Tipping torches

Tools at your fingertips

Cutting pipe in tight spaces

One Better

Some months ago you published a Tool Tip where 3-inch PVC was used to anchor propane/mapp cylinders to the truck wall. That made me think about my pet peeve: my torch tipping over almost every time I set it aside.

Take a look at the photo for my solution. Note the extended handle for easy carrying and extra stability. A later version might include a rectangular base with compartments for solder, flux and acid brushes.

Bruce L. Johnston
Mechanical Contractor
Farmington Hills, Mich.

At Your Fingertips

My tip concerns plumbing on ladders and scaffolding, and it can save you from climbing up and down ladders. You have everything you need at your fingertips. I use an apron with multiple pockets that goes around your neck and ties at the waist. I load it with all I think I will need before I climb up the ladder. I have Ls in one pocket, Ts in another, couplings in one, flux in yet another, glue in one, and so on.

See what kind of apron you can find. You may have to make a pocket smaller or take some stitches out to meet your needs, but it’s well worth the time it takes to fix it. The apron also keeps your shirt clean from glue drips.

If you are not the apron type, a vest with multiple pockets works just as well.

Robbie Huffman
B&N Plumbing
Taylorsville, N.C.

Two Steps For 2-Inch Pipe

To cut 2-inch cast-iron pipe in a tight spot (under a house, for example), use steel pipe cutters. First, attach cutters to pipe. Second, move cutter back and forth 2-3 inches while slowly tightening cutter. The pipe will snap cleanly.

David Walters
ABC Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
Sacramento, Calif.


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