When you’re setting up a basic plumbing kit, I’d start with a solid PEX cinch tool kit with cutter, a compact faucet wrench, an angle stop wrench set, and a disconnect tool for push‑fit fittings so you can handle leaks and fixture swaps. Then I’d add an inside PVC pipe cutter, a portable pipe vise, and a deburring tool for clean cuts. Finally, an electric ProPress crimper turns bigger copper jobs from scary to doable, and the next sections show how.
VEVOR 18V Electric ProPress Pipe Crimping Tool Kit
Should you be the kind of homeowner who likes fixing things yourself but dreads wrestling with a hand crimper, the VEVOR 18V Electric ProPress Pipe Crimping Tool Kit can feel like a lifesaver. You press a button, and in about 3 to 6 seconds, it finishes a clean crimp, then returns to the starting position for the next pipe.
You get six jaws for copper pipes from 1/2 inch up to 2 inches, so one tool handles many jobs. The brushless motor and forged steel head give strong, steady pressure. With two 4.0Ah batteries, you can reach about 350 crimps, while Bluetooth lets you track cycles and battery life on your phone.
Best For: Homeowners or pros who want fast, consistent copper pipe crimps from 1/2″ to 2″ without the effort of manual hand tools.
Pros:
- Electric, one-button crimping completes each press in about 3–6 seconds and automatically returns to the start position.
- Comes with six interchangeable jaws covering common copper pipe sizes from 1/2″ to 2″.
- Brushless motor, forged steel head, and two 18V 4.0Ah batteries (up to ~350 crimps per charge) plus Bluetooth cycle/battery monitoring.
Cons:
- Limited to copper pipe sizes supported by the included jaws; not a universal plumbing tool.
- Requires keeping batteries charged and managing battery life during longer jobs.
- Higher upfront cost and complexity compared with basic manual crimpers for occasional small repairs.
iCrimp Ratchet PEX Cinch Tool Kit with Clamps and Pipe Cutter
Should you be a DIY homeowner who wants your plumbing work to look and feel like a pro did it, the iCrimp Ratchet PEX Cinch Tool Kit gives you a strong, all-in-one setup that’s actually easy to control. You get a ratcheting cinch tool, a PEX pipe cutter, plus 20 clamps for 1/2 inch lines and 10 for 3/4 inch lines, so you can start right away.
You can cinch PEX from 3/8 to 1 inch and use clamps from any brand. The same tool also removes clamps, so you can reuse fittings and save money. Its forged steel body feels solid, and the factory setting means no fiddly calibration.
Best For: DIY homeowners and pros who want a durable, all‑in‑one PEX cinch and removal kit that delivers professional-looking plumbing connections with minimal setup.
Pros:
- Universal cinch tool works with 3/8–1 inch PEX and stainless steel clamps from any brand, meeting ASTM 2098.
- Dual-function design both cinches and removes clamps, allowing you to reuse fittings and reduce waste.
- Includes PEX cutter plus 30 clamps (20×1/2″, 10×3/4″) and comes factory-adjusted with no calibration needed.
Cons:
- Only supports clamp-style PEX connections, not copper crimp rings or expansion systems.
- Supplied clamp quantities may be insufficient for larger projects, requiring additional clamp purchases.
- Ratcheting mechanism and dual functions may have a slight learning curve for first-time users.
Angle Stop Wrench Set for Professional Plumbers
Should you be a homeowner who enjoys tackling small plumbing tasks independently, but you still desire the power and control that the professionals possess, an angle stop wrench set can swiftly become one of your favorite tools. This set looks simple, yet it gives you real control over shutoff valves under sinks and behind toilets, where space feels tight and awkward.
You get several sizes that fit common angle stop valves, including 15/16 and 5/8, with a box end that works with 3/8 and 1/2 MPT compression outlets. The high-grade steel body and rust resistant finish help the wrenches stay strong, even though you only grab them a few times a year.
The ergonomic handle feels steady in your hand, so you use less force and strain. That matters when a valve is stuck or while you’re reaching behind a cabinet. The design lets you slip into tight spaces quickly, turn the valve with control, and move on without scraped knuckles or frustration.
Best For: Homeowners and professional plumbers who need reliable, easy access to hard-to-reach angle stop valves under sinks and behind toilets.
