Want to start a fire protection company? You're going to need these tools!

No matter what trade you work for, you will always have your own set of unique tools. A career in fire protection is no different. We typically use a large variety of tools over the course of a single work day. The normal office worker would be amazed at the amount of tools we carry inside our work trucks. Every day we use electric tools, hand operated tools, and even some makeshift tools. A few of our electric powered tools can critically hurt someone or even kill them if the machine is not properly used.

The first and most obvious tool that we use is a pipe wrench. For many years, the only pipe wrenches available were steel pipe wrenches. The manufacturers eventually began to craft them made out of aluminum. They are much lighter in weight when compared to the steel version. It is easier to carry them around and use them all day long without burning a lot of excess energy. However, they are higher priced and are prone cracking under extreme conditions.

If a job foreman catches a new apprentice neglecting an aluminum wrench, he will usually make the apprentice carry steel wrenches for at least two weeks. After a few weeks of carrying the much heavier wrenches, an apprentice is appreciative to start using the aluminum ones again. He will never again abuse them. If you are concerned about price and durability, steel wrenches win: they are cheaper to buy and much tougher than aluminum.

Any sprinkler fitter will tell you: the most common tool used amongst us is a set of pliers. Their overalls will almost always have a pair of pliers stuffed into their back pocket. The particular model we use most is called "tongue and groove".

Southern California fitters prefer one brand above all others. We prefer the brand with the signature blue handle on all its models: Channel Lock. Fitters refer to them by their brand name rather than by pliers: "Make it snug with your Channel Locks first, then use your wrench." The term pliers hasn't been used since as long as I can remember.

An entire region of contractors and workers has put their trust in Channel Lock. They carry a higher price tag than your common pliers, but they are worth it. Higher priced tools are usually higher quality tools. Your workers will appreciate them. The Channel Lock brand of tools (especially their pliers) are easily worth their weight in gold. Fitters enjoy these tools so much that they often carry two pair at a time.

Outside of pliers and pipe wrenches, there is another tool that is necessary for a sprinkler fitter: the Rigid 300 pipe machine. These machines cost anywhere from $1,200 to $3,600. The price will vary depending on what accessories you need. You typically need an oiler and a safety foot pedal at the bare minimum. Transport wheels are worth every penny - they make it much easier to move your machine. The wheels allow for easy machine relocation by only a single person. Relocating the machine will be difficult without the wheels.

The Rigid brand is the most durable brand of pipe machine available in the world. The motor operates at a single, slow speed. Its switch allows for both forward and reverse operation. Its power switch, which is recessed, prevents a worker from accidentally switching the motor from forward to reverse in one swipe. Going from forward to reverse without first allowing the machine to come to a complete stop is dangerous and can potentially damage the motor.

The Rigid 300 motor has an extremely powerful torque. When operating this machine, it is never advisable to wear loose clothing. Whenever a beginner operates the machine, he or she should be supervised. The machines' motor is so powerful that it can easily tear off an arm or a leg. To prevent injury or death, the machine has been designed to require a safety pedal in order to work. It will not run unless you have your foot pressed against the safety pedal. To turn off the machine in case of an emergency, all a worker need do is remove his or her foot from the pedal.

You will always find the three above-mentioned tools nearby every sprinkler fitter. A sprinkler fitter's daily work productivity relies heavily on these tools. They are definitely the "tools of the trade" for every fitter.

Article Source: http://www.ezx-articles.com

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