The great big plumbers wish list thread.

[Guest123]

We've all come across situations when we wish someone had invented something to help us get that job done easier, quicker and better.I want everyone to post their wishlist that they would like to see in their plumbers arsenal. The best ones I'll contact a few manufacturers I use and who knows you might even make your first million.

I'll start the ball rolling. One thing I want is for someone to invent realistic looking shiny chrome sanitary silicone, would really finish off shower enclosures.

Start posting!

 

[CES]

Wet use solder!

 

[Rickster123]

Sting free flux! Already sleeved copper tube. A magic paste that seals the sudden drip on old pump valves. Dust sheets that actually stop dust. And a dust free drill bit.

 

[on31ll]

An apprentice that knows everything drives owns hos/her own tools and van and works for 50p a day ?

Flexible flush pipes for those concealed cisterns !

 

[Guest123]

Flexible flush pipes for those concealed cisterns !

Like this one. I've used Mcalpine flexible 1 1/2" waste pipes in the past.

 

[Kyle87]

An I phone app that measures stuff using the camera and some infa red techno ingenuity.

If it had touch screen abilities you could for instance point it at a house, touch screen at one side then touch screen at the other side and bam!! You've got the measurements.

 

[plumber0808]

A van that warms up instantly, so I don't have to drive off first thing with my head hanging out the window because I can't be arsed to scrape it

 

[PlumbersMate]

Knuckles that don't cut when you slip. Or an app that prevents you from taking a sink trap off and pouring the contents into said sink

 

[PlumbersMate]

A van that warms up instantly, so I don't have to drive off first thing with my head hanging out the window because I can't be arsed to scrape it

Aha so funny we've all been there

 

[Kyle87]

Instead of an app just tape a bucket to your phone and leave it under the sink.

 

[gasmanrob]

My pet HATE is cutting flue pipe. I would like a cutter like the monument or rems soil pipe cutter that will cut and chamfer flue pipe.

 

[Leo21]

A bull **** translator app.

 

[kay-jay]

Like this one. I've used Mcalpine flexible 1 1/2" waste pipes in the past.

Ha ha for a minute there i thought you said you used a flexi .....🙂

 

[kay-jay]

My pet HATE is cutting flue pipe. I would like a cutter like the monument or rems soil pipe cutter that will cut and chamfer flue pipe.

I've got one its called 'manual labour with a hacksaw and a file'🙂

 

[Deleted member 7121]

a core drill that does not stick!!!!

 

[REDSAW]

An I phone app that measures stuff using the camera and some infa red techno ingenuity.

If it had touch screen abilities you could for instance point it at a house, touch screen at one side then touch screen at the other side and bam!! You've got the measurements.

aherm!
they already do that one😉

 

[Guest123]

There is a measuring app for Android and I've got it on the Galaxy Note. Works ok but wouldn't rely too much on it. There's another one which is really useful that projects a beam of light so that it can be used as a straight line. Good for tiling etc.

 

[nicro3]

The power of flight, saving on mobile tower hire etc.

 

[Kyle87]

aherm!
they already do that one😉

I bet it ain't as good as the one in my imagination tho!!!

 

[SafeGasInstall]

a wrachet spanner that works , heated windscreen for the van is a must !!! an app that can turn heating on from work ......
an app that tells customer to call for service when time is due

 

[Toxic Ted]

Core bits that wont snag on damp walls

big size syringe to drain systerns with an adaptor to a manometer hose for sucking water out of pipes ready to solder.

A tool to mute custards screaming kids when you are going about a landlords cert.

The never empty tea cup........just imagin.....a permanant brew on the go.

 

[TBServices]

My pet HATE is cutting flue pipe. I would like a cutter like the monument or rems soil pipe cutter that will cut and chamfer flue pipe.

Angle grinder is your friend!

 

[hammers4spanner]

an easy drain fortic cylinder

 

[gasmanrob]

Angle grinder is your friend!

I don't like the cut it gives used it a few times with a nice thin blade still just feal like a bodge when I'm doing it though

 

[hammers4spanner]

just keep a few blades handy new ones chew through flues

 

[plumber0808]

Angle grinder is your friend!

Messy, very messy. If it bites just pray. :74:

 

[gasmanrob]

a wrachet spanner that works , heated windscreen for the van is a must !!! an app that can turn heating on from work ......
an app that tells customer to call for service when time is due

Wratchet spaner try britool
there is an app for turning home heating on if that's what you mean.
drayton do a programmer with a service indicator

 

[REDSAW]

I bet it ain't as good as the one in my imagination tho!!!

true, it will always remain a 3'' no matter how good the technology.lol

 

[TBServices]

Messy, very messy. If it bites just pray. :74:

With a diamond blade? Never had a problem.