Pros:
- Multiple wrench sizes fit common angle stop valves (15/16″ and 5/8″) and 3/8″ & 1/2″ MPT compression outlets for broad compatibility.
- High‑grade steel construction with rust‑resistant coating ensures long-term durability even with occasional use.
- Ergonomic handle and slim design reduce hand fatigue and make it easier to work in tight, awkward spaces.
Cons:
- Limited to the specific supported sizes, so it may not work for less common or older valve types.
- Specialty tool that might see infrequent use for DIYers, depending on how often they tackle plumbing projects.
- Does not include additional plumbing tools (like basin wrenches or pipe cutters), so it can’t replace a full plumbing toolkit.
VEVOR Portable Aluminum Pipe Vise
Lightweight power is the best way to describe the VEVOR Portable Aluminum Pipe Vise, and it’s a great match whenever you often work alone on small plumbing jobs. At only 2.62 pounds, you can carry it anywhere without feeling weighed down. Yet it still gives you the solid grip you need whenever you’re cutting, threading, or repairing pipes.
You can clamp pipes from 1/8 inch to 1-1/2 inches, so it works for thin copper lines and standard PVC. The serrated, anti-slip jaws and thickened base keep pipes steady, while the non-slip foot pad helps you hold everything firm with just one hand.
Best For: Plumbers and DIYers who frequently work solo on small to medium pipe jobs and need a lightweight, portable vise for secure on-site clamping.
Pros:
- Lightweight 2.62 lb aluminum construction makes it highly portable for onsite and overhead work
- Clamping range from 1/8″ to 1-1/2″ fits both thin copper and standard PVC pipes
- Serrated anti-slip jaws, reinforced frame, and non-slip foot pad provide stable, one-handed operation
Cons:
- Limited to pipes up to 1-1/2″, so not suitable for larger plumbing or industrial pipe sizes
- Aluminum body, while light, may not be as rugged as heavy-duty steel vises for extreme use
- Designed primarily for pipe work, offering less versatility for clamping non-pipe materials
iCrimp CRQ01 Disconnect Tong Removal Tool for Brass Push Fit Fittings
Tough plumbing jobs often come down to one moment: you need a brass push-fit fitting to let go, and it simply won’t budge. That’s at the point the iCrimp CRQ01 Disconnect Tong quietly saves the day. You slide it over the fitting and pipe, squeeze the wide handles, and feel the collar release so the pipe slips free.
Because the tong has three teeth, it fits 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 inch brass push-to-connect fittings. You can work one-handed, even in tight spots where you can’t get good advantage. This control helps you avoid damaging fittings or reinstalling them wrong.
Best For: Plumbers and DIYers who frequently install or remove 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ brass push-fit fittings and need a compact, one-handed tool for tight spaces.
Pros:
- Compatible with three common sizes (1/2″, 3/4″, 1″) via its three-tooth design
- One-handed operation with wide grip handles for better control and comfort
- Ideal for tight or hard-to-reach spaces where standard tools can’t get leverage
Cons:
- Limited to brass push-fit fittings, not suitable for other fitting types
- Only covers 1/2″ to 1″ sizes, so larger fittings require a different tool
- Specialized tool that may see occasional use for some DIY users, reducing its overall value for them
Elsjoy 6-in-1 PVC Pipe Deburring and Chamfer Tool
Should you be a homeowner who likes to fix things yourself but hates fussy, complicated tools, the Elsjoy 6-in-1 PVC Pipe Deburring and Chamfer Tool can quickly become your go-to helper. It handles six common pipe sizes from 1-1/4 to 4 inches, so you don’t need a pile of single-use gadgets crowding your toolbox. Its compact body slides easily into a small drawer.
You’ll feel the solid aluminum housing and hardened steel blades right away. Pick the right opening, push the pipe in, and twist. In one smooth turn, it shaves burrs, shapes the edge, stops solvent pooling, and helps prevent future leaks.
Best For: Homeowners and professional plumbers who want a simple, durable, all-in-one tool for quickly deburring and chamfering multiple sizes of plastic pipe.
Pros:
- Covers six common pipe sizes (1-1/4″ to 4″) in one compact tool, reducing the need for multiple single-purpose reamers.
- Durable aluminum die-cast body with hardened, reversible, and sharpenable steel blades for long service life.
- Easy, one-twist operation provides smooth, uniform edges that help prevent solvent pooling and future leaks.
