Specialty Tools, What are specialty tools
Specialty tools speaks to what are specialty tools, types of specialty tools and why use specialty tools.
Some plumbing projects call on specialty tools that are specifically designed for those jobs. For example old faucet handles have a nasty habit of corroding on the stem, making them hard if not impossible to work with and remove.
This is where a handle puller will accomplish the job. You may want to remove the seat or just grind it smooth with a valve seat grinding tool. You’ll find specialty tools, such as a valve seat wrench, lock nut wrench, faucet handle puller, seat cutter, spud wrench, strainer wrench and pipe vise as very useful tools indeed. Often you just can’t get the job done without these tools.
Special plumbing wrenches are designed to make specific tasks easier, when common pipe or adjustable wrenches or pliers won’t fit or are cumbersome. Common plumbing specialty wrenches are, spud wrench, basin wrench slip nut wrench and strainer wrench.
Using a Basin Wrench
Both pipe wrenches and adjustable wrenches need a lot of horizontal room and sometimes that room does not exist. For example when you are under a sink attaching or removing a supply tube to a faucet. You may have only four inches in which to maneuver a tool. This is when a basin wrench is called for. It extends vertically and has jaws on top set at 90 degrees to the handle. The perpendicular jaws allow this wrench to be used in tight locations
Cartridge Puller
A Moen’s cartridge puller can remove cartridges you simply can’t get out of the faucet valve body with ordinary grab and pull pliers.
Valve Seat Tools
If you suspect the cause of a leak in an old style faucet, is a bad seal at the seat, you can get the seat out using a specialty seat wrench. Rough seats will destroy a new seal, making the valve leak rather quickly. If a little smoothing will accomplish the job, a seat grinder will do the job.
Grip or Pipe Vise
Many plumbing jobs especially those involving galvanized pipe, you will need a helper unless you have a specialty tool which will anchor the pipe while you are applying torque with your two hands. This is where a pipe grip or vise comes in handy.
Valve Seat Tools
If you suspect the cause of a leak in an old style faucet is a bad seal at the seat, you can get the seat out with a valve seat wrench. Rough seats will destroy a new seal, making the valve leak rather quickly. If a littlw smoothing will restore it to use, a seat grinder will do the job.
Strap Wrench
A strap wrench uses a fibre strap that locks around an object. It works well on unusually shaped items, such as tub spouts and hard to remove glue can caps.
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