A pipewrench is the most basic tool of a pipefitter, and it is common in every toolbox. This wrench has serrated teeth cut into the jaws, so it grips a pipe without slipping. The wrench is placed on a pipe, and another wrench is used to turn a fitting onto the threads cut into the end of the pipe. The wrench has a ring near the head used to adjust the pipe's grip. When the ring is turned, it moves a jaw, so the wrench can grip the pipe tightly.
Many pipes have a bend to navigate around turns. If the pipe is bent by hand, odds are good the pipe will kink instead of bending smoothly. To obtain a smooth radius, use a tubing bender. A variety of bender configurations exist, from hand benders to powered hydraulic benders for large pipes. All share the common theme, however, of ensuring a smooth radius on the bend.
A pipe-thread cutter, also called a die set, is used to cut threads on the ends of pipe. The pipes have a wall sufficiently thick enough to allow a thread to be cut. These tools vary from small handheld units to large powered units. The cutting end, called the die, is placed on the end of a pipe. When the die is turned, special cutters on the inside of the die cut a thread onto the end of the pipe. Later, fittings with internal threads are screwed onto the ends of the pipe. A pipefitter may have to cut hundreds of threads for an installation. He usually uses pipe sealer on the threads to ensure a leak proof installation
Some pipes, like the brake lines on a car, have flared ends. The end of the pipe looks like the large cone end of a trumpet or clarinet. The end of the pipe is flared so it mates with a fitting that has a cone shape. A special nut is placed over the pipe and tightened down. The pipe flare seals tightly to the fitting, since the cone in the fitting fits into the flare. To make the flare, use a special tool called a pipe flaring tool. These tools are handheld units, since large pipes are usually not flared. One part of the tool is affixed to the pipe. Another part forces a cone-shaped block of steel into the end of the pipe, bending out a flare.