Tool Tips: easy pipe solder, cutting toilet bolts, lubricating hole saws
Duct tape to the rescue
When trying to solder with water running through a pipe, wrap duct tape around the end of a short piece of pipe 1 in. smaller than the pipe being soldered. Insert the duct-taped end of the smaller pipe into the larger pipe; water should now flow through the smaller pipe. Solder a full-port ball valve onto the larger pipe, remove the smaller pipe and close the valve.
Charles Keppler
Knights Plumbing
Newton, N.J.
No more glitter
Instead of using a tiny hacksaw to cut off bolts at the base of a toilet, I use solid-brass johnny bolts and cut them with a good pair of linesman pliers. This prevents the bolts from moving while cutting and eliminates the glitter-like mess you get when you saw the bolts. No more busted knuckles and no more mess. And, since brass is soft, it does not harm your pliers.
Michael Grisson
Braxton Plumbing
Waynesboro, Pa.
Cut more holes
Smear a little silicone grease on the inside and outside of hole saws. With the lubrication, they won’t bind and you can cut more holes in a shorter period of time. You also get more holes cut if you are using a battery drill.
Frank Grammo
Littleton, N.H.
Send Us Your Tool TipsIf 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 Kinetic Water Ram from General Pipe Cleaners with a retail value of $325.Read here for more details. |
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