Got a tool tip? You may win a Kinetic Water Ram from General Pipe Cleaners

Erin Holohan Haskell

Once on a job for a given length of time, we all come up with little ways to simplify our work, making it easier to perform. This is especially true in the trades. Maybe you have a way of dislodging wood plugs from a hole saw, a method of fixing a leak in a tight space, or even a technique for descaling manifolds. If you have an idea that has saved you time and money, Plumbing & Mechanical would like to share your tip with their readers. Submit your Tool Tip here. The first-place winner will receive a Kinetic Water Ram from General Pipe Cleaners with a retail value of $325.

DanHolohan

With all the stories in this place, I'm sensing a winner. Bring it home, Wallies!

HVACNUT

Spray adhesive and duct tape.
I win!

Larry Weingarten

OK, I've got one. Here is a photo of a simple tool I made to make working on water heaters a bit easier. This is a solid 3/4" steel rod with a small crossbar welded on top. It slips (or pounds) down into the pipe nipple that doesn't want to come out on top of the heater I'm working on. With this in place, the nipple is not collapsed by the wrench, so it doesn't tear off and leave a steel ring in the threads of the tank. I've heard of using easy out's and such, but this has never failed me.


Yours, Larry

DanHolohan

Great one @Larry Weingarten. To be in the contest, please submit it through that link in Erin’s post above. Thanks.

Erin Holohan Haskell

Thanks, @Larry Weingarten!

Larry Weingarten

Hello, Here is another tool for you. This is a simple saw, made from a Sawzall blade, some 3/4" threaded fiberglass rod and a hose clamp. Because of the threads on the rod, it absolutely will not slip in your hand and using a blade stronger than the normal hacksaw blade makes it hold up better to serious usage.



I've submitted both ideas so that we can "bring it home"!

Yours, Larry

Danny Scully

I use one of the thousand plastic syringes I have from my daughters medicines (Tylenol, Motrin, etc.) to fill pigtails.

Larry Weingarten

Hello, Here's another idea. This is reusing a broken pair of pliers. I took the broken tool and ground it down to make a nail set, which is much easier to use than a normal one. Also it puts your hand and fingers well out of the way of the hammer and works in tighter spaces then the traditional approach.


Yours, Larry

Big Ed_4

My tip to add is when working in the attic and it's too hot to work up there . I carry a cheap sweeping Sprinker and place it on the part of the roof we will be working ... Turns that roof from radiant heat to radiant cool ...

Tinman

@Big Ed_4 I always use to do that too. Then one day in the early 90's, we did it on a light colored roof. The next morning the roof was covered in rust stains. My guys did a lot of scrubbing that morning.

Big Ed_4

Where did the rust come from ? You may need to add a filter in your area, You can sell them a whole house filter ,I am sure the driveway and steps get stain as well if rust coming from the main water. Also flush your hose from the truck . It tends to bring your job to the next ....

DZoro

Well the golf balls didn't get first place, but did get second. Hopefully one of the other wallies can bring it home!
Good luck!
Dennis