Tools for installing metal-plastic pipes are indispensable when laying any pipeline. It's hard to imagine a heating or water supply system without pipes. And among the piping materials used, metal-plastic pipes (hereinafter referred to as MP) occupy a special place.
Metal-plastic is an excellent material for various pipelines, proven over the years. It can withstand temperatures up to 95°C and pressures up to 10 atm. Interest in metal-plastic systems is driven by the ease and speed of installation. These technical characteristics have led to the high popularity of these products.
The specific nature of metal-plastic pipe manufacturing requires careful handling and strict adherence to installation requirements. High-quality installation of such a system can only be achieved using specialized tools, both primary and secondary.
Many work during installation, for example, of a water supply system made of metal-plastic pipesThis can be done with various improvised tools, but it's impossible to be sure that the pipe will be cut cleanly and that the protective layer won't be damaged. The consequences of such actions will become apparent much later, during pipeline operation, as the butt joints will weaken and begin to leak.
Types of instruments
Metal-plastic pipes have received high praise from professional plumbers for their excellent performance and ease of use. They are easy to bend and connect with various types of fittings.
Many installation tasks can be performed manually, but it's better to use specialized tools. This speeds up the installation process and creates a tight and reliable connection. Based on the type of task they perform, these tools are divided into the following groups:
- Cutting devices.
- Bending devices.
- Docking devices.
Cutting devices
The metal-plastic system is highly flexible. Manufacturers supply these products in coils of two, three, five, or more meters in length. For these reasons, it's important to determine the required pipeline length and prepare the appropriately sized pipe sections.
A regular hacksaw is often used for this job, but it can deform the pipe cross-section, leaving behind burrs. Professional cutters recommend using the following tools:
- With special scissors.
- With cutters.
Scissors
They are distinguished by their simple design. The main tool is a wedge-shaped knife made of hardened steel. Another important design element is the locking mechanism. It prevents the tool from opening uncontrollably. A very sharp knife can cause serious injury, so this precaution is essential.
These tools have very comfortable handles, which allow you to hold the scissors firmly and make precise cuts.
The tool also has a serrated knife, which serves an additional function, and a button that can be used to return the mechanism to its original position.
These tools are best suited for home use. The modern market offers a wide selection of products in this line. However, the following companies have gained the most popularity:
- Rothenberger;
- Reed;
- General.
Watch the video: scissors for cutting metal-plastic pipes
Cutter
It is recommended for use in small and medium-volume systems. The device features a built-in blade made of highly durable, hardened steel. The cutters feature long handles and a ratchet lever mechanism for easy cutting. These tools are suitable for working with tubular products up to 63 mm in volume.
Valtec is rightfully considered the best manufacturer of cutters. This brand is known not only for high-quality cutters for metal-plastic products, but also for joining parts, compression equipment, and many other installation accessories.
Another "pillar" of production is the Rothenberger brand. All products from this company are as reliable as those from the previous manufacturer.
Pipe cutters
When cutting large volumes of metal-plastic pipes, a pipe cutter is essential. Using this tool, you can ensure the full functionality of any residential building.
These installation tools come in both manual and electric versions. When comparing these two options, it's important to note that the cost of the former is higher. below, and the level of functionality and ease of use higherManual mechanisms are very convenient to use for work in confined spaces and hard-to-reach areas.
It's also appropriate to perform installation in rooms without electrical power. Naturally, electrical equipment won't work in such a situation, but hand tools will do the job.
Various pipe cutters for installing MP mains are available at hardware stores. All product information is provided in convenient catalogs. By browsing through them, you can compare the technical capabilities of various models and find out their prices.
The previously mentioned companies, Valtec and Rothenberger, hold the lead in the production of these products. Chinese companies also manufacture a large number of products in this line. These companies offer significantly lower prices and quality.
Calibrator
The cross-section of rolled tubular products can change during cutting. A tool called a calibrator can be used to restore their original shape. It not only helps return the cut to a round shape but also removes any chamfers within. This tool is inserted into the pipe and rotated a couple of times.