 

[REDSAW]

a well versed, educated 'big issue' seller doing my quotes for a £1 each.

 

[Sid Viscous]

Laser powered laser guided flue-hole cutting limpet. Stick it on, switch it on, get on with something else

 

[Keefy]

3.25 metre lengths of copper tube for central heating drops.

 

[southcoastboile]

A reliable cut in iscolating valve that can be cut in to live pipes to save draining down. E.g changing a 3 port

 

[Keefy]

A reliable cut in iscolating valve that can be cut in to live pipes to save draining down. E.g changing a 3 port

How about 3 port valves with iso' unions?

 

[R1CKY]

A machine to straighten out coiled up 10mm.

An automated pipebender that can create perfect offsets and crossovers.

A junior hacksaw that cuts straight.

A burn mat that doesn't divert flames elsewhere.

 

[Keefy]

TRV's with 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C marks on them.

 

[kay-jay]

TRV's with 18°C, 19°C, 20°C, 21°C marks on them.

Won't happen anytime soon. For that the thermostats would need to be accurate 🙂

 

[Mike Jackson]

A machine to straighten out coiled up 10mm. Didn't someone show one on here recently.

An automated pipebender that can create perfect offsets and crossovers. They're available but incredibly expensive.

A junior hacksaw that cuts straight. I've got one, it's goog thirty years or more old and you can tighten the blade like in a large hacksaw. Sandvik make the 268 junior which features a screw to tighten the blade, don't know if it's as good as mine though.

A burn mat that doesn't divert flames elsewhere.Can't help with this one but I've found if you use Mapp you can use a smaller flame.

..............

 

[Mike Jackson]

Sting free flux! Already sleeved copper tube. A magic paste that seals the sudden drip on old pump valves. Dust sheets that actually stop dust. And a dust free drill bit.

Have a look at WICU gas pipe from Yorkshire tube.

 

[nickelarsed]

smokeless flux and smokeless burn mats so I don't feel like I'm getting lung disease every time I'm in an airing cuboard or loft

 

[hammers4spanner]

3.25 metre lengths of copper tube for central heating drops.

use jhalf lengths of iron :cheesy:

 

[Barry98]

well i think your all just a lazy set of ungrateful so and so`s i tell ya you wanna be great full of the technology we have - WHEN i was a lad back in the day of plumbing you had to..................... never mind

 

[TomLane]

Hands that were similar to a Swiss Army knife! All you needed was there in your fingers; adjustable spanner, slotted driver, pozi driver, torch, nose picker, arse scratcher, bleed key, rad tool, possibly even a phone built into the palm of your hand!!

 

[Leo21]

I'd settle for isolating valves that don't pee out when you touch them.

 

[Keefy]

well i think your all just a lazy set of ungrateful so and so`s i tell ya you wanna be great full of the technology we have - WHEN i was a lad back in the day of plumbing you had to..................... never mind

You had to what? Mine the lead yourself and carry it on your back across the great viaduct then swim to Pompeii?

 

[TerryWaite]

A pedestal which has easy access to the trap

 

[Keefy]

REMOVE TRANSIT BOLTS painted on the back of washing machines.

 

[Sid Viscous]

At the moment I'd settle for some work. Had to resort to 'damsel in distress' jobs! Putting up shelves, putting together flat-pack, laminate flooring, decorating etc..............:disappointed:

 

[Dannypipe]

Sorry to hear that Sid.

I would like a zero gravity tool bag.A bit like the hover boards in back to the future.

So you could pull in a 50KG tool box and not have to go out to the van three times for a 'just' job.

 

[mikegas]

Silicone resistant workwear

 

[Leo21]

Sorry to hear that Sid.

I would like a zero gravity tool bag.A bit like the hover boards in back to the future.

So you could pull in a 50KG tool box and not have to go out to the van three times for a 'just' job.

Id be happy with a bag that doesn't increase in weight as the day goes on.

 

[Howsie]

Silicone resistant workwear

That would be bad.

 

[Dannypipe]

I know what you mean.

I'm too tight fisted to leave even small lengths of copper tube behind.

I once dropped a quid, and it hit me on the back of the head on the way down.

 

[Guest123]

On the subject of an earlier post, there is a flexible flush pipe and it's made by Wirquin. I seen it in B&Q today.

