Plumbing Tool Reviews & Buying Guides

In this subcategory our plumbing tool reviews cover hand tools and power tools. Everything suited specifically for the plumber or plumbing tradesmen shows up here. That includes PEX crimpers, butane torches, pipe cutters, drain augers, and other plumbing tools. For finding things behind walls, our inspection cameras comparison offers some key products in that area. Specific tools in this section include the Ryobi P4001 18V One+ drain auger and the Ridgid Telescoping basin wrench among others. You also have larger, more commercial products like the Milwaukee M12 Force Logic press tool and the Ridgid 238-P powered soil pipe cutter. A combination of great hand tools and power tools in this category will help plumbers work smarter. Better tools can help plumbers work faster, but they can also reduce effort. The best tools can also simplify the number of tools needed to get a job done.

Milwaukee M12, M18 Force Logic Press Tools

Milwaukee Force Logic Press Tool Preview

We don’t do a lot of copper and steel pipe pressing, but we know plenty of high-end plumbers who do. For them, pressing tools are either laborious hand tools that take a lot of effort, or expensive solutions that bolt onto existing tools or come in oversized packages which are less than ideal for repetitive use. Milwaukee interviewed a lot of plumbers and then delivered what we believe to be one of the (if not “the”) smallest, lightest tools for copper and steel pipe press connections. Milwaukee is calling the new tools their ForceLogic Press Tool line. We’ll explain the “Logic” part later, but the tools all feature a one-handed, in-line design, so they are super-easy to wield. For offset piping, the inline design is also indispensable. And that “logic” part? Milwaukee also designed an intelligent press solution that delivers exceptional accuracy and reliability.

Ridgid micro CA-300 Inspection Camera Preview

Ridgid micro CA-300 Inspection Camera Preview

We’re big fans of the inspection camera, having reviewed several on PTR. They allow home inspectors, plumbers, appraisers, HVAC technicians and electricians document and troubleshoot problems with an ease that was impossible before the advent of LED and micro-camera technology. Ridgid’s newest inspection camera, the micro CA-300 is the company’s next evolution of the microEXPLORER family. You can record both still images and videos of problems in hard-to reach areas and then share these findings with the RIDGIDConnect solution. On top of that, an embedded microphone means that you can also document your video with live commentary, so your notes are more complete.

Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Installation Tool 2432-22 Preview

Milwaukee M12 ProPEX Installation Tool 2432-22 Preview

We’re used to seeing lots of unique tools – and the cordless aspect just means that the possibilities are endless. But when Milwaukee pulled out the stops and introduced their M12 Lithium-Ion ProPEX installation tool with auto-rotating ProPEX Expansion Heads we knew they had gone somewhere new. Really new. Designed for easy one-handed use, the M12 ProPEX Expansion tool allows users to install Uponor ProPEX fittings up to four times faster, and are compatible with over 25 tools on their respective battery platforms for added utility and value. This much anticipated product launch follows the April 2010 announcement of a new partnership with Uponor to deliver increased productivity to plumbing and heating professionals by developing a comprehensive solution for installing ProPEX.

RIDGID SeeSnake CS1000 Digital Recording Monitor

RIDGID SeeSnake CS1000 Digital Recording Monitor

The CS1000 by Ridgid is the fast, convenient way to record, report and deliver still images and video digitally. Just grab it and go! The CS1000 camera control unit is a purpose-built monitor that allows you to digitally record and report on your inspections in the field. With the CS1000, you have the flexibility you need to take full advantage of digital recording technology.

Ridgid 65' SeeSnake microDrain w/Sonde First Look

Ridgid 65′ SeeSnake microDrain w/Sonde First Look

Ridgid has some good professional and consumer response to their SeeSnake microDrain and microReel Inspection Systems. Now the company has announced a new addition to their microDrain line in the form of a 65′ microDrain w/sonde. Inspired by the feedback from professional tool users (pool service, plumbers, chimney inspection, etc.) to lengthen the microDrain, the company developed the D65S.

BernzOmatic Quickfire torch sweating copper

BernzOmatic Quickfire Torch Review BZ9400QFK

With a profile and design that looks more like a battery powered drill, the new BernzOmatic BZ9400QFK Quickfire Hand Torch is trigger operated, super compact and packs in a 3600 deg F. flame. With the gradual phase out of MAPP gas fuel for hand torches; this torch is designed to use the new Max Power Propylene fuel which operates at about the same temperatures.