The 5 Best Plumbing Tool Brands: Top Choices by Plumbers in 2022

In 2022, plumbers have plenty of options when it comes to buying tools. But with so many competing brands, how do you choose?

Each brand has its own pros and cons. And there are a lot of factors to take into account. You’ll want to consider everything from price to overall quality.

Plus, you’ll be adding to your toolbox over time. It’s not a one-and-done project. You may even want different brands for different tools.

Picking the perfect brand (or brands) can be a real challenge.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything to take into account when it comes to buying plumbing tools. First, we’ll talk about why choosing the right brand is important. Then we’ll share our picks for 5 of the best tool manufacturers in the market today.

Why the Right Tool Brand Matters

There are lots of great, professional-quality tools out there. But why is it so important to choose the right brand? A wrench is a wrench, right?

The quality of tools you buy will vary for several reasons:

• Reliability
• Longevity
• Warranty

Each of these should be a factor when choosing individual tools or the brand(s) you decide to trust.

Reliability

You should absolutely consider reliability when it’s time to shop for tools.

Your plumbing toolkit is a vital part of your job on a daily basis. You can’t do your work without your tools. You don’t necessarily want to bargain shop for the wrench or socket set you’ll reach for on every single job site.

Instead, you want tools you can depend on. That includes their overall quality as well as their compatibility.

A cheap wrench that simply doesn’t fit won’t do you much good.

Longevity

Imagine you’re on a job. You reach for your locking pliers only to discover the adjustment screw has corroded. They’re stuck, and you can’t use them. Now you have to either make do with a different tool or make a quick trip to the store.

Neither option is great.

Poorly made tools may not stand the test of time. And you can count on them to give out when you need them most.

Warranty

Another significant factor to consider is the warranty.

Even high-quality tools break from time to time. But if the warranty is solid, you won’t have to drop cash on a replacement when that happens. Instead, you can simply get a manufacturer’s replacement.

Well-made tools are often guaranteed. While you may pay a bit more for this assurance, there are certainly times when it’s worth the extra money.

The Best Plumbing Tool Brands for Professionals in 2022

Up next, we’ll take a look at some of the leading brands available on the market right now.

But before we do, it’s worth pausing. This is not an exhaustive list. In fact, you may have a favorite brand that’s not included here. That’s totally okay.

In the end, they’re your tools. It’s your toolkit. While these brands have noteworthy reputations, you should spend your tool budget in a way that makes sense for you.

We even recommend that you visit with other plumbers to find out what brands (and retailers) they recommend.

Think of this list as a starting point if you don’t already have a favorite brand. And with that, let’s dive into the recommendations.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee Tool has been around for almost a century. The brand has a strong reputation for good reason. Milwaukee tools are known for durability.

Not only that, but the company is specifically focused on plumbing, electronic, and mechanical tools.

Some of the Most Popular Tools

• Milwaukee 2874-22D M18 Fuel Pipe Threader w/One Key
• Milwaukee Ratcheting PVC Cutters
• Milwaukee Aluminum Pipe Wrench

Milwaukee succeeded in making the often arduous, messy task of pipe threading much easier, faster, and (remarkably) cordless.

– Scott Strollo

DEWALT

Founded by inventor Raymond E. DeWalt in Maryland in 1922, DEWALT has become one of the most recognizable brand names in the industry.

The company is part of the Stanley Black & Decker group. This is a brand you can trust.

Some of the Most Popular Tools

• DEWALT DCD200B 20V MAX* XR Brushless Drain Snake
• DEWALT DCE400B 20V MAX PEX Expander
• DEWALT DCK299M2 20V MAX* Cordless Brushless XR Hammerdrill

I cannot be more happy to be a Dewalt guy now and build our company around the wide range of cordless products in its profile.

– Tool Nut customer review

Makita

Makita is a global leader in the power tools market, providing high-quality equipment to tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts alike.

While Makita’s product range is broad, many professional plumbers swear by the company’s tools.

Some of the Most Popular Tools

• Makita XT269T Brushless Cordless 2‑Pc. Combo Kit
• Makita XDT18SY1B Sub‑Compact Brushless Cordless Impact Driver
• Makita JR3051T Recipro Saw

In general, Makita has a reputation for being a step up in quality …

– Kenny Koehler

Crescent

Not quite as well-known as some of the bigger hitters on this list, Crescent is still a brand of choice for many plumbers.

Crescent’s tools are designed with pros in mind, helping them to complete difficult tasks in tight spaces with relative ease.

Some of the Most Popular Tools

• Crescent K9 Jaw Pipe Wrench
• Crescent Self-Adjusting Steel Pipe Wrench
• Crescent V-Jaw Tounge & Groove Dipped Grip Pliers

Plumbers don’t often get the most ideal workspaces.… Crescent has an answer: the K9 Angle-Access Jaws Pipe Wrench.

– Chris Boll

RIDGID

Ohio’s RIDGID is a plumbing tool specialist famous for its wrenches and hand tools, many of which feature a distinctive red handle and grip.

The innovator of the modern pipe wrench, RIDGID offers a full range of tools for tradespeople.

Some of the Most Popular Tools

• RIDGID PTEC Plastic Drain Pipe Cutter
• RIDGID R86115B Brushless Hammer Drill/Driver
• RIDGID Telescoping Basin Wrench

There’s a lot to like about the RIDGID telescoping basin wrench, from its built-in LED light and variable length design.

– Clint DeBoer

Building Your Plumbing Toolkit

As you expand your toolkit, you may find you have a favorite brand. Some plumbers will use a single brand exclusively.

But it’s more likely that you’ll pick and choose. You may prefer Makita drills but find that RIDGID’s Telescoping Basin Wrench simply can’t be beat. Your preferred tools will probably be specific to you.

If you only take one thing from this article, make it this. Find the tools that work best for you.

Be sure to take reliability, longevity, and warranty into account. Talk to other plumbers to find out what they like. Explore your local hardware store. Hold different tools in your own hands. Try different brands. Find what fits for you.

Your tools are an extension of you. Without them, you’re dead in the water. So be intentional about the tools you choose.