Pulsar Pete’s TOOL TIPS....

This month Pulsar Pete has put together a selection of handy Tool-Tips which he has picked up over his years working in the plumbing trade.

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
My first 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 elbows 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.

Pulsar PeteUNFROZEN
Some plumbers have problems repairing frozen and split horizontal copper water lines because most of the time water is still dripping from the pipes (possibly some with ice still in them). What works for me after cutting out the split with my pipe cutter is to install a copper tee with a threaded side outlet pointing downward. That allows easy soldering with the steam blowing out the threaded outlet. When done soldering, simply screw in a plug.
P.S. Don’t forget to turn the water back on before leaving.

OPEN WIDE?
I have discovered a new tool to carry in your tool box. That shiny pick the dentist uses to clean teeth has other uses. It works great to remove “o” rings, install seats and springs, and remove tap washers that break off in fixture stops. Check with your dentist!

TOOTHPASTE FILLER
For those shower valve cartridges and faucets where the orings just don’t want to stay in place till you get it in the valve, try a little toothpaste. I keep a small tube in my faucet kit. It’s sticky, and will hold the o-rings in place while being assembled. It also will wash away once the water is turned back on.

A BETTER BUCKET
Who doesn’t use plastic five-gallon buckets to carry tools, parts, etc.? But one careless move dropping a pipe wrench into the bottom of the bucket can crack it, plus you usually don’t find out until you’re draining something into it. I’ve cut a 3/4-inch plywood disk to insert into the bottom of the bucket. Now, if I drop a wrench, fitting or drill with a bit attached, I don’t puncture my bucket!

DON’T BE A DOPE
Sometimes there’s a need to do some drilling through steel on the job. Everyone knows drill bits don’t last very long without a little oil. If you ever find yourself without any oil, I know youmust have some pipe lubricant. It has enough of an oil base that will sufficiently lubricate the drill bit and save wear and tear.

BUBBLING UP
When looking for gas leaks, I ran out of leak detector. Palmolive and other similar soaps are corrosive to metals. I found children’s bubbles to be very sensitive, even for detecting the smallest leaks. It is also noncorrosive, non toxic and inexpensive.

DRIED OUT QUICK
I always hated getting the water out of the toilet tank and bowl when performing a repair. No matter what I tried, it always seemed so time-consuming, and I would inevitably end up wet. I ended up buying a battery-powered kerosene pump, and it works like a charmevery time. It’s quick, quiet and, best of all, I don’t get wet.

COMMON SENSE PHYSICS
Trouble soldering a vertical pipe due to water trapped in the line? I try to keep handy in my soldering kit a 12-inch long piece of 3/8-inch copper tubing. With the pipe open, take the tube and insert it into the line. Place your finger over the end of the tube to capture the water in a vacuum and dump it in a bucket. After a few times the line should be dry enough to solder.

RUSTY TOOLS
Tools starting to get rusty from storing in a damp garage? To save your investment place several strips of ordinary chalk in your tool box, or container. The chalk will absorb the moisture and keep verything rust free.

CLEAN TOOLS
Dirty tools soon loose their edge and often rust. A quick wipe with an oiled rag is sufficient to clean them. NEVER use soap and water!!

SOAP TRICK
Before trying to hammer in a nail or put a new screw into something, try this little trick. Push the nail or screw through an old bar of soap. The nail or screw will drive easier and it won’t split the wood!

CAN'T LOOSEN A SCREW?
Try this easy trick that always works! Just heat up the tip of your screwdriver and try again. It will come loose everytime!

DUST COLLECTION
To catch dust that is created when drilling or sawing into plaster or drywall, masking tape a paper bag to the wall directly beneath where you are going to be working. Just pull the bag from the wall when you are done. Easy cleanup!

TWO NECESSARY TOOLS!
You only need two tools; WD-40 and duct tape. If it doesn’t move and it should, use WD-40. If it moves and shouldn’t, then use the duct tape!

We want to hear from you - Send Us Your Tool Tips!
If you have an idea that has saved you time and money, Pulsar direct would like to share your tip with our readers.

You can e-mail your idea directly to marketing@pulsar.ie or contact your local sales representative who will gladly pass on your words of wisdom.
THE PERSON WITH THE BEST TOOL-TIP WILL WIN A PULSAR DIRECT VOUCHER Pulsar Pete’s