Cons:
- Limited to plastic piping materials (PVC, CPVC, ABS, PP, PE) and not suitable for metal pipes.
- Fixed size range may not accommodate very small or very large diameter pipes outside 1-1/4″ to 4″.
- Manual twisting action may be less efficient than power-driven deburring tools for high-volume professional use.
RIDGID 57003 EZ Change Plumbing Wrench Faucet Installation and Removal Tool
Should you’ve ever crawled under a sink and felt totally stuck trying to reach a faucet nut, the RIDGID 57003 EZ Change Plumbing Wrench is the kind of tool that instantly makes one feel more capable and less frustrated. You use it for installing or removing faucets, shut-off valves, supply lines, and even basket strainers.
The 6-sided cubed insert fits common nut sizes, so you can tighten or loosen supply lines and clamp nuts without scratching chrome. The cylindrical insert handles deep single-hole mounts and strainer retainers. The slotted handle slips around supply lines and grabs basin mounting nuts, all in tight spaces, with a tough, lightweight build.
Best For: DIY homeowners and professional plumbers who need an easy-to-use, under-sink tool for installing and removing faucets, shut-off valves, supply lines, and basket strainers in tight spaces.
Pros:
- Multifunctional design replaces several under-sink tools for faucets, shut-off valves, supply lines, and basket strainers.
- 6-sided cubed and cylindrical inserts fit common nut sizes and deep single-hole mounts without marring chrome.
- Compact, durable construction with a slotted handle that works around supply lines and grabs common basin mounting nuts in cramped areas.
Cons:
- Made primarily of reinforced plastic, which may feel less robust than all-metal wrenches for heavy-duty use.
- Designed mainly for common residential sizes, so it may not fit unusual or oversized commercial hardware.
- Specialized for under-sink plumbing tasks, offering limited use outside faucet and fixture installation or removal.
THINKWORK Inside Pipe Cutter for PVC Pipe
Should you be a homeowner who wants clean, level cuts on PVC or ABS pipe without tearing up floors or walls, the THINKWORK Inside Pipe Cutter can feel like a small miracle in your toolbox. You slip this tool into the pipe, not around it, so you can trim shower drains or toilet flanges without pulling up tile or subfloor. That saves money, time, and stress.
You get six sharp HSS blades and three guide disks, so you match the cutter to the pipe size. The stainless steel shank with a built-in scale lets you set depth without a ruler, then cut smoothly using your 3/8 inch drill at low speed, speeding up as you gain control.
Best For: Homeowners, plumbers, and DIYers who need clean, level cuts on PVC or ABS pipe from the inside, especially in tight spaces where removing floors or walls isn’t practical.
Pros:
- Inside-the-pipe cutting design lets you trim shower drains and toilet flanges without tearing up tile, walls, or subfloor.
- Includes six sharp HSS blades and three large guide disks to match different pipe sizes and ensure stable, precise cuts.
- Stainless steel shank with integrated measurement scale and hex shank makes depth setting easy and works with any 3/8″ drill.
Cons:
- Requires a power drill and some tool-handling skill, which may intimidate first-time DIY users.
- Designed primarily for PVC, ABS, and wood, so it’s not suitable for cutting metal pipes.
- Extremely sharp blades and rotating action demand strict safety precautions and protective gear.
Angle Stop Wrench Kit for Plumbing
Tight spaces under sinks can feel pretty stressful, and that’s exactly where an angle stop wrench kit becomes your new best friend. At the time you’re reaching behind pipes, your hands slip, and you can’t see what you’re doing, this tool steps in and makes the job calmer and safer.
You use it to install or remove compression angle stops and stubborn compression rings. The automatic jaw adjusts to different nut sizes, so you don’t fumble with several wrenches. It grips 15/16 and 5/8 inch fittings and works with 3/8 or 1/2 inch outlets. It’s durable, corrosion resistant, compact, and even includes a handy 4-way utility key.
Best For: Professional plumbers and serious DIYers who need a compact, versatile wrench for installing and removing compression angle stops and rings in tight under-sink spaces.
