on January 30-2007

INTRODUCTION to TOOLS and BASIC SAFETY

 TOOL OVERVIEW

A tool is an instrument or device that makes it possible for us to do something we could not do with our bare hands or other body parts. Most tools increase our strength and the force we can exert to accomplish a specific task. A hammer hits a nail harder than we can with our bare hand. A wrench turns a pipe with greater force than we could by hand. Other tools help us see, reach, or perform dangerous tasks.      

Tools have been traced back to the beginning of mankind. The progression of mankind is often told in the development and complexity of tools. At this time, we are simply at a point in this long history of tool development. While lasers and computers reflect the tools of today, the tools we use everyday in the plumbing industry continue to be invented and modified to help plumbers do their jobs better and more accurately.

The basic tools such as hammer, shovel, pick, saw, drill, screwdriver, backhoe, and trencher, have already been invented. At a very rapid pace these tools are being modified to help plumbers save labor, install new products and materials, and protect plumbers from injury.

SAFETY

 (This section is a general overview on Tool Safety.)

GENERAL

Since most tools are made to increase our force, we must use them carefully or we risk being injured. The improper use of tools can also injure other people around us or damage property.

 Using tools properly, in a safe manner, is only part of our responsibility as professional plumbers. On construction sites there are many more risks than we encounter doing repair work in our homes or offices. Regardless of the job, we must be alert to potential hazards.

 There are two key words to working safe, “Common Sense.” Always be looking and thinking ahead, anticipating what your next move will be. Always be aware of what is going on around you. Since environments can change rapidly, you should know where the nearest exits are, and keep walkways clear of debris, because other co-workers are constantly moving as they perform their tasks. Working safely costs money, but not nearly as much money as property damage, hospitalization, or worse.

 Many tools are designed to meet industry safety standards, but not all tools. It is important before you purchase a tool or use someone else’s tool that you inspect the tool.  If you aren’t sure on how to use the tool read the operators manual, if available, or have someone who is qualified to instruct you on the proper use. Remember the two key words, “Common Sense.”

OSHA

 To reduce the number and severity of work related accidents, the Congress of the United States of America established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA develops and enforces rules of safe operation in many types of workplaces. Their rules heavily influence tool manufacturers, and strongly affect the design and use of tools.

CLOTHING

 It is important to wear the proper clothing, but be aware that the rules regarding clothing and safety may conflict depending on the task to be accomplished. Note the following rules regarding proper clothing.

·        With rotating devices, wear short sleeve shirts or carefully roll-up sleeves.

·        When welding or if exposed to extreme heat or cold, wearing sleeved shirts.

·        With chemicals that will burn, or with tools that will develop blisters, wear appropriate gloves.

·        With revolving machinery, do not wear gloves unless suited for use. Example: special leather mitts with steel enforced grommets for operating drain-cleaning cables.

·        When working with hot or extremely cold objects always wear gloves.

·        Gloves should be worn to protect hands when holding chisels or where sharp metal is encountered. Common Sense!

·        On a typical work site where objects may fall on your feet safety shoes are recommended. Job sites where heavy objects could fall on your feet safety toed shoes could make the injury much worse.

·        Protect you eyes, face and head – on most construction projects these body parts are required to be protected at all times.

·        If doing repair work, or if you are the only person using tools at the site, you may not need this protection.

·        Leave rings and jewelry at home and keep your watch in your pocket.

·         Wear proper clothing for the weather. Hypothermia and heat stroke—the two extremes—can be very dangerous.

·        Control long hair so it doesn’t get pulled into machinery.

·        Use common sense—do not take chances with your body!

 About 90% of our input to us comes through our eyes don’t loose even one.

Remember, relatively minor head injuries can be fatal or incapacitating!

JOBSITE SAFETY RULES

·        Do not run on the job.

·        Avoid horseplay or practical jokes—these have been deadly.

·        Remove oil, scraps, and debris from the work area.

·        Do not use fingers to remove chips or foreign items from your work area.

·        Keep hands away from moving parts.

·        Take care of injuries and report them at once to Safety Director.

·        Correct any unsafe condition at once.

·        Work only in well ventilated and lighted areas.

·        Wear special clothing when working with hot or corrosive materials.

·        Encourage others to use safety equipment.

·        Warn others when you are doing hazardous work and rope off work area.

·        Use care while working with exposed piping—it could be hot.

·        Know your tools and use them properly.

·        USE “COMMON SENSE”

COMMON PLUMBING TOOLS

The following tools are sized, that is, based on a system of measurement. For many years, the system of measurement used in the United States has been the English system, using inches and feet, ounces and pounds, etc. There has been an attempt in 1994 to convert to using the ISO system: meters, kilograms, liters, etc. However here it is 2000 and it has not caught on yet!