 

[Leo21]

On the subject of an earlier post, there is a flexible flush pipe and it's made by Wirquin. I seen it in B&Q today.

Did you stock up on them then?

 

[Dannypipe]

Did you stock up on them then?

I'm gonna guess here....no!

 

[mikegas]

That would be bad.

Why? It can stick when wet but peel off

 

[Dannypipe]

People who wipe silicon down their trousers are lazy!! Get a cloth!!

 

[villa_tom]

People who wipe silicon down their trousers are lazy!! Get a cloth!!

I agree 100%. When I worked at the council as a contractor, all their direct bloke looked like dirty tramps. They always used to accuse me of not doing any work because my trousers where always clean.

I always wipe my hands on an old rag, or on the carpet if I'm I a minging house 🙂

 

[Dannypipe]

i always wipe my hands on an old rag, or on the carpet if i'm i a minging house 🙂

lol!!

 

[Leo21]

People who wipe silicon down their trousers are lazy!! Get a cloth!!

Funny thing is you can silicone a bath and run out. But when you get it on your hands and clothes it seems to go on forever.

 

[mikegas]

I use a cloth but it still finds a way on my gear

 

[stevetheplumber]

The same wages as 5 years ago

 

[Dannypipe]

It's a right pain if it gets on your clothes. I use a trade wipe. I hear baby wipes also work.

You see some plumbers with it smeared all down their thighs. Looks a right mess!

Just my opinion, which doesn't count for much!!

 

[Dannypipe]

The same wages as 5 years ago

Amen to that. Every man and his dog seems to want to be a plumber these days. Market is flooded.

 

[TerryWaite]

Knee pads that stay in place and actually cushion your knees, failing that, new knees (btw I'm 27)

 

[Guest123]

When using silicone I just wipe my hand on my rse. That's why I've got a nice shiny white bum that never gets wet.

 

[Sid Viscous]

Private guitar lessons from Mark Knopfler would be nice, if anyone could arrange that for me...............😛unk:

 

[tamz]

Knee pads that stay in place and actually cushion your knees, failing that, new knees (btw I'm 27)

If you are feeling it now Terry just wait until you feel what is coming in 20 years time :15:

 

[TerryWaite]

Yep I am feeling it now, back and knees ache already, hurt my back lumping 6 inch steel about when I was back pipe fitting, now I'm working for myself housebashing the knees are getting it. I don't think I'll actually have knees if I make it to 72

 

[TerryWaite]

Private guitar lessons from Mark Knopfler would be nice, if anyone could arrange that for me...............😛unk:

That Geordie who sacked his own brother? 🙂

 

[Keefy]

A single olive remover which does all sizes up to 22mm.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

It's a right pain if it gets on your clothes. I use a trade wipe. I hear baby wipes also work.

i use johnsons baby wipes from the pound or 99p shop, whichever i'm closest to

 

[Dannypipe]

There you go mate:

Toolstation > Hand Tools > Plumbers Tools > Olive Puller

 

[Dannypipe]

i use johnsons baby wipes from the pound or 99p shop, whichever i'm closest to

I've got a baby still in nappies, so I have tried the wipes. Tried a couple of different brands. They work after a fashion but in my opinion they don't work as well as the trade wipes that are £3 a packet in toolstation.

Toolstation > Cleaning & Pest Control > Wipes > Trade Strength Cleaning Wipes

Turning into a toolstation fan page!!

 

[Keefy]

There you go mate:

Toolstation > Hand Tools > Plumbers Tools > Olive Puller

That's great and all but I mean including 10mm.

 

[Dannypipe]

Ah!!

Yeah, it would be handy. I don't use the olive puller at all since I bought the monument olive cutters. Much quicker than the puller.

10mm olives are a git to get off, as the soft copper means it's often on there forever!!

If you make a tool that can do them all, put me down for one.

 

[Leo21]

Ah!!

Yeah, it would be handy. I don't use the olive puller at all since I bought the monument olive cutters. Much quicker than the puller.

10mm olives are a git to get off, as the soft copper means it's often on there forever!!

If you make a tool that can do them all, put me down for one.

Hacksaw and fine tip screwdriver.

 

[Sid Viscous]

That Geordie who sacked his own brother? 🙂

That's the one. He can't half pick a guitar though! If he still offends I'd settle for Albert Lee or Brad Paisly :cowboy:

 

[Keefy]

Ah!!

