(Part 3) Top products from r/Plumbing

Any bag or bucket will do - it's what you put in it that counts. Something cheap is best, like a 5 gal bucket, since the tools are going to cost you...

The tools I recommend having immediately:

-Hammer (22oz Estwing steel hammer is great, I still have the first one I ever bought 14 years ago)
-Nail puller
-Flat pry bar
-2-lb sledge (if you're doing commercial work you'll be setting a lot of hangers :)
-12" or shorter level (preferably with grade marks - I like these ones
-Set of cold chisels
-Adjustable pliers (some like channellocks, but after using both for many years, I have come to the conclusion that due to mechanical advantages and better engineering, these Knipex pliers are the best pliers on the face of the earth, period. You can get a 3-pack on ebay for less than $100. But you can also just get the 10" ones which you'll use most often for around $30 online.
-"Rat-tail" file and flat file
-4-in-1 or 8-in-1 screwdriver
-utility knife (preferably one that stores blades in the handle and one that easily changes blades)
-Sharpies (or pencils - I prefer sharpies, since they more visibly mark metal)
-12", 8", and 6" crescent wrench. Get something cheap, because eventually you'll want these and they're effing expensive, so you might as well get some basic stuff now, knowing that you'll eventually upgrade when you have about $800 to spend on hand tools.
-5/16" nut driver

That's all I can think of right now....don't get too worried about getting the perfect stuff now, because as you steadily become a master of your craft, your style of organization, tool selection, and approach will gradually become more specific, and you'll go through lots of old crappy "apprentice" tools before you start to have thousands of dollars invested in super-special stuff like this, this,this, this, this, boy I could go on forever. You don't use a lot of stuff very often, but when you need it, nothing else will do. Oh, and pipe wrenches...aluminum Ridgid pipe wrenches.

EDIT: Oh I forgot! If you're doing commercial work and cast iron piping, you'll definitely want one of these.

Here are several of my favorite special tools made by Ridgid

Amazon This tool is really handy for faucets and drains.

$30 on amazon

Amazon Every one needs a few extra 6 in 1's laying around, may as well get a good one.

$12 on amazon

Amazon This two part wrench is perfect for water stops.

$30 on Amazon

Amazon This is the bees knees for cutting the tubular plastic used for traps and waste lines under sinks and lavs.

$20 on Amazon

You can probably get all of that and be just over the $100 limit with taxes and shipping. I've used all of these in the field and now sell them since i moved to the other side of the parts counter, they make good stuff. Do a Ridgid Tool search on Amazon so you can see if any of there more expensive tools would make sense. Like if he does gas work with copper, they have great flairing tools.

EDIT: OK, I went back and looked at the torch I bought, it says Propane only. I returned it and and got a Berzomatic TS8000

Ok, thanks for the replies!

I picked up this flux: Harris SSWF1 Stay Silv Brazing Flux, 1 lb. Jar, White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002075B0U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_790RCb2K2T97F

^(And this torch head: BernzOmatic Basic Use UL2317 Brass Pencil Flame Propane Torch Head) ^(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00008ZA0C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_N.0RCbY4860NK)

^(And did buy propane, but it was only like $6 for 2 camping cans so no big loss.)

I'll grab a can of MAPP.

I assume that because it's only 12 gauge wire and a 20 gauge "solder" it won't take long at all to heat up. As I understand it:

• Clean everything thoroughly. I'll use sandpaper and fine stainless steel brushes.
  
• Apply flux to wires Heat wire until red hot.
  
• Heat "solder" a bit and dip in flux
  
• Heat wires a bit more and touch solder to area.
  
  I've also seen people cut little bits of the soldering wire and place it on the target, then heat the wires until it flows. Is that incorrect?
  
  Thanks again!

> https://www.amazon.com/Sloan-3326009-MIX-60-Mechanical-Lavatory/dp/B001BO8TWA/

Honestly I can swing $34 just fine if it saves me a week of landlord phone calls and maintenance appointments. Does this attach directly to the sink somehow? I'm super game to resolve this myself.

Good hardware store might have one, any pluming supply store, online .

http://www.supplyhouse.com/Taco-334-3-Taco-Cast-Iron-Pressure-Reducing-Valve-Dual-Control-Sweat

learn how to solder pipe. lots of Utubes out there, you don't need a fancy rig for homeowner stuff, this is good enough for homeowners.

https://www.amazon.com/BernzOmatic-Basic-UL2317-Pencil-Propane/dp/B00008ZA0C/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1481992375&sr=8-6&keywords=propane+flame+torch

Basically clean the fitting with a fitting cleaning brush, clean the pipe with plumber sandcloth, flux the inside of the fitting, the outside of the pipe, assemble, apply heat , when the flux stops boiling apply the solder to the opposite side of the heat and let it run around.

Don't over heat the fitting if the flux turns black you got it to hot, I usually move the flame around a little when heating the fitting.

If making up adapters solder them to the pipe ( short piece ) before screwing them to the valve.

Buy some extra pipe and fittings and practice, ells are pretty inexpensive, practice on them.

Knipex 002006S1 3-Piece Cobra Pliers Set (7-Inch, 10-Inch, & 12-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_O5HerMerjQW2o

Tools are good. Don't know what he needs but these are the best pliers out there.

Yeah, I would pull the toilet. I am betting its beyond the toilet though. If it is, you can try one of these once you have the toilet pulled. They work like a champ and are cheaper than renting a snake.

Look at it this way, its an opportunity to replace the wax ring, re-caulk and replace the rusty nuts and bolts on the mounting flange.

I would get him a these, seriously the best I've ever used and totally worth the money. A few companies have copied the push button design, but there is no comparison. Traditional toungue and groove pliers are so clumsy after using knipex.

