copper pipe socket former?

[Neil T]

are they a good investment compared to using end feed fittings?

 

[SimonJohns]

Bad investment. Bad idea

Use fittings

 

[Phil_Plumb]

Well this is the 15mm socket former, made by monument, i bought it the other day, yes it does make perfectly good sockets which are watertight, but you need to hammer the former home into the pipe, which can present a difficulty, none the less though it has its uses, may help when your caught short of that fitting, but tbh fittings are not that dear, so i still carry a good selection of fittings.

 

[Neil T]

cheers lads, thanks for the heads up 🙂

 

[Howsie]

I find them a weaker joint but hand if you're ever stuck without a fitting of any kind.

 

[Neil T]

Is that the same for the one Phil_Plumb mentioned and for this one at toolstation?
Toolstation

 

[kay-jay]

flare the ends of pipe for manipulative type b compression joints (underground) otherwise wouldnt bother i have hundreds of couplings

 

[Dickie]

I have a combined 22/15mm socket former in the van. Dead handy if you're stuck for a fitting. I've had the an apprentice make up some bends including sockets when we were short on one remote job. So I recommend them.

 

[Ermintrude]

are they a good investment compared to using end feed fittings?

How much do u pay for end feed fitting? And how long does it take to make a socket ? I personally use fittings ( Yorkshire ) but agree that swaging is excellent problem solver, plus u can cone out the end of a 3/4 and inset 22mm. Free metric to imperial adaptor.

 

[Neil T]

Thanks for the info. I'll continue to use fittings but I might invest in one down the line just in case 🙂

 

[woodytheplumber]

I have a rems socket former for 12 15 22 and 28 at times its a lifesaver but if its through the normal working hours I would go and buy a back of sockets personally but for the callouts it can be the difference between leaving a customer with no water or completing the job

 

[P J F PLUMBING]

My van is stocked in racking every fitting 28 22 15 10 8 ect flux solder wire wool end feed speedfit and comp i carry ball valves taps waste pipe fittings ect I hate running out so stock take ever week I feel the customer likes it if you can turn up and fix there and then

 

[Mike Jackson]

I've got the rothenberger socket former. Rarely used unless I need to get a joint on an existing pipe very close to a wall etc. or come across odd sized pipe. It's handy on the thick walled 1/2" copper that nothing fits and is handy for metric to imperial conversions. Only caome out of the land rover a few times a year though.

 

[Neil T]

thanks again for your input 🙂

 

[SimonJohns]

My van is stocked in racking every fitting 28 22 15 10 8 ect flux solder wire wool end feed speedfit and comp i carry ball valves taps waste pipe fittings ect I hate running out so stock take ever week I feel the customer likes it if you can turn up and fix there and then

Don't you have a trailer too?

 

[Ermintrude]

Racking is nice, Aladdins cave! Transco vans look well set out, problem with racks ££££££ plus stock checks are fun! We all use trays, . Carry about 300 fittings on each van. Don't go as far as ball valves just washers and diaphragms. Find trays easier as just carry them to job no need to pick fittings or put back when finished.


Tray

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-cht643-12-bin-organiser

Only last about 1 year then piano hinge goes.

I know some people like to keep stock levels right down as keeps money in pocket.......

 

[SimonG]

Toolstation > Screws & Fixings > Screw Storage > Extra Deep Storage Case

 

[P J F PLUMBING]

Don't you have a trailer too?

not any more do you no me then ??

 

[turnpin]

Well handy to convert 1/2 -15mm and cheap enough too regards Turnpin

 

[Dickie]

My van is stocked in racking every fitting 28 22 15 10 8 ect flux solder wire wool end feed speedfit and comp i carry ball valves taps waste pipe fittings ect I hate running out so stock take ever week I feel the customer likes it if you can turn up and fix there and then

Unless you're in a remote rural area I can't see the point in stocking loads of fittings in the van?? That's what Screwfix, Toolstation, B&Q & the Plumbers' Merchants are for. You must spend a fortune on derv carrying that lot around?? The customer will pay for your trip to pick up materials.

 

[tamz]

I probably carry enough fittings for about 4 or 5 heating jobs plus a bag of shyte for the plumbing, about 2 bundle of half inch and 3/4 plus a few of length of inch and some other stuff i use once in a blue moon. The weight is meaningless as i work on fixed price so if i'm short of anything it costs me a lot more than 1 mile to the gallon less. I turn into a raging bull if i can't find something so it keeps the blood pressure down too. Everyone to their own.
Btw the 2 sets of ladders on the roof cost a lot more but i can't be rsed taking them off.

Socket formers are handy to keep in the van for the just in case but i've probably used a swedger more in the past 10 years.

 

[P J F PLUMBING]

I lose the plot if I run out of a fitting 6 pm on a Friday My van is racked out both sides and the back with purpose made racks from eBay

 

[Dickie]

Is that the same for the one Phil_Plumb mentioned and for this one at toolstation?
Toolstation

I bought that tool Neil & it's not the best; it tends to leave thin lines in the socket & will sometimes split the tube. The Rothy one is much better.

 

[jtsplumbing]

How much do u pay for end feed fitting? And how long does it take to make a socket ? I personally use fittings ( Yorkshire ) but agree that swaging is excellent problem solver, plus u can cone out the end of a 3/4 and inset 22mm. Free metric to imperial adaptor.

Sounds like you work for BG ! using Yorkshire fittings , Or some other large Co who need to charge top Dollar.

 

[Kyle87]

I was taught at college that these socket formers were against regs as the stretch the pipe leaving it weaker as a joint.

Don't know how much truth is in that. Didn't really have the greatest of confidence in my tutors

Can anyone shed some light on this