Yeah, it would be handy. I don't use the olive puller at all since I bought the monument olive cutters. Much quicker than the puller.

10mm olives are a git to get off, as the soft copper means it's often on there forever!!

If you make a tool that can do them all, put me down for one.

I have the 10mm Monument cutter which was great when I needed it for changing valves on a 120 house job. Was great watching the other lads use their hacksaws because they wouldn't spend a few quid.

 

[Dannypipe]

Or try whacking the back nut of the compression joint with a spanner and it'll sometimes move down the pipe.

Often with 15/22 I'll try that before I break out the cutter! I have a cheap adjustable in my tool box, so I'm not too precious with it.

I've lost an 8" Bahco wide jaw last month. Not happy about that.

 

[TerryWaite]

Look at this on eBay:

KWIX COPPER TUBE PIPE STRAIGHTENER STRAIGHTENING HAND HELD TOOL PLUMBING BENDER

http://bit.ly/ZAKRSi

 

[TerryWaite]

Don't think the link worked I saw this the other day and got a bit aroused, 10mm copper tube straightener

 

[Keefy]

Look at this on eBay:

KWIX COPPER TUBE PIPE STRAIGHTENER STRAIGHTENING HAND HELD TOOL PLUMBING BENDER

http://bit.ly/ZAKRSi

Seems a good bit of kit, pity about the long and instantly forgettable name though.

 

[tamz]

I've never seen an olive puller or splitter in my life and don't know anyone who has used one and have never needed one but i can always get them off if i need to :wink:

 

[tamz]

Seems a good bit of kit, pity about the long and instantly forgettable name though.

The guy who invented it was on here last year pushing it. It seems like a decent bit of kit but do i really need it? I've got an old yorkshire one lying around somewhere that is used so much i've never seen it in more than 10 years:smile:

 

[Dannypipe]

The monument olive cutters will be faster than any manual method you have though Tamz. The design is so simple and effective. Start to finish on say a 15mm olive, is about 2 seconds.

The olive pullers, yeah a waste of time really.

If I'm doing a bulk change of rad valves, the little tool saves a load of time/hassle.

 

[Whyme]

People who wipe silicon down their trousers are lazy!! Get a cloth!!

I always do that, i'm making a wet suit.

 

[Dannypipe]

I dunno!

I do a fair few bathrooms over the course of a year, and i don't have any silicon on any of my work gear.

I even like to keep the mastic cage clean. That's going a bit far, i know this.

 

[Whyme]

apprentices with a off or mute button.

 

[Whyme]

I dunno!

I do a fair few bathrooms over the course of a year, and i don't have any silicon on any of my work gear.

I even like to keep the mastic cage clean. That's going a bit far, i know this.

Think its just me, if it sticks it sticks to me. i'd never be a decorator..

 

[Keefy]

State benefits for plumbers like help with rent and council tax.

 

[tamz]

If you ever park outside any Greggs you can play spot the plumber. Just look for the gut covered in silicon :smile:

 

[tamz]

That should say GUY!

 

[Dannypipe]

LOL. Nice mental image all the same!

 

[Keefy]

That should say GUY!

'Gut' gives a better mental picture.

 

[tamz]

'Gut' gives a better mental picture.

Probably more accurate

 

[TBServices]

The guy who invented it was on here last year pushing it. It seems like a decent bit of kit but do i really need it? I've got an old yorkshire one lying around somewhere that is used so much i've never seen it in more than 10 years:smile:

He actually offered some free samples after a lot of us said we thought it was too expensive. Mysteriously he hasn't been seen since. More fool him I say, look how well the forum has worked for the centramag filter. I'd buy one if it was a tenner.

 

[on31ll]

An app that tells you not to bother with that customer or forget that quote becausevtheir cheapskates and just want anothet quote to justify paying the cowboy £10 to fit a full combi and 10 rads !

 

[WaterTight]

The monument olive cutters will be faster than any manual method you have though Tamz. The design is so simple and effective. Start to finish on say a 15mm olive, is about 2 seconds.

do they have damage the pipe danny? would you use them without fear on say a rad tail pipe which is frozen and it's the only usable bit of pipe above the plug?

just watched youtube vid of them, looks pretty sweet if it works every time.

I've lost an 8" Bahco wide jaw last month. Not happy about that.

My 8" rothy grips have been under a lady's bath for a week. I didn't mention it to her because I was meant to go back the next day but she keeps changing her mind about the taps she wants. At some point I'm going to have to fake a psychic episode and claim they appeared to me in a vision sat under her bath.