Each year, plumbing tool manufacturers release their latest and greatest products for plumbing contractors. These are a few of the trends shaping hand and power tools for the plumbing professional.

Hand tool trends

​For plumbing hand tools, it’s all about ergonomics and ease of use, says Mike Peiffer, product manager, DEWALT.

“Slim profiles and designs to improve access around plumbing fixtures” are a current trend, Peiffer says. “Tight spaces where threaded connections are still used” are driving this trend.

Ergonomics, tethering and multifunctionality are three top trends shaping plumbing hand tool design, says Robin Hilton, category manager – tools, safety and specialty products, Ferguson.

Meanwhile, tethering reduces drops and protects workers below and extends the lives of these tools.

Sara Porosky, global marketing manager, hand tools, RIDGID, says that in addition to better ergonomics that put less strain on the body while lessening fatigue, multipurpose tools are also a trend, and both help save time and money.

“Contractors are looking for ways to work smarter, not harder, and this translates to not only the way they run their businesses but also the tools they use,” Porosky says.

Users are definitely looking for more versatile hand tools, says Corey Dickert, vice president of product management for Milwaukee Tool.

“Productivity is everything in today’s market,” Dickert says. “Streamlining operations is incredibly important, and having a tool that is highly capable and easy to use can be the key to maximizing any tradesmen’s productivity.”

Power tool trends

​When it comes to power tools, the biggest influencer across the board is technology.

“New technology is allowing for the existing plumbing tools to become more powerful, efficient, compact and ergonomic,” Peiffer says. “One factor is a shift in materials being used for plumbing. A second big one is a shift in technology that allows power tools to be created that could never be done before.”

Marcus Borman, global marketing manager, pressing, RIDGID, also points to compact size as a major trend in power tools for plumbing applications.

“The reason why size and weight is important is due to the tight spaces that plumbing contractors are in every day,” Borman explains. “They are constantly working overhead and in tight spots and need tools that work well for the jobs they are on. This is why at RIDGID we work to improve accessibility from all angles.”

Marty Silverman, vice president of marketing, General Pipe Cleaners, also agrees that “small is the next big thing,” adding that General’s mini-jet weighs just 23 pounds. “The 1,500 psi unit easily clears small drain lines 1-1/2 inches to 3 inches in diameter up to 50 feet long. It’s so small it fits inside a tool box, so it won’t take up much room in the truck.”

Improved battery power and smaller, lighter batteries are also huge trends this year, Hilton says.

“The redesigned battery packs also have a longer run time and work in multiple tools, so they can easily be interchanged on the jobsite. The enhancements to the battery packs make tool connection to power much easier.”

Dickert also points to battery advances as a big trend affecting power tool design in 2018.

“Lithium-ion, along with advancements in motor technology and electronics, has allowed manufacturers to pack a massive amount of power and performance into a more compact structure. Because of this, users are now able to focus completely on finishing the job at hand without the distraction of cords or worrying about losing productivity searching for an outlet. In fact, many of the technological advances surrounding cordless tools have led to the ability for cordless products to meet and surpass corded products.”

The tool market is rapidly changing, and plumbers more and more require the right tools to be able to do their jobs while maintaining a healthy profit margin.

“All firms large and small are looking to maximize bids and service times and minimize call backs,” Dickert concludes. “To do this, they must understand the trends above that can dramatically affect their productivity.”

This article was originally titled “Not your father’s plumbing tools” in the July 2018 print edition of Plumbing & Mechanical.

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