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As the plumbing industry continues to evolve — driven by tighter project timelines, labor shortages and increased demand for efficiency — plumbing contractors are relying on a powerful mix of tried-and-true hand tools, cordless technology and smart diagnostic equipment to get the job done faster, safer and with greater accuracy. While a modern plumber’s toolbox is likely filled with more technology and specialized tools than ever before, Plumbing & Mechanical’s recent survey of contractors reveals that the most-used tools for majority of plumbing and mechanical service and repair technicians are still the reliable hand tools they’ve been using for decades.

The 2025 survey asked a handful of simple questions, starting with, "What is your most-used plumbing tool?" Nearly 25% of respondents said Channel Locks, while the majority of other contractors shared that their most-reached-for tool is a set of pump pliers. Adjustable wrenches and screwdrivers, specifically Philips-head, are notably popular as well.

RIDGID shared that the company’s top-selling non-powered tool is its 18" Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench. Reviews include comments like: "I have been in the plumbing trade for 25 + years and haven't found any pipe wrench that beats a RIDGID. They simply seem to bite on impact. I've used others that slip or twist to one side or the other when applying pressure. I've got a couple of aluminum 14" and 12" that are indispensable on the job site. They are, in my book, the best."

Another contractor says the RIDGID aluminum pipe wrench will always be in his truck. "I have 3 different size wrenches; all aluminum and they always work great. They never slip and they always grab even when the teeth are full of dirt and debris."

Experts from LENOX, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, say their most popular hand tools are the LENOX Copper Tubing Cutter kit and the LENOX ratcheting tubing cutter.

A few out-of-the box survey takers said their brain is their most-used tool – a sentiment we can’t argue with one bit.

Impressed by press

While traditional hand tools win the "most-used" title, the survey reinforced something the industry has been well aware of for some time now — press tools are essential for the modern plumber. When asked "What is a new tool that has made your job easier?" more than 50% of respondents said some form of press tool, with the majority siting pro press specifically. RIDGID’s 240 Press Tool and Milwaukee Tool’s Cordless 12V Pro-Press tool received noteworthy positive feedback and recognition from the plumbing contractors.

John Karl Jarzombek, senior manager of product marketing at Milwaukee Tool, says the M12™ FORCE LOGIC Press Tool Kit with Jaws is a go-to solution for professionals. "As the lightest press tool on the market, this solution offers essential portability and accessibility," he says. "Contractors appreciate its compact size and versatility. This is the smallest press tool on the market, enabling users to make secure connections across a wide range of materials and fitting manufacturers."

Many survey participants noted the importance of connecting and cutting copper pipe in today’s marketplace, and auto copper cutters are "saving wrists" on jobsites.

"A Milwaukee Cordless 12V Pro-Press Tool makes the transition from Copper to PEX so easy, saving time and money," one respondent said. "I bought an extra set of PEX jaws for it, and I can now use the same tool for both jobs."

Power tools – a drain cleaning must

A handful of contractors that say they do mostly service work called out how automatic cable feeders have changed the game for drain cleaning, similar to those offered from General Pipe Cleaners.

Jeff Albertini, director of marketing, plumbing and mechanical, RIDGID, says the company’s most popular power tool for plumbing contractors is its K-400 drain cleaner. Contractor reviews of the K-400 include:

• "I use the K400 drum machine almost daily, and it’s a must-have for service and repair plumbing. I keep it on my truck because it’s super easy to use, always reliable, and incredibly effective," and
• "This machine is perfect, very maneuverable around tight spaces. The enclosed drum helps prevent any major cleanup after the job has been done. It has treated me very well; I would highly recommend this machine."

Albertini adds that mechanical contractors most-often go for RIDGID’s 700 power drive. Contractors say the 700 power drive is "strong, durable and easy to set up; I highly recommend it for years of tough service."

The importance of PEX tools is evident throughout the survey results. Colin McKee, senior product manager, DEWALT, says the company’s most-favored power tool is DEWALT 20V MAX* 1 in. Cordless PEX Expander, closely followed by the DEWALT 20V MAX* Plastic Tubing Cutter.

"Plumbers consistently tell us they value the convenience and efficiency of the DEWALT 20V battery platform, which streamlines their installation workflow by allowing them to use a single battery system across multiple tools. Users love how lightweight and fast the tools operate," McKee says. "With the tools operating at a fast pace, the operator is able to move swiftly, which equates to time saved on the job with the potential of creating more opportunities for the workday."

Over at Bosch, contractor-praised power tools are band saws and reciprocating saws. "Plumbers and mechanical contractors frequently need to cut pipes (typically 2-5 inches in diameter) for both installation and maintenance tasks. This includes installing or maintaining waste lines, cutting out damaged pipes, and sizing hangers (struts) to support overhead piping systems," says Corey Hinkel, product manager, Bosch. "These tools are popular because they can cut through metal quickly while also withstanding demanding jobsite conditions."

Making tough jobs easier

The marker of any great tool — hand tool or power tool — is its ability to simply make a plumber’s life easier. Tool manufacturers point to power, ergonomics, compatibility, safety, productivity and durability as the paramount drivers of tool innovations today.

"Milwaukee works daily to improve the lives of users by developing solutions that enhance safety and productivity on the jobsite," Jarzombek says. "Every product brought to market is designed with these priorities in mind, whether it’s through reducing setup time, minimizing exposure to hazards, or enabling faster, more consistent results."

DEWALT’s McKee adds that oftentimes taking a traditional hand tool and creating a battery-powered version is extremely helpful for contractors. "Whether that’s taking a traditional hand tool and creating a battery powered version, or decreasing the decibel level of an existing tool, every new product we introduce is designed with the end user in mind, aiming to improve safety, increase efficiency, and help plumbers get more done in less time."

Hearing feedback directly from plumbers is the most sure-fire way to build tools that fill needs in today’s marketplace.

"Our product development team regularly meets with plumbers to learn about their jobsite pain points," RIDGID’s Albertini explains. "Consistently, we hear requests for tools that can make their job safer, more efficient and also reduce the strain put on their bodies. It’s with these insights that our team then goes to work to develop new tools that are purpose-built to address their concerns."