 A competent plumber knows tools are necessary to perform plumbing tasks and these tools are expensive, however, when they are used properly and taken care of they will last a long time.

     MEASURING

(LINEAR)

A measuring tool is used to establish length and/or location. It is usually marked in feet and inches. Each inch is subdivided to 1/16 inches, and come in variable lengths. In most cases a 25 or 30-foot retractable tape and 100-foot manual rewind tape would be sufficient for the measurements you will encounter in normal duties. 

Testing (Horizontal and Vertical)

Testing tools are used to check measurements and workmanship.

1.       24” Spirit Level is the most common tool used to check both level and plumb. Spirit levels generally contain three vials. Each vial is filled with a specified amount of glycol and an air bubble. There are lines painted on the vials to determine if an object is level or plumb.

2.       Plumb Bob is a cone shaped brass or steel weight that is suspended from the center by string. They are used to define a vertical reference line. A plumb bob when used properly can save time and energy when striking vents or stacks.

3.       9” Torpedo Level is equipped much like the spirit level but it is used for smaller objects and shorter distances.

4.       Line Level has a single vial and is used by hooking it on a tightly stretched string or line. This level can transfer elevation over long distances.

 Sawing and Cutting

There are a number of different kinds and types of saws. Saws are used to cut wood, plastic pipe, metal or steel.  Saws are available with different number of teeth per inch and hardness of the saw itself. Modern tools have been equipped with disposable and interchangeable blades.

1.       Hacksaw is a general-purpose saw used for cutting metal. The number of teeth per inch to be used is determined by the by the thickness of material to be cut and the hardness of the metal being cut. It is a saw that require two handed operation if used properly.

2.       Keyhole or Compass saw has a tapered saw used to cut any shape hole in wood or sheetrock. Usually the cutting starts in a drilled hole or other opening in the wood or sheetrock.

3.       Mini-Hacksaw its purpose is the same as a Hacksaw except for use in small tight places.

4.       Plastic Pipe saw is a back saw which means the saw cuts as it is drawn toward the user. This is extremely helpful when cutting round objects.

5.  Reciprocating or Sawzall is an electric hacksaw. The shaft moves forward and backward and lifts the blade  on the backstroke to clear the cut and keep the teeth from being worn down. Single speed, two speed, and variable speed saws are available. Variable speed models offer the best range from zero rpm to 2,400 rpm and are available in both A/C and D/C current.

Tubing or Pipe Cutters

Tubing or pipe is cut with either a wheel cutter or a saw. A tubing/pipe cutter consists of a slide frame, which holds two rollers opposite a cutter wheel, and a knurled tightening knob. The tool is rotated around the tube, and the roller frame is advanced forward, pressing the cutting edge of the wheel into the tube wall. The tubing material is displaced sideways and inward as the cutter wheel is pressed into the wall of the tube. After a few rotations around the tube, advancing the roller frame on each rotation), the tubing separates, leaving cut ends with a smaller diameter because of the material displaced inward (see reaming and deburring tools). As with all tools, the cutter wheel, rollers, and adjusting screw must be lubricated on a regular basis to insure proper operation and extend the life of the tool. When purchasing a tubing/pipe cutter you should spend the extra money and get a good quality tool-one that has a (left) reaming attachment and a place to hold a (right) spare cutter wheel.                   

Reaming attachment                                            Spare cutter wheel inside knob

Note 1 CSST (Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing)

1.       Iron/Steel Pipe Cutters operate in the same manner as tubing/pipe cutters.

2.       Plastic Pipe Snap Cutters operate by putting the pipe to be cut between a cutter blade and a half round valley, then with a scissor/ratchet action the blade cuts through the pipe.

3.       Corrugated Stainless Steel Tubing Cutter, (CSST), is a hybrid cutter that operates in the same manner as tubing/pipe cutters. The only difference is that CSST cutters have a grooved roller wheel, which keeps the cutter on track and prevents a spiral cut.

4.       Nymph/Mini Pipe Cutters operate in the same manner as tubing/pipe cutters. They are used mainly when pipes are in confined, tight or small places.

5.       Copper Pipe/Tubing Cutters see page 10

6.       Plastic Pipe Cutters operate in the same manner as tubing/pipe cutters except the cutter wheel is larger.

Deburring or Reaming Tools

When cutting tubing/pipe with a cutter or saw it leaves a sharp, rough edge. Reaming the inside diameter and deburring the outside diameter of the tubing end are needed for best flow performance and for easier fitting assembly. Many wheel cutter tools are fitted with a reamer blade, which, can be positioned, for use after cutting is completed as shown on page 10. Deburring can be done with a file or a sharp blade on the outside of the tubing/pipe end.

The 1997 Uniform Plumbing Code states in section 310.9, “Burred ends of all pipe and tubing shall be reamed to the full bore of the pipe or tube and all chips shall be removed.”

This page was last modified April 02, 2007
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