Plumbers Tool Reviews

Of the trades, plumbing is both respected and feared. You can’t argue that you have tradesmen good at this job, or Pros who would rather do anything else. Our plumbers tool reviews target professionals and help them know which new products are helpful in real-world jobs. We cover power tools like the Milwaukee M18 Force Logic brushless press tool and Milwaukee M12 ProPEX installation tool. We also test hand tools such as the Ridgid Close Quarters PEX crimp tools and the BernzOmatic Quickfire Torch. Then there are articles which over important topics like comparing copper piping vs PEX tubing. How We Do Plumbers Tool Reviews Our plumbers tool reviews frequently use professionals who do plumbing jobs every day. Put a new tool into their hands and you find out very quickly if it holds up. Plumbers may have a lot of patience when tracking down leaks, but they don’t tolerate a bad tool for long. Some of the best experiences we have involve handing these Pros new hand tools designed to save time. When they work, we see huge smiles (and they see dollar signs as they save time on the job). That’s a big win for everybody.

Ridgid micro CA-300 Inspection Camera Preview

Ridgid micro CA-300 Inspection Camera Preview

We’re big fans of the inspection camera, having reviewed several on PTR. They allow home inspectors, plumbers, appraisers, HVAC technicians and electricians document and troubleshoot problems with an ease that was impossible before the advent of LED and micro-camera technology. Ridgid’s newest inspection camera, the micro CA-300 is the company’s next evolution of the microEXPLORER family. You can record both still images and videos of problems in hard-to reach areas and then share these findings with the RIDGIDConnect solution. On top of that, an embedded microphone means that you can also document your video with live commentary, so your notes are more complete.

Milwaukee 2313-20 M-Spector 360 Inspection Camera Preview

Milwaukee 2313-20 M-Spector 360 Inspection Camera Preview

At the 2011 Milwaukee New Tools Press Event, Corey Dickert gave us an up-close-and-personal look at the M-Spector 360 – the company’s newest inspection camera. What probably impressed us the most was it’s small focal length. At just 1″ away, the camera gave a really good view of materials and let you get right up close to check out what’s happening in pipes, behind walls, etc. Most inspection cameras can’t get that close without losing focus. We also appreciated the detailed and colorful images that the new camera presented. There is at least one competitor that does an equally impressive job, but the Milwaukee is far and above most of the typical inspection camera, which looks, for all intents and purposes, black and white. It also has a very narrow 9mm camera head as opposed to the more common 17mm head. Right off the bat it’s already suited for residential, commercial AND automotive applications. In our hands-on use of the camera we examined jean material, circuit boards, and Cat 5e cable close-up and the images were excellent.

Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Installation Tool 2432-22 Preview

Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Installation Tool 2432-22 Preview

We’re used to seeing lots of unique tools – and the cordless aspect just means that the possibilities are endless. But when Milwaukee pulled out the stops and introduced their M12 Lithium-Ion ProPEX installation tool with auto-rotating ProPEX Expansion Heads we knew they had gone somewhere new. Really new. Designed for easy one-handed use, the M12 ProPEX Expansion tool allows users to install Uponor ProPEX fittings up to four times faster, and are compatible with over 25 tools on their respective battery platforms for added utility and value. This much anticipated product launch follows the April 2010 announcement of a new partnership with Uponor to deliver increased productivity to plumbing and heating professionals by developing a comprehensive solution for installing ProPEX.

RIDGID SeeSnake CS1000 Digital Recording Monitor

RIDGID SeeSnake CS1000 Digital Recording Monitor

The CS1000 by Ridgid is the fast, convenient way to record, report and deliver still images and video digitally. Just grab it and go! The CS1000 camera control unit is a purpose-built monitor that allows you to digitally record and report on your inspections in the field. With the CS1000, you have the flexibility you need to take full advantage of digital recording technology.

Ridgid 65' SeeSnake microDrain w/Sonde First Look

Ridgid 65′ SeeSnake microDrain w/Sonde First Look

Ridgid has some good professional and consumer response to their SeeSnake microDrain and microReel Inspection Systems. Now the company has announced a new addition to their microDrain line in the form of a 65′ microDrain w/sonde. Inspired by the feedback from professional tool users (pool service, plumbers, chimney inspection, etc.) to lengthen the microDrain, the company developed the D65S.

Lenox 8" Diamond Cast Iron Reciprocating Saw Blade Review

Lenox 8 Diamond Cast Iron Reciprocating Saw Blade

Anyone who has ever gone through the process of attempting to update, remove or otherwise cut into cast iron pipe will find a new appreciation for Lenox Diamond reciprocating saw blades. Cast iron is an incredibly dense, thick metal and it is frequently used in older homes for sewage ventilation and drainage. Tying into this pipe entails a cut across 4-inches of the toughest stuff you’re likely to encounter. To accomplish the task, you’ll need much more than a basic metal reciprocating saw blade.

BernzOmatic Quickfire torch sweating copper

BernzOmatic Quickfire Torch Review BZ9400QFK

With a profile and design that looks more like a battery powered drill, the new BernzOmatic BZ9400QFK Quickfire Hand Torch is trigger operated, super compact and packs in a 3600 deg F. flame. With the gradual phase out of MAPP gas fuel for hand torches; this torch is designed to use the new Max Power Propylene fuel which operates at about the same temperatures.

TWI International Flaring Tool Set

TWI Flaring Tool Set

TWI International is a Taiwan-based company that produces lots of forged products, some of which end up at places like Lowe’s. TWI’s Flaring Tool Set is a solid, durable product that will easily flare copper piping. The tool’s folding bar is made with heat treated alloy steel and it has a drop forged carbon steel yoke and wing nuts. The tool can be used to flare 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, and 5/8″ OD copper tubing. We used it for a gas line and it was the perfect solution. At just over $10 at our local home improvement warehouse it was something we decided to try out and it really paid off in it’s performance.

PermaFlow PF-07001 Never Clog Drain

PermaFlow Never Clog Drain PF-07001

The PermaFLOW Never Clog Drain is a unique device that prevents clogs by allowing the homeowner to twist a dial to move the clog through the pipes. It’s designed to help easily remove the drain buildup before it becomes a problem and removes the need for plungers, drain cleaners, and of course disassembly of the drain. The shape of the PermaFLOW Self Cleaning Drain is designed to increases turbulence which helps reduce the continuous and typical buildup of dirt and debris, preventing blocked drains.