To ensure proper calibrator performance, the workpiece must be cut at a 90-degree angle. The calibrator nozzle must be inserted precisely along the axis, and the pipe must be advanced until the blades touch the inner layer.
This type of processing is necessary to prepare the workpiece for joining. After two hundred operations, the machine's blades need to be sharpened, using a file or regular sandpaper.
The best products in this line for installation are considered to be those from Italian manufacturers.
IMPORTANT! When purchasing any pipe cutting tool, it is essential to strictly adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the volume of workpieces to be processed. The tool must also be positioned correctly relative to the cutting line.
Crimping pliers
Crimping pliers are used to connect pipeline sections with the installation of press fittings.This type of installation can only be performed with high quality using this tool. The result is a durable and reliable joint that won't require any cumbersome maintenance, as these components cannot be disassembled.
There are different types of pliers:
- Manual.
- Hydraulic.
- Electromechanical.
Hand-held devices are suitable for household needs.
Pipe benders
When installing pipelines, metal-plastic piping materials must be bent. This may seem like a simple task, but if done incorrectly, the inner aluminum tube can be damaged.
Experts recommend pipe benders for this type of work. They're essential when constantly bending pipes at various angles. Moreover, the bends are perfectly straight and can be achieved with minimal physical effort.
Pipe benders allow you to work with a wide range of pipe types and are the safest installation tools. Furthermore, their ease of use is worth noting. All you need to do is set the desired bending angle, insert the workpiece, and close the handles.
The only drawback of metal-plastic pipe benders is that they're best rented when they're used infrequently. Buying one is recommended for situations where bending pipes is a regular occurrence.
The best products in this class for metal-plastic products are those from German manufacturers. Domestic products are also distinguished by good quality.
Soldering irons
Industrial metal-plastic pipelines are installed using a soldering iron. This simple device creates a high-quality, permanent joint.
Soldering irons for metal-plastic networks are particularly popular and in demand among repairmen. The modern market offers soldering irons from various manufacturers, so it's important to thoroughly research the technical specifications of the device before purchasing.
All soldering iron models are similar in design. The only differences are in the attachment options. Essentially, this device resembles an iron, but it also has a powerful heating element and a thermostat.
The welder is connected to electricity and heats the plate, which in turn heats the nozzles. These nozzles heat the pipes to a viscous state. If the workpieces are not heated properly, a high-quality joint will not be achieved.
Watch the video: Choosing a soldering iron for joining metal-plastic pipes
It's best to buy such devices from a reputable manufacturer, and professional technicians don't recommend skimping on price. This is because cheap models don't come with high-quality temperature controllers, and this mechanism performs a very important function.
It determines the degree of heating of the parts and protects the metal head of the machine from melting. Consequently, a cheap mechanism cannot ensure the required quality of the installation.
When purchasing a welder for metal-plastic pipes, pay special attention to the manufacturer. This affects not only the cost but also the quality of the machine. Based on an unofficial ranking of manufacturing countries based on consumer reviews, the picture looks like this.
Germany leads the world in welding machine production, followed by the Czech Republic and Türkiye. Domestic manufacturers are fourth on this list. China rounds out the top five.
European manufacturers are expensive and not affordable for everyone, but these tools can handle large volumes of work. Turkish and Russian models are less expensive, although their technical specifications are inferior to their European counterparts, but these tools perform admirably in everyday life.
There are many welders for metal-plastic pipes on the market today from Chinese companies. Their products are characterized by low cost and equal quality. Such equipment is most often used for one-off projects, although with proper use, these machines can last the entire warranty period or even longer.
From the above, we can conclude that the right tool for installing metal-plastic pipes plays a crucial role. The installation itself is not difficult if you follow the instructions and use high-quality tools.
Watch the video: The tools a plumber needs to install metal-plastic pipelines