Knipex get pretty rave reviews from people on YouTube if you want to see why it's worth paying 2x there price of channel locks.

Knipex 002006S1 3-Piece Cobra Pliers Set (7-Inch, 10-Inch, & 12-Inch) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000X4KNTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_mG5mybQPZEYZ4

[this would be so much better](The World’s Best 2-Way Garden Hose Y Connector with Shut-off Valves https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013PWS8ZI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fYYdAbJ6G0FTY) Lol

Howdy, quick question for you. Do you have a 1/4 turn stop valve that you recommend? I was looking at this Brasscraft one, but was slightly worried by some of the comments talking about how it's pretty good for a "metal / plastic" stop valve (as opposed to an all metal stop valve). Thanks for any input!

You can, just wrap something around the blade. Or get one of these:
Stanley Hand Tools 20-807 Mini-Hack™ Saw https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00009OYGD

The bolts are brass and cut pretty easily.

Thanks! I didn't think I could get a picture in that dark, small place behind the sink.

It's actually a Delta and based on your comment I searched was was able to find a tool that appears to be what I need.

Thanks!

these are old leaded flanges, my experience with cast iron and leaded flanges is rather limited due to my age and region. but the best way would be to replace the lead with newer cast iron if that's possible, or buy new flange plates that bolt to the existing floor.
this is a cast iron toilet flange that are much newer and the standard for cast iron applications :http://amzn.com/B001REGQXI
and this is more of a temporary flange you can use to repair what you have that will bolt to the floor: http://amzn.com/B000FHBGEC

I use this when I’m changing a faucet. I’m not sure what yours looks like underneath but this has been my money maker.

Ridgid 57003 EZ Change Faucet Tool, Sink Wrench https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078YYD66B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fAx5BbRJYNJYY

Now all you need is a manly shower head and you'll have the best shower of your life.

I don't have any personal experience with the Drain King, but it is well reviewed on Amazon. What drain is clogged?

https://www.amazon.com/Sloan-3326009-MIX-60-Mechanical-Lavatory/dp/B001BO8TWA/

lets you set the max temp by bleeding cold water into the hot.

these cheap ones don't have a back flow preventer, but you can do all the installation yourself using pre-made flex hoses.

-

i got a nicer one for my sink : https://www.supplyhouse.com/Honeywell-Sparco-AM100-US-1LF-1-2-Lead-Free-Union-Sweat-Mixing-Valves-70-145F

includes back flow prevention, which can help avoid accidentally soaking yourself if you ever need to do maintenance and forget that your hot and cold water lines are now connected. the nicer ones generally use 1/2" FTP connections.

I had to buy a cartridge puller from my local big box store for a stuck Moen on one of my faucets.
Fairly cheap and easy to use.
This one actually

This is the hose https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005SPLBWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_1y8XBbF9F2V80

And I'd also like to add that I've had this for 3 months and no issues so far but I wouldn't mind preventing a burst from happening

What I have now:
http://www.amazon.com/AKDY-AZ-6021-Bathroom-Chrome-Shower/dp/B003064FXY

What I had:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004XA284E/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1459382269&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=speakman+shower+head&dpPl=1&dpID=41eF%2BTD0nzL&ref=plSrch

BUY THE FUCKING CARTRIDGE PULLER! Danco 86712A Cartridge Puller for Moen https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000DZH9I8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_y2WMAb7FF3GMB

Right tools make all the difference this will hold the brass nut so you can undo it. https://www.amazon.ca/Delta-Faucet-RP60924-Wrench/dp/B004EBPDP8/ref=asc_df_B004EBPDP8/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=292999463894&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=270949492280376370&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001463&hvtargid=pla-343961816084&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Drillware-Cordless-Drill-Safety-Shoulder/dp/B07YZPGMFJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=drillware&qid=1574533907&sr=8-1

Moen 118305 installation tool
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/reviews/B002PB1JJS/ref=cm_cr_dp_mb_see_rcnt?ie=UTF8&s=sd

http://www.amazonsupply.com/dp/B000FSSPZ4?ref_=sr_1_1_txt

This is the part

https://www.amazon.com/Coleman-Bottle-Propane-Stove-Green/dp/B0009PUR5E

Hope you're using a stainless steel flex supply line.. this if you are there is no problem bending it ,it was made for that.

That looks like a lead drain, dont mess with it at all, otherwise you are in for a really really bad expensive time.
Instead buy a repair flange. Bolt it through the existing flange to the floor. Maybe put a bead of silicone between the two. Job done.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FHBGEC?pc_redir=1412261783&robot_redir=1

Ferrule puller. Screw into the nut on the back, pulls off brass ferrule. I'd do that before cutting pipe. high grit sand paper 200 grit or so. Gently clean up pipe. Try a new sharkbite valve.

https://www.amazon.com/Superior-Tool-Company-Compression-Fittings/dp/B000L89AZC/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_60_bs_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CX0R42NTDBF04S794N03

Amazon? And go get a flexible downspout like this until it arrives. As others have noted, however, having the slip joint past the P trap is a code violation. That said, no one really cares.

Think hes saying to put another screw on valve over it to shut it off. Its a not terrible temporary fix but can cause some problems if your expecting freezing temperatures again.

2-Way Garden Hose Y Connector with Shut-off Valves https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013PWS8ZI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ROhyCbD20E8MJ

No worries. Those are precisely the style of angle stop that would create the issue I described.

A good way to test this theory would be to shut the stop off, disconnect the supply line, attach a new supply line, open the stop slowly and run it into a 5 gallon bucket. If the hammering persists then you've found your problem.

If that does turn out to be the problem I would advise replacing both angle stops with Brasscraft 1/4 turn angle stops.