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Pipe Tools - Wrenches, Cutters, Reamers, and Threaders

What are some safety tips when using pipe wrenches? Pipe tools are available in various shapes and sizes and for many uses.

eye protection hearing protection

Pipe tools are available in various shapes and sizes and for many uses. Always use the correct tool for the job.

ppe Wear safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield (with safety glasses or goggles) when necessary.
ppe Wear hearing protection, as needed.
requirement Keep good footing and balance when using the tools.
requirement Select a pipe wrench with sufficient capacity and leverage to do the job.
requirement Use a pipe wrench to turn or hold a pipe. Never use a pipe wrench to bend, raise or lift a pipe.
requirement Adjust the pipe wrench grip to maintain a gap between the back of the hook jaw and the pipe. This placement concentrates the pressure at the jaw teeth, producing the maximum gripping force. It also aids the ratcheting action.
administrative Inspect pipe wrenches for bent or twisted handles, discolouration or heat damage, and worn or unsafe parts (e.g., check for worn threads on the adjustment ring and movable jaw). Remove the tool from service and replace it.
requirement Keep the pipe wrench's teeth clean and sharp.
requirement Face a pipe wrench forward. Turn the wrench so the pressure is against the heel jaw.
requirement Pull, rather than push, on the pipe wrench handle. Maintain a proper stance with feet firmly placed to hold your balance.

requirement Do not use a pipe wrench as a hammer, or strike a pipe wrench with a hammer.
requirement Do not use pipe wrenches on nuts and bolts.
requirement Do not use a pipe extender, chains, machines, or other devices for extra leverage. Get a larger pipe wrench.

requirement Secure the pipe before cutting.
requirement Replace pipe cutter wheels which are nicked or otherwise damaged.
requirement Use a 3- or 4-wheeled cutter, if there is not enough space to swing the single-wheel pipe cutter completely around the pipe.
requirement Thin wheel for cutting ordinary steel pipe.
requirement Stout wheel for cutting cast iron.
requirement Other wheels for cutting stainless steel, plastic and other materials.
requirement Choose a cutting wheel suitable for cutting the type of pipe material required:
requirement Select the proper hole diameter and correct tap size to tap a hole. The hole should be sized so that the thread cut by the tap will be about 75% as deep as the thread on the tap.
requirement Use a proper tap wrench (with a "T" handle) for turning a tap.
requirement Use lubricant or machine-cutting fluid with metals other than cast iron.

Refer to the OSH Answers on General Hand Tool Operation for more tips.

requirement Do not allow chips to clog the flutes (groves in the tap that allow metal chips to escape from the hole). The chips may prevent the tap from turning - the tap may break if you continue to apply pressure.
requirement Do not use a conventional adjustable wrench for turning a tap - it will cause uneven pressure on the tap that may cause it to break.
requirement Do not attempt to thread hardened steel. This action can chip or damage the die.
requirement Do not thread any rod or other cylindrical object that is larger in diameter than the major diameter of the die thread.
requirement Do not use a spiral reamer on a rotating pipe. The reamer may snag and cause serious injury.