Pros:
- Automatic, multi-size jaw adjusts to 15/16″ and 5/8″ nuts, reducing the need for multiple wrenches
- Designed specifically for angle stops, straight stops, and compression couplings in cramped areas
- Durable, corrosion-resistant construction with a bonus 4-way utility key and strong warranty/return policy
Cons:
- Specialized design may be unnecessary for homeowners who rarely work on plumbing
- Limited jaw size range means it won’t replace all standard wrenches
- May have a learning curve for users unfamiliar with angle stop–specific tools
Factors to Consider When Choosing Plumbing Tools
Whenever you pick plumbing tools, you’re not just buying metal and plastic, you’re choosing how easy or hard your next repair will feel. In the next part, I’ll walk you through how material and build quality, compatibility with your home’s systems, power and performance, comfort in your hands, and even portability and storage all work together. As you read, you’ll see how each factor helps you spend less time struggling and more time feeling confident about the work you’re doing.
Material and Build Quality
Material and build quality could sound a bit technical, but they’re really just about one thing: how long your plumbing tools will last and how well they’ll treat you while you use them. At the moment I buy a wrench or cutter, I look initially at what it’s made of. High grade or forged steel feels solid, handles pressure, and resists bending. Aluminum can be lighter, which really helps while I’m working over my head or in tight spots.
I also pay attention to finishes and comfort. Rust resistant coatings, smooth edges, and ergonomic grips protect both the tool and my hands. I like tools with replaceable parts or sharpenable blades, because I can fix them instead of tossing them out as they wear.
Compatibility With Systems
Strong materials help a tool last, but it also has to match the plumbing system in your home or it can cause more trouble than it fixes. At the outset, I select a tool, I initially contemplate the pipe material in front of me. PVC, ABS, and PEX don’t behave the same, so I make sure the tool clearly lists the materials it’s safe for.
Next, I check size. Many tools only work with certain pipe diameters and fittings. Should the size be off, the seal won’t hold, and leaks creep back. I also look for support for crimp, push-fit, and compression fittings, so one tool serves more jobs. Lastly, I check ASTM and residential ratings to trust its performance in a home setting.
Power Source and Performance
Although it’s easy to focus only on price or brand, I always start with considering how a plumbing tool gets its power, because that choice quietly controls how well it will operate for you. At the time you match power source to the job, you save time, energy, and a lot of frustration.
For heavy work like cutting thick pipe, I look at electric tools. They usually run faster and stay strong on long or tough jobs. Whenever I need to move around a lot, I reach for battery tools, since they give good power without hunting for an outlet. Here I check battery life and charge time carefully.
For lighter tasks, manual tools still shine. With any powered tool, I prefer brushless motors for better efficiency and longer life.
Ergonomics and Ease
Once you’ve picked how a tool gets its power, the next thing that really shapes your experience is how it feels in your hand. I always look for plumbing tools with soft, ergonomic handles, because they cut down hand fatigue and let me work longer without pain. Whenever a handle fits my grip, I feel more confident and less tense.
Weight matters too. A lighter tool is easier to guide in tight spaces or above my head, so my arms don’t burn out. I also pay attention to balance. A well-balanced tool stays steady, which helps me make cleaner, more accurate cuts and turns.
Quick-release parts and simple switches save energy and frustration, so each task flows smoothly into the next.
Portability and Storage
A big part of choosing the right plumbing tools is considering how easily you can carry and store them. Whenever you’re moving between rooms, or up and down stairs, lightweight tools really help. I look for compact designs so my toolbox doesn’t feel like a cluttered junk drawer. Smaller tools fit into tight plumbing spaces and also tuck neatly into organizers.
Portability and storage often go together. Provided a tool has foldable handles or detachable parts, I can slide it into a smaller case or bucket. Materials matter too. Aluminum tools usually weigh less than steel ones, so they’re easier to haul around without hurting your back. Whenever you combine compact size, light weight, and smart design, your whole setup feels smoother and less stressful.
Safety and Reliability
Two things should always come before comprehension of the plumbing tools: staying safe and being aware you can trust the tool not to fail in the middle of a job. At the time I pick a wrench or cutter, I start by checking the material. Stainless steel or high‑grade steel usually lasts longer and resists rust, so I’m not worried about it snapping while you’re under a sink.
Next, I look at how the tool feels in my hand. Ergonomic handles and non‑slip grips keep your hands steady and reduce strain, especially at the time a job takes longer than planned. Safety locks on cutters or adjustable wrenches also help prevent sudden slips.
I also check that tools meet industry standards and, at the time possible, handle more than one task.
