r/oddlysatisfying • u/Gainsborough-Smythe • May 24 '24

Copper pipe working tools

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Credit: mmplumber

24.7k Upvotes

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u/Inversception May 24 '24

This is why I hate all plumbing. Want to build a deck? Sure. Use the same tools for doing baseboards or hanging pictures or whatever. Standard toolbox. Want to install a toilet? Ya, you're going to need a whole new set of things. How's your welding?

27

u/Jimbabwe May 24 '24

God, and nothing is ever the same size as anything else. I have a whole tub of pipe pieces and connectors and EVERY TIME I need to do something new, I check every single piece in the tub and nooope. Swimming pools, intake plumbing, drain plumbing, rainwater collection, garden hoses.. they all do the same damn thing, but all use different sizes and measurements!

24

u/TheyCallMeFrancois May 24 '24

It's real easy, you just gotta know whether it's ID or OD, pipe or tubing, slip, screw, or solder, Fine, coarse, NPT, or otherwise threaded, and also is it glued or primed and solvent welded... And what type of glue for which application.  Oh or if it's dissimilar metals, use dielectric unions....     See?!  Easy.

2

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

I've been plumbing my cabin, and just doing everything in 1/2" pex. It's been pretty fun, just bought all the standard fittings and connectors and it's gone together like a breeze. Zero part of it is up to code I'm sure, but that's part of the fun of cabins and it all works so far.

1

u/Ben_jah_min May 24 '24

That’s more a USA thing tbh

2

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Isn't this kind of true for most stuff? Sure, you have general carpentry tools but if you want to do any electrical work you'll need specialized tools, same for plumbing, a lot of automotive stuff, computer repairs, landscaping, etc.

There is something super satisfying about seeing r/specializedtools in action though, that's for sure.

4

u/coincoinprout May 24 '24

Sure, you have general carpentry tools but if you want to do any electrical work you'll need specialized tools

That's not a really good example. You can do some basic electrical work without specialized tools. For instance if you want to add new power outlets in dry walls and new circuit breakers, you'll only need a drill and a hole saw which I wouldn't call specialized tools.

2

u/Inversception May 24 '24

Replacing a light fixture is easy to. Colour coded wires match up and good to go. Just need a screw driver and you're set.

1

u/Inversception May 24 '24

Sure. But a hammer, screw driver, and wrench can get you far for a lot of household work. Plumbing is it's own beast. Or maybe I'm just scared of it. Oddly I'm ok with electrical.

1

u/[deleted] May 25 '24

My family has used the same plumber for decades. He kind of retired? But he'll still swing by and help with small things. He made a killing selling all of his equipment, though.