Drilling into these materials requires a slow-turning drill (350–500 RPM) to prevent the bit from overheating. Special hammer/percussion drills can be used when multiple holes in masonry are to be formed.

Hole Saws

The hole saw is designed to cut large diameter holes in wood or sheet metal. The hole saw has an arbour bit (pilot bit) at its centre that enters the workpiece before the hole saw and serves to guide the hole saw as it enters the material.

 

Hole saws are available in sizes from 14 mm ([latex]\frac{9}{16}[/latex] in.) to 111 mm (4[latex]\frac{3}{8}[/latex] in.) in diameter. The depth of the hole drilled is restricted by the length of the hole saw. Standard lengths are 12 mm ([latex]\frac{1}{2}[/latex] in.) or 28 mm (1[latex]\frac{1}{8}[/latex] in.).

Hammer Drill (Roto-Hammer)

A hammer drill, with heavy duty versions known as a rotary hammer or roto-hammer, is a rotary drill with a hammering action. The hammering action provides a short, rapid force to pulverize brittle material and provide quicker drilling with less effort. Many types allow the hammer and rotation functions to be used separately or in combination (hammer mode, drill mode, or both). When used in the hammer mode, the tool provides a function similar to a jackhammer for light chipping work.

Hammer drills are well suited for drilling holes in masonry or stone. They are also used to drill holes in concrete footings or slabs for supporting and installing piping. The hammering action helps to break up the masonry so that it can be removed by the drill bit’s flutes.

 

Demolition Hammer (Chipping Gun) 

Demolition Hammers are larger and more powerful than roto-hammers and operate in hammer mode only, often earning them the name as a “chipping gun or jack hammer.” It is used for removing or demolishing concrete and masonry work.

 

Angle Drill Motor

Drilling straight holes in tight spaces requires the use of a specialized type of drill motor. Angle drills have their chuck mounted at right angles to the drive motor, allowing for the motor to remain horizontal when drilling vertical holes (and vice-versa). Multi-positional handle attachments help maintain control in close quarters.

Some manufacturers produce high-torque, high-powered angle drills that are specifically designed for cutting holes in wooden studs and joists for running pipe work. Known by names like Hole-Hawg, they offer impressive force that can handle self-feeding bits in excess of 4[latex]\frac{1}{2}[/latex] in. in diameter.

 

Always ensure that concealed objects such as nails and wiring have been located prior to drilling and maintain good balance during operation at all times.

Pipe Saddle Drill

This specialized tool provides a slip-resistant platform to be used when drilling a pipe saddle (mechanical type of branch outlet). It allows for the drill motor to be centred on the convex pipe surface with adjustable straps and tensioning ratchets. Some varieties of pipe saddle drills allow for “hot tapping” into a live pipe so that the piping system need not be shut down and drained.

 

Extracted-Tee Drill

Tees can be extracted in the walls of some types of copper tube using a tool specially designed for this purpose. The drill’s head does the unique job of both drilling and forming the branch outlet. The extracted outlet must be brazed because it is very shallow compared to a standard branch tee fitting, but the resulting formation is quite strong.

 

Coring Machine

Coring machines (also called core drills) are designed for producing horizontal or vertical round holes in masonry. Designed much like a drill press for concrete and brick, they have hollow steel cylindrical bits that create a long core (tubular sample) of the material. Commonly, the resulting penetration is used for the installation of pipe work in new construction, renovation or piping relocation work.

The bits used for coring machines are essentially diamond-tipped hole saws, minus the presence of an arbour bit. Water is fed to the bit through a direct hose connection, or by means of a portable tank to aid in the cooling of the bit and to remove slurry (mixture of concrete and water) from the kerf of the cut.

Coring machines must be securely fastened to the work surface by means of concrete anchors or the use of a brace to tension the stand of the machine firmly. Suction-type bases have been developed for quicker mounting without damage to the wall or floor finish.

Angle Grinders

Angle grinders may be used for removing excess material or for cutting material. There are many different kinds of disks that are used for various materials and tasks, such as cut-off disks, abrasive grinding disks, honing (abrasive) stones, sanding disks, wire brush wheels and polishing pads.

