Pipe Cutter

• GATE VALVESThe pipe cutter slices through copper tubing and pipe. This specially designed tool employs a sharpened cutting wheel to shear through a pipe's exterior wall. A pipe cutter's blade protrudes from the interior of a C or U shaped body. A turn of the tool's knob causes the body's mouth to open or close. A plumber places copper tubing or pipe inside of the mouth, tightens the cutting disc against the pipe's exterior and turns the tool around the pipe until the disc shears through its wall. The pipe cutter creates a burr and shaving-free cut, leaving the pipe ready for sanding and soldering. Pipe cutters quickly and cleanly remove gate valves from in-line locations and cut replacement pipes to desired size.

Soldering Torch

• The soldering torch heats gate valve connections, copper pipe and fittings during the soldering process. A soldering torch consists of two basic parts: a fuel tank, commonly propane, and a torch tip. The torch tip attaches to a threaded connection atop the fuel cylinder. A knob on the torch tip's side allows a plumber to open, close and control fuel flow from the cylinder. A plumber opens the fuel valve, lights the gas with a spark and holds the flame against a valve, pipe or fitting. The plumber presses solder against the heated joints, the solder melts, flows around the joint and cools to create a solid weld.