Easy pipe storage, cartridge removal, iPhone functions

Tool Tips — October 2013

Easy pipe storage

Here’s a tip for storing pipe, Kindorf stock or any material that is long and bulky.

We all have copper pipe and sticks of PEX laying around. We throw them in the truck or in the shop and, before long, that new stick or piece of pipe looks old.

We went to our local fence supplier of PVC stock and picked up 20-ft.-long 8x8, 6x6 or 5x5 fence posts. Some even come in heavy thicknesses, which we use on the roof racks of our trucks.

In the shop, we use the fence posts to keep our pipe stock neat and easy to count. On the truck, we glued a cap (also from the fence supply store) on one end and use it to transport our pipe stock.

No more damaged pipe.

George Zumkowski
Medford, N.Y.

Simple cartridge ring removal

I’ve replaced many single-lever tub/shower faucets where homeowners or other service plumbers have tried to remove the cartridge by using a pipe wrench on the thin ring that holds it together. This squashes, distorts and sometimes ruins the valve body.

The best way I’ve found to remove this ring is to put a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers on it backwards. This provides just enough grip to remove the ring without squashing it.

Terrance Travis
Travis Plumbing
Burton, Mich.

Not just for taking phone calls

When I go on a service call with a first-time customer, sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the issue because it’s too dark. I take my iPhone out and use the camera light, which saves time looking for a flashlight. And if the problem is in a hard-to-see area, I can use the phone’s camera to take a picture of the leak and show the customer. Then we both have a good idea what and where the problem is located.

Chad Erickson
Cedar Plumbing
Cedar, Minn.

Send Us Your Tool Tips

If you have an idea that has saved you time and money, Plumbing & Mechanical would like to share your tip with our readers.The first-place winner each month will receive a RIDGID Prize Package worth $200. Read here for more details.