The angle grinder has large bearings to counter side forces generated during cutting. It is sometimes referred to as a side grinder).

The motor drives a geared head at a right angle on which is mounted an abrasive disk that can be replaced when worn. Angle grinders typically have an adjustable guard and a side-mounted handle for two-handed operation. Light and powerful, they are essential for pipe fabrication work.

 

Grinding Wheels and Disks

A grinding wheel or disk is a shaping or cutting tool made from natural or artificial abrasive particles. The wheels are made in numerous shapes and sizes. A small amount of stock is removed by each abrasive particle as it passes over the work. Grinding wheels are used for rough grinding, smooth finishing, and cutting or removing metal or other materials.

 

The most widely used abrasives in grinding wheel and disk construction are silicon carbide and aluminum oxide. Wheels containing particles of diamonds, either artificial or natural, are also made for limited special purpose application. The wheels and disks you encounter will usually be made of aluminum oxide.

The abrasive grain size determines the coarseness or fineness of the grinding wheel. The grain size is determined by the smallest screen mesh through which they can pass. For example, if the smallest screen through which the grains pass has 100 openings per inch, the grain size is known as 100 grit, with each grain approximately [latex]\frac{1}{100}[/latex] in. Grinding wheel abrasive grits from 6 to 24 are considered coarse, grits from 30 to 60 are medium, grits between 70 and 100 are fine and those over 100 are known as extra-fine.

One function of any bonding material is to hold each abrasive particle intact as long as it is sharp. When the particles become dull, they dislodge and expose other particles with sharp edges.

The hardness (grade) of a grinding wheel or disk refers to the strength with which the bond holds the abrasive particles together in the wheel, not the hardness of the abrasive particles.

The structure of a grinding wheel indicates how far apart the grains are spaced (grain density). If the spacing of the grains is close, the structure is dense. If the spacing is relatively wide, the structure is open. Grinding wheel structures are rated by numbers.

An open-structure coarse-grain wheel (which provides better chip clearance) is used on soft materials. Dense-structure fine-grain wheels are used where a smooth surface finish is required. Do not use wheels with a dense structure if the work material tends to clog the grinding wheel face.

 

Choose a wheel or disk structure by compromising between the desired finish and the material removal rate. Always select a grinding wheel with a rated RPM at least as high as the grinder spindle no-load speed.

Allowing the wheel to operate at or slightly below the maximum safe speed automatically determines the cutting speed preferred for that wheel when used against material for which it was designed.

Markings

The standard marking system for most grinding wheels indicates:

• The maximum permitted operating speed (in RPM or m/sec)
• The wheel diameter
• The wheel thickness
• The hole diameter
• The grit size

Portable Electric Pipe Fabrication Tools

There are many portable electric tools designed for on-site pipe fabrication.

Portable Power Drives

The portable power drive is usually used with a tri-stand vise for pipe support. Weighing as much as 25 lbs., it is a powerful but compact drive for turning a drop head threader or a large-geared threader. When used with the geared threader, the drive is mounted on the threader by using an adapter.

 

When a drop head threader is used, a support arm must be locked on the pipe if the pipe size is 1 in. or larger. In conjunction with the support arm, this drive can be used to turn drop head die threaders, with or without the use of a tri-stand supporting vise.

The maximum pipe capacity for most power drives is 2 in. pipe with a drop head threader and 6 in. pipe when using the geared threader.

In addition to threading uses, some portable power drives will also power hoists and winches and other accessories and operate large valves. It is activated by a switch button on the handle.

Power Pipe Cutter

The portable power drive can be used to operate a heavy duty displacement cutter that can provide square cuts on pipe up to 12 in. NPS with wall thickness up to schedule 40. A hydraulic foot pedal provides the required force to feed the wheel through the pipe wall while the cut is achieved without dust or sparks.

 

A pipe roller is available for this tool that allows it to be used to rotate a pipe while a worker bevels one end for welding preparation.

