Need A Tool? Make One.

26592 Views 160 Replies 25 Participants Last post by DDDave, 5 mo ago

Tommy plumber

Discussion Starter · Dec 20, 2017

Ever been in a situation where you needed a tool but didn't have because one wasn't made?

Well, make one. Show us your home-made tools. Mens' minds have produced many clever tools over the centuries.

Reactions: 2

101 - 120 of 161 Posts

Venomthirst

· #101 · Jun 7, 2019

Abs eh.. stuff is like so brittle after 5-10 years.

Sure it is quick and cheap to put in but it dont last like copper or cast.

How's the cell core PVC in the states guys does it go brittle too..

Usually the sys 15 and xfr is quite tough and doesn't get brittle like the abs does

Reactions: 1

skoronesa

· #102 · Jun 8, 2019

Venomthirst said:
Abs eh.. stuff is like so brittle after 5-10 years.

Sure it is quick and cheap to put in but it dont last like copper or cast.

How's the cell core PVC in the states guys does it go brittle too..

Usually the sys 15 and xfr is quite tough and doesn't get brittle like the abs does

The little cellular core pvc I have seen was old and seemed fine. They like to use that in the city. Where I am most of us prefer pvc except for some of the older "less aspirational" guys who prefer abs.

The only application I have seen where abs might be preferred for performance reasons is when pouring a lead joint with an abs adapter. The pvc ones tend to light on fire easier where as the abs adapters put up with the heat. But really? How often are you going to pour a joint?

.

See less See more

Reactions: 1

Tommy plumber

Discussion Starter · #103 · Jun 23, 2019

Nothing fancy, just more for convenience. I've had this copper glue pot holder for years.

The glue cans aren't likely to tip over and spill with this holder.

Tommy plumber

Discussion Starter · #104 · Jun 23, 2019

3

Nothing fancy. Just more for convenience.

I do not understand why the hell I can't rotate these pictures. It's irritating.

See less See more

Reactions: 2

skoronesa

· #105 · Jun 24, 2019

Tommy plumber said:
Nothing fancy. Just more for convenience.

I do not understand why the hell I can't rotate these pictures. It's irritating.

Assuming you have windows, open the picture with mspaint/paint, rotate the picture, and then save the file.

If you just open the file with windows picture viewer and rotate it that doesn't save the file as rotated, it just rotates it whenever you look at the file on your computer with windows picture viewer.

If you don't have the paint program you can easily download it or any other number of picture editing software.

.

See less See more

Reactions: 2

Tommy plumber

Discussion Starter · #106 · Jun 24, 2019

...real PITA.

See less See more

Tommy plumber

Discussion Starter · #107 · Jun 24, 2019

skoronesa said:
Assuming you have windows, open the picture with mspaint/paint, rotate the picture, and then save the file.

If you just open the file with windows picture viewer and rotate it that doesn't save the file as rotated, it just rotates it whenever you look at the file on your computer with windows picture viewer.

If you don't have the paint program you can easily download it or any other number of picture editing software.

.

We used to have to use Pix re-sizer to upload photos here at PZ. But something changed and you can just up-load pictures without having to re-size them. I used to be able to rotate the pictures on my PC and then upload them here, but I can't figure it out. I'll have to go back to using my digital camera, I never had a problem with that. For some reasong I-phone pictures get screwed up.

Debo22

· #108 · Jun 24, 2019

Tommy plumber said:
We used to have to use Pix re-sizer to upload photos here at PZ. But something changed and you can just up-load pictures without having to re-size them. I used to be able to rotate the pictures on my PC and then upload them here, but I can't figure it out. I'll have to go back to using my digital camera, I never had a problem with that. For some reasong I-phone pictures get screwed up.

Take pictures with your iPhone horizontal not vertical and they will upload normal.

Reactions: 2

ShtRnsdownhill

· #109 · Sep 14, 2019

Tango said:
Here's one of my custom sockets in action. The moen tool didn't work in this situation.

.

I like it..an invisible tool...:vs_laugh:

Tango

· #110 · Sep 14, 2019

ShtRnsdownhill said:
I like it..an invisible tool...:vs_laugh:

You were real quick on the trigger! I was removing the pics and going to put it in the lounge.

Reactions: 1

skoronesa

· #111 · Oct 24, 2019

2

Today I made my own tools twice. The first was for a moen 1248 cartridge in a widespread tub faucet. There is a screw in retaing ring for the cartridge that has notches made to accept a tool you can get from moen. It wasn't until after I was unscrewing it with my copper pipe that I remembered I actually do have that tool in my toolbox. Oh well. Making my own was actually easier than digging to get to it! lolz :biggrin:

The second one I cut a notch in a piece of 1/2" black iron. It's hard to see in that pic but the c.o. plug I put in was about 6" down. With the notched pipe I could easily tighten the wingnut. I could have used a heavy 3/8" nut to replace the wingnut but for some reason I told my self it was best to leave the wing nut on. :vs_worry: I have had a rough start to the week. I went the whole day thinking it was tuesday too.

See less See more

Reactions: 5

Alan

· #112 · Oct 24, 2019

Seconded on the moen tool. I've made one out of cpvc before in a pinch too. Even though the diameter of the pipe is slightly off compared to their tool it works pretty good as long as they haven't let it leak for eons and corrode the inside of the valve body.

I remember the other plumber teaching me that you use needlenose pliers to remove those. After 2 or 3 times I decided he was wrong, and went searching for the right tool. :vs_laugh:

Reactions: 2

skoronesa

· #113 · Jan 12, 2020

plumber.joe said:
i made one a these once except i didnt have the tee handle i just used channel locks. i used it to hold the handsink drains in place while i tightened the bottom nut.

Lavatory sink

Pop-up assembly OR grid strainer

Mack gasket nut, gasket nut, mack nut

Just figured I would help you with the jargon. We all feel like an idiot when we go to the supply house and describe something like a homeowner. It happens to all of us.

.

See less See more

Reactions: 3

skoronesa

· #114 · Jan 12, 2020

plumber.joe said:
If its in a kitchen, like a stainless steel sink mounted to a column is that still a lav? we were calling it handsink basket strainers?

mack nut i did not know of thank you... i love knowing the proper names...

Yeah, you're right lolz, in a commercial kitchen you do have a handsink or handwashing sink. And yeah, basket strainer, usually that refers to the 3-1/2" ones that fit kitchen sinks but they do make 1-1/4" basket strainers as well.

.

ShtRnsdownhill

· #115 · Jan 12, 2020

skoronesa said:
Lavatory sink

Pop-up assembly OR grid strainer

Mack gasket nut, gasket nut, mack nut

Just figured I would help you with the jargon. We all feel like an idiot when we go to the supply house and describe something like a homeowner. It happens to all of us.

.

problem with proper names is that we have seen in the past how they differ so much from region to region just in this country,,,
so your proper name by you may not be the proper name else where...

Reactions: 2

skoronesa

· #116 · Jan 13, 2020

ShtRnsdownhill said:
problem with proper names is that we have seen in the past how they differ so much from region to region just in this country,,,
so your proper name by you may not be the proper name else where...

Yeah but in this day and age you can google any of the names with at least some success.

Besides, my main intent was for him not to look like an idiot. He recently moved and can just blame it on what you just described, they call it that where he comes from. Then he can proceed to explain what the part is and they won't look at him like he is an idiot hack.

.

Logtec

· #117 · Jan 24, 2020

skoronesa said:
Today I made my own tools twice. The first was for a moen 1248 cartridge in a widespread tub faucet. There is a screw in retaing ring for the cartridge that has notches made to accept a tool you can get from moen. It wasn't until after I was unscrewing it with my copper pipe that I remembered I actually do have that tool in my toolbox. Oh well. Making my own was actually easier than digging to get to it! lolz <img src="http://www.plumbingzone.com/images/smilies/biggrin.png" border="0" alt="" title="Biggrin" class="inlineimg" />

The second one I cut a notch in a piece of 1/2" black iron. It's hard to see in that pic but the c.o. plug I put in was about 6" down. With the notched pipe I could easily tighten the wingnut. I could have used a heavy 3/8" nut to replace the wingnut but for some reason I told my self it was best to leave the wing nut on. <img src="http://www.plumbingzone.com/images/smilies/vs_worry.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Vs Worry" class="inlineimg" /> I have had a rough start to the week. I went the whole day thinking it was tuesday too.

I did the same for the moen tool, it wasn’t available anywhere a while back.
I got the moen tool with a new moen faucet at some point after, I’m pretty sure HD sells them now..

Tango

· #118 · Mar 4, 2020

2

I designed and built this before I learned such a tool existed already. Oh well I was late to the party. But it sure doesn't exist in Canada!

Rubber bottom and it prevents the block of wood and pan from sliding away where you wanted it to go in the first place. Since then I've notched the tabs to sit flush. I used it twice already and it's perfect.

.

See less See more

Reactions: 4

skoronesa

· #119 · May 27, 2021

4

Yard hydrant plunger removal tool

I don't have a welder and wanted one a little nicer than what my manager welded so I drilled and tapped a 1/2"-20 bolt for 3/8"-16. I'm surprised it's so concentric given I hand drilled it

See less See more

Reactions: 3

skoronesa

· #120 · Aug 13, 2021

Dolese Tool Co said:
Love this thread!! Just started a new one with this info but I wanted to chime in and add to all the other rad ideas on the thread already. ...........

Plumber or not you're just spamming now.

There is a part of this forum specifically for manufacturers and salesmen.

@OpenSights I suggest you remove this link, it's the same as the one in his intro.

Reactions: 1

101 - 120 of 161 Posts