spindle into the end of the pipe to widen it. - This job must be done with accuracy to ensure a sealed joint.