The Three Most Important Tools for a Fire Sprinkler Installer

All professional trades in the world require unique tools. Fire sprinkler installers are no exception. We typically use a wide variety of tools in the course of a single work day. The average office worker would be quite surprised to see exactly how many tools we carry in our work trucks. We use power tools, hand tools, and makeshift tools. Improper use of some of our power tools can seriously injure or kill a worker.

The most common tool used by a pipe fitter is the common pipe wrench. Steel pipe wrenches were the oldest form of wrench available. Pipe fitters around the world rejoiced when manufacturers finally made them out of aluminum. The new aluminum keys are much lighter. They are easier to transport throughout the day and less energy is expelled by a worker doing so. However, they are more expensive and susceptible to cracking.

If a new worker abuses a set of aluminum wrenches, the construction foreman will usually force him to carry steel wrenches for a few weeks. After wearing steel keys for two weeks in a row, a new apprentice will be very grateful to use aluminum keys again. He will never abuse them again. If you are concerned about longevity, buy steel keys, as they are much stronger than aluminum ones.

The most common tool used by a sprinkler installer is a set of pliers. You will always find pliers tucked in your back pocket. Specifically, we use a model called “tongue and groove”.

Pipe fitters in the Southern California area prefer one brand above all others. Our preferred pliers have a distinctive blue handle and are manufactured by Channel Lock. This particular brand is a strong name for the home and workplace. Installers at work often say, “Where are my blocked channels? It’s an easy solution; just give me my blocked channels.” Since I joined the trade, I have never heard the term pliers. It is always Channel Locks.

The reliability of Channel Lock tools has earned them the trust of an entire region of workers and contractors. They may be more expensive, but they are easily worth the price. Higher priced tools are usually higher quality tools. Your workers will appreciate them. One plier that is easily worth its weight in gold is the Channel Lock brand. Carrying two pairs is common for most adjusters.

Aside from pliers and pipe wrenches, there is another tool that is necessary for a sprinkler installer: the Rigid 300 pipe machine. They cost from $ 1,100 used to $ 3,700 new. Depending on the additional accessories, the price will vary. The safety pedal is a requirement and the oiler a must. Another great addition is a set of transport wheels. They make it easier for an individual worker to transport the machine. Without the wheels, it will be difficult to move the machine to a new location.

These are the toughest machines I have ever used. The motor runs at a single slow speed. It works in both forward and reverse mode. It is almost impossible to change the machine from one direction to another with a single stroke. There is an internal mechanism that prevents this. Going from forward to reverse without first allowing the machine to come to a complete stop is dangerous and can potentially damage the engine.

The Rigid’s single speed motor runs at extremely powerful torque. It is always recommended never to wear loose clothing when operating this machine. The Rigid 300 is potentially a deadly machine, especially in the hands of a newbie. The machines’ motor is so powerful that it can easily start an arm or a leg. To avoid possible injury or death, Rigid designed the machine to require a properly installed foot pedal to function. It will not work unless the worker has their foot on the pedal. To shut down the machine in an emergency, all a worker has to do is take their foot off the pedal.

These three tools will always be close to a sprinkler installer. These tools are vital to the daily productivity of every sprinkler installer. They are definitely the “tools of the trade” for all installers.