Copper Cutting and Preparation Machine

The copper cutting and preparation tool is useful for cutting, reaming, de-burring and cleaning copper pipe and fittings up to 4 in. It is suitable when multiple cuts are to be made for numerous fit-ups.

 

Plastic Pipe and Tubing Power Cutter

These types of powered cutters are designed to make precise cuts in multiple types of plastic materials. They are battery powered and suitable for use on polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), PEX, rubber hose, PVC and CPVC, with a capacity typically up to 2 in.

Copper Tubing Power Cutter

This cordless tool can save time when making numerous cuts on copper tubing. Weighing typically less than 10 lbs., it can self-adjust for tubing sizes between [latex]\frac{3}{8}[/latex] in.–1 in. OD tube and has a compact head suitable when cutting in tight spaces.

Power PEX Expansion Tools

Due to the memory capability of certain types of PEX, one method of joining the tubing is by expansion of the tube and a special PEX ring. Power tubing expanders are most commonly of the cordless electric type and have the added advantage of one-handed operation with heads that often have an auto-rotate feature.

Power Press Tool

A fast one-time connection for copper, stainless steel and even PEX tubing is the use of press-fitting technology. This is popular due to its speed of installation and the fact that no flame or heat is required for copper connections. The barrel on the head can often swivel to obtain multiple installation positions.

Additionally, for tubing sizes over 2 in., press-rings are available that fit around larger fittings, typically up to 4 in. A special actuator-jaw attachment is used to press the ring while it remains around the fitting until the jointing process is complete. The jaws allow for a 180° swivel feature that permits the tool to connect to the ring at any angle relative to the tubing, allowing greater access in tight spaces. Note that the pressing action of the tool cannot be stopped once activated, so the operator must make sure that fingers are kept well away from pinch points.

Electric Soldering Tools

Professional electric soldering tools (guns) are intended for rapid, flameless soldering of copper tubing up to approximately 3 in. in diameter. Specially designed for renovation and repair work, they often utilize long cables to aid in accessing the work.

 

Fusion

Fusion is a heat process that is used to join two pieces of thermoplastic pipe (pipe that is capable of being re-melted and re-molded). Pipe fusion involves using a tool that will melt two ends of the pipe to be welded and some method that will apply force to their surfaces until set. The two pieces then cool together and form a permanent bond. Generally, polyolefins (such as polypropylene and polyethylene plastic) are used for this application. (Polyolefins do not join by solvent cementing because they have excellent chemical resistance.)

 

Portable Power Tubing Bender

Most of these powered benders have radius abilities of 180° and offer a selection of bending formers for different diameters of copper tubes, aluminum and soft steel tubing, and pneumatic and hydraulic tubing. Most come with features that allow for bench mounting of the bender for multiple bending at the job site. Maximum capacity for these models is usually 1[latex]\frac{1}{8}[/latex] in. OD.

 

 

Portable Piping Maintenance Tools

There are many portable electric tools designed for on-site piping maintenance.

Power Drain Cleaning Tools

Drain cleaning tools are used to unblock clogged or obstructed drainage and venting pipes. Most types use some form of rotating auger that moves down the pipe to break up or retrieve the obstruction, while other varieties of machines may use jetted water to blast through material.

A drain auger is also known as a snake and consists of a coiled metal wire often wrapped around a wire core. Augers work to clear drains in one of several ways:

• The end of the auger’s wire digs itself into the obstruction much like a corkscrew, allowing retrieval of the object (hair, cloth, etc.).
• The end of the auger breaks up the object, allowing it to pass through the drain (tree roots, paper, etc.).
• The snake scours around the inside surface of the pipe, scraping off accumulated matter (ranging from mineral deposits to bacon fat) that was reducing the effective inside diameter of the drain.

 

Sink Machines

Typically using an auger that is approximately [latex]\frac{5}{16}[/latex] in. in diameter, sink machines are light-duty drain cleaners that are for drains sized 2 in. or less, such as kitchen sink, lavatory and shower drains. They are often powered by pistol-grip-style drill motors or small motors that are meant to be positioned on the counter top, or near the point of use.

 

 

Drum Machines

These larger capacity drum machines have the ability to vary the speed of the cable feed and rotation. Using [latex]\frac{3}{8}[/latex] in. or [latex]\frac{1}{2}[/latex] in. cables, they are capable of cleaning drain lines in excess of 4 in. Larger machines can be equipped with 100 ft cables of either [latex]\frac{3}{4}[/latex] in. or [latex]\frac{5}{8}[/latex] in. diameter that can clean drains as large as 10 in. In drum-style drain cleaning machines, a pneumatic foot switch is commonly incorporated as a safety feature. The switch uses air pressure—rather than electricity—to control the motor. This design eliminates the risk of electrical shock, especially in wet or damp environments where water contact is likely.

Sectional Drain Cleaning Machines

Sectional drain cleaning machines allow the drain auger to be added in sections instead of being self-contained in a drum. Often, more than one size auger can be driven with the same motor. One characteristic of this style of drain machine is that it can offer the operator more control of the auger through the manipulation of the control handle.

 

Water Jetters

Water jetters propel flexible lines through sludge, soap and grease blockages. As it is pulled back, it power-scrubs the line, flushing away debris. Most operate with over 2000 psi water pressure to provide the required cleaning power to do the job.

Pipe Inspection Cameras and Locators

Pipe inspection cameras can visually show the nature or severity of obstructions or failures of piping systems. Especially valuable when inspecting underground services, pipe inspection cameras can record filmed data with the on-board hard drive, and some models make instant digital copies as well. LCD displays record the distance to the camera head to aid in locating the problem, while some cameras can transmit a signal to be detected with pinpoint accuracy with the aid of a locator device.

 

Pipe Freeze Kits

Pipe freeze kits stop the flow of water while a system is inspected or repaired. Once the system maintenance is complete, the “ice plugs” are slowly melted and the system is put back in service.

There are electric versions of these systems (as shown), but many use bottles of refrigerant gases to perform the same task with a similar result.

 

Pneumatic Portable Power Tools

Air tools are often used to do work in explosive or flammable atmospheres, such as in grain elevators or other places where sparking from inside an electric tool could cause a fire or explosion.

Safety with Air Tools

Using tools powered by high-pressure air can be very hazardous. In addition to the hazards of flying materials, there are many other dangers.

• Air tools are very noisy. Hearing damage can result unless proper ear protection is worn. This protection must be worn at all times, not only by the operator but by other persons nearby.
• Continuous vibration can cause damage to nerves. Use heavy gloves if you do a lot of impact work.
• Fittings often come loose from their retainers and can fly a considerable distance at high speed. When using air tools, be cautious of where you point the tool.
• High-pressure air is a severe hazard. Never expose yourself or your fellow workers to any direct blast of air as they can drive particles under your skin or inject air bubbles onto your bloodstream. Never use compressed air to clean your clothing because particles can be blown into your skin.
• Blowing air at your clothing could also react with some petroleum products and cause combustion.

Air Supply for Air-Operated Tools

Air or pneumatic tools are operated by compressed air supplied by an air compressor. This compressor is pre-set to maintain a constant supply of compressed air at pressures ranging between 350 kPa (50 psi) and 1050 kPa (152 psi). A reservoir tank attached to the compressor retains a supply of compressed air to assure sufficient volume.

 

Compressed air may also be found piped to quick-connectors placed conveniently around the shop. High- pressure flexible rubber air hoses are used to connect the air-operated tool to the wall outlet. These hoses must be kept in good condition, and their end connections must be tight. A broken or severed hose can be uncontrollably whipped around by the escaping air pressure and can cause serious injury to anyone in its path.

Components of a Compressed Air Supply System

Compressed air for a power tool is supplied through a hose or pipe to the tool. The system has a drain-off valve for releasing moisture from the compressed air, a filter and pressure regulator, and sometimes a lubricator. A quick connector is used to attach the hose that feeds the air-powered tool.

 

Filter and Regulator

A clean, dry air supply is of prime importance. Moisture in the air lines can damage tools or interfere with their performance. Water in the line tends to dilute and wash away the lubricant and can corrode internal parts. If water gets past the filter, it can enter the regulator mechanism and interfere with its operation. This can lead to erratic air pressure, which affects tool speed and may cause the speed governor (a built-in device that limits RPM) to malfunction. If the governor sticks or fails due to moisture or corrosion, the tool can over-speed, creating a dangerous condition for the operator.

Lubricator

In many tools, the compressed air must contain a lubricant to keep moving parts operating freely. A lubricator, attached between the regulator and the tool, supplies the lubricant in the form of a fine mist. The operator can control the amount of oil misted into the compressed air.

Quick Connectors

Connectors, which are also referred to as quick couplers, make it easier to connect and disconnect supply hoses and tools. The internal end of the connectors is designed to shut off the air flow when the external end is disconnected.

Air Hose

The air hose is made of rubber to make it flexible. The rubber is reinforced with braided thread or wire to make it strong, and coated inside to prevent air from leaking out past the layers. It is available in different lengths and diameters. Hoses can be joined together to reach longer distances. The most common lengths of single hose are 7.5 m and 15 m. The inside diameter must be no smaller than 8 mm. Hoses are available in a variety of pressure ratings and colours.

Air-Impact Wrenches

An air-impact wrench can be used to install or remove fasteners. In addition to rotary motion, there is a hammering effect much like the electric hammer drill to increase torque and make the tool more effective. There is a wide variety of sockets and attachments for this tool. Because impact wrenches are used for both assembly and disassembly, they are reversible.

Pneumatic impact wrenches are made in larger sizes than electrically-operated impact tools and are used more often in heavy-duty applications. Impact wrench sizes are designated by the size of the drive on the nose of the tool. The drive is usually square, with the most common sizes being [latex]\frac{3}{8}[/latex] in., [latex]\frac{1}{2}[/latex] in., [latex]\frac{3}{4}[/latex] in. and 1 in. It is used by inserting it into the drive end of a socket.

Although the sockets used with impact wrenches are similar to the ones that are used with hand tools, they are of a much stronger design in order to absorb the tremendous forces generated.

 

Air-Operated Grinders

Portable grinders are valuable tools for sharpening other tools, removing burrs, bevelling corners and grinding welding beads. Accessories for brushing, buffing, filing and sanding can be attached to certain models, increasing their versatility.

The grinder spindle speed varies proportionally to grinder size and ranges from 4000 RPM on larger models to over 40 000 RPM on smaller ones. Each grinder has a throttle lever to regulate speed. Certain models have a throttle lever stop-screw that limits throttle depression and may be adjusted to maintain a desired maximum RPM.

 

A heavy duty, air-operated grinder, which holds a depressed-centre (cup-shaped) grinder wheel may also be adapted for brushing or sanding. Two hand grips are featured for safe, controlled operation. One handle includes the air trigger or lever. This grinder is available with spindle speeds from 4500 to 7000 RPM.

Air-Operated Drills and Drivers

Pneumatic drills are operated by the force of air moving over the blades of a rotor. This turning force is transmitted to the chuck through a series of gears. The speed of the drill is controlled through its full RPM range by the amount the air-throttle lever or trigger is depressed. Many pneumatic drills are designed with mufflers to reduce the noise caused by the motor.

Chucks for pneumatic drills are made in different sizes corresponding to the drill capacity. Both keyless and key-type chucks are available. Both have three hardened steel jaws that are tightened and released by turning a threaded sleeve.

 

A keyless chuck has a knurled sleeve to permit hand tightening. The key-type chucks are adjusted by inserting a key into a hole on the chuck so that the teeth on the key engage matching teeth on the chuck sleeve.

The portable pneumatic drill is often preferred to an electric drill because it is light and has infinite speed control. In addition, it cannot overheat or be damaged by overloading. Another feature of the pneumatic drill is that it will stop quickly.

