Pipe Fitter Tool List: 30 Essential Tools You Need
A Pipe Fitter is a professional responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes used for water, gas, steam, oil, and more. This job involves a mix of math, technical skills, and the right tools. Knowing the tools of the trade is crucial for any pipe fitter, whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your skills.
Here’s a list of 30 essential tools every pipe fitter should know about and use.
Pipe Fitter Tool List
1. Pipe Wrench
A must-have tool for gripping and turning pipes.
- Uses: Tightening or loosening pipes.
- Features: Adjustable with threaded teeth for a firm grip.
2. Pipe Pliers
Also known as water pump pliers, these are great for gripping, turning, or holding pipes and other objects.
- Uses: Holding pipes and bolts securely.
- Types: Straight jaw and curved jaw.
3. Centering Head
Helps find the center line of pipes for accurate marking and alignment.
- Uses: Marking points for proper alignment of pipes and fittings.
4. Pipe Wrap
A protective tape for pipes to prevent corrosion and damage.
- Uses: Wrapping around pipes to protect them from chemicals, moisture, and abrasion.
5. Pipe Clamp
Used to hold pipes in place during work.
- Uses: Aligning and securing pipes for cutting or welding.
6. Fitter Grips
Acts like a third hand for holding pipes and fittings securely.
- Uses: Freeing your hands for tasks like welding and fitting.
7. Flange Aligner
Ensures pipes and joints are properly aligned before welding.
- Uses: Aligning pipe flanges during installation or repair.
8. Radius Marker
Used for drawing circles on pipes for precise cuts.
- Uses: Marking circles or holes for cutting and fitting.
9. Welder’s Gauge
A precision tool for checking weld quality and pipe alignment.
- Uses: Measuring angles, gaps, and dimensions before and after welding.
10. Pit Depth Gauge
An attachment for a welder’s gauge to measure weld depth and pipe diameter.
- Uses: Ensures accurate welds and alignment.
11. Flange Spreader
Separates pipe flanges for repair or maintenance work.
- Uses: Making space for replacing gaskets or applying sealants.
12. Hack Saw
A simple, hand-operated tool for quick pipe cuts.
- Uses: Cutting pipes or fittings when precision tools aren’t needed.
13. Allen Wrench Set
Essential for tightening or loosening hex screws.
- Uses: Working with hex bolts in pipe fittings.
14. Spacing Wedges
Helps create precise gaps between pipes for welding.
- Uses: Ensuring proper spacing during welding.
15. Two-Hole Pin Pipe Fitting Tool
Aligns holes in pipes to ensure proper fitment of nuts and bolts.
- Uses: Checking alignment and leveling of pipe holes.
16. Miter Marker
A marking tool for cutting pipes at specific angles.
- Uses: Marking for cuts like 45° or 90° angles.
17. Multi-Hole Imager
Marks round or oval holes on pipes or flat surfaces.
- Uses: Drawing precise hole layouts for cutting or welding.
18. Industrial Endoscope
A camera tool for inspecting inside pipes.
- Uses: Diagnosing issues like blockages or damage.
19. Soapstone Marker
Used to draw temporary markings on pipes.
- Uses: Marking weld lines and cutting guides.
20. Tape Measure
A basic tool for accurate measurements.
- Uses: Measuring pipe lengths and distances.
21. Protractor
Helps measure angles for bending or cutting pipes.
- Uses: Setting angles for precise cuts and bends.
22. Pipe Fitter’s Square
A specialized square for measuring and marking pipes.
- Uses: Finding center lines and checking squareness.
23. Framing Square
Another square for checking alignment and measuring angles.
- Uses: Ensuring pipes and fittings are level.
24. Screwdriver Set
Essential for loosening or tightening screws.
- Uses: Works with flathead and Phillips screws in fittings.
25. Calculator
Helps perform pipe fitting calculations like angles and dimensions.
- Uses: Calculating offsets, slopes, and take-offs.
26. Laser Level
Ensures long stretches of pipes are perfectly aligned.
- Uses: Leveling pipes over large distances.
27. Steel-Toed Boots
Protect your feet from heavy pipes and tools.
- Uses: Preventing injuries on the job site.
28. Gloves
Protects your hands while working with hot or hazardous pipes.
- Uses: Ensuring safety while handling pipes.
29. Safety Glasses
Prevents debris and sparks from injuring your eyes.
- Uses: Protecting eyes during cutting or welding.
30. Tool Box or Tool Belt
Organizes all your tools for easy access.
- Uses: Carrying and storing tools efficiently.
Conclusion
Pipe fitting is a skilled job that requires precision, knowledge, and the right tools. This list of 30 essential tools covers everything a pipe fitter needs, from basic tools like wrenches and tape measures to advanced tools like laser levels and industrial endoscopes.