Air screwdrivers and nut drivers look very much like air drills. The main difference is in the chuck or bit holder. The tool bit is held in place by a ball-and-spring detent, which facilitates quick changes of bits.

To further enhance the versatility of power screwdrivers, a clutch device or a friction drive can be incorporated, which runs the screw or nut to the required depth or tension.

Air drills can also be operated safely in wet areas, a condition that would make the operation of an electric drill hazardous.

Air Hammers and Chisels

Air hammers are used for riveting, metal cutting and chiselling. They use a reciprocating piston that strikes a tool bit accessory that, in turn, strikes the workpiece.

 

Air hammers and chisels can deliver between 1500 and 4000 blows per minute.

A typical tool bit (chisel) accessory is manufactured from high-quality alloy steel and heat-treated to withstand and deliver repeated blows from the striker piston. Many different bits are available to perform various tasks.

Powder-Actuated Tools

Powder-actuated tools are specially designed tools for driving fastening devices into steel or concrete. They are powered by an explosive powder charge similar to a rifle.

The explosive powder charge creates a rapid expansion of gas that either directly or indirectly, drives the fastener. The indirect system uses a captive piston whose velocity need not be nearly as great as that of a fastener alone to have enough energy to penetrate to the proper depth.

A number of manufacturers have designed different types and models of tools, each tool having specifically designed explosive charges and fasteners. These parts are not interchangeable.

 

History

Developed in Europe in 1908, the first powder-actuated tool was a high-velocity device that made possible the underwater repair of ships. With welders working inside the ships, divers on the outside used the new tool to nail plates onto the hulls. A captive piston was incorporated into the design to reduce the velocity of the expelled pin.

The tool manufactured by Hilti appeared on the market in 1979. Nearly 10 years later, Hilti introduced an improved design for the captive piston. The result was a safer tool, with the fastening pin travelling at a still lower velocity.

Because of its safety features and efficiency, the low-velocity, powder-actuated tool manufactured by Hilti is the most widely used in the piping industry. Even so, you should know that other tools are available, and that the speed with which they discharge fasteners varies. The speeds below are measured two metres in front of the tool.

To better understand how powder-actuated tools are used in practice, watch the following demonstration from the BCcampus Trades Access Common Core video series, developed by Camosun College: Hilti DX 450 Powder-Actuated Tool (BCcampus Line C Series) [7:09]

This video shows the operation, handling, and typical applications of a powder-actuated fastening tool in construction settings.

As you watch the video, consider:

• What safety precautions are demonstrated?
• What materials is the tool used on?
• Why is training required before using this tool?

Low Velocity

Type: Hilti

This tool operates on the captive piston principle.

Both the fastening pin and the driving piston move at a speed less than 100 m (330 ft) per second.

Medium Velocity

Type: Ramset

When fired, the fastening pin travels at about 100 to 150 m (330 to 500 ft) per second.

 

High Velocity

Type: Omark Remington Phillips

These special tools have limited applications. They have no pistons, and the fastening pin is discharged at a velocity above 150 m (500 ft) per second. Speeds of 460 m/sec (1500 ft/sec) are not unusual.

Safety Features

The Hilti powder-actuated tool has a number of built-in safety features:

• A captive piston, already described.
• A built-in device that prevents the tool from firing if it is held at an angle of more than 7° off the work surface. To fire, the tool must be held flat against the work area, at a right angle to the work surface.
• A built-in stop ring or stopping mechanism. Designed to absorb impact, it is the first part of the tool to break down from the force of the impact. When the stop ring becomes deformed, it must be replaced or the tool will not function properly.

Powder Loads and Firing Methods

Low- and high-velocity cartridges are rated according to a colour code; beginning with the weakest rating (grey) through to the strongest rating (purple). Both low- and high-velocity types share the same colour code; the difference is that low-velocity cartridges have a brass case, while the higher- velocity types are encased in nickel.

Table 1: Cartridge Colour Code by Power Level (Low and High Velocity)

Low Velocity (Brass Case)	High Velocity (Nickel Case)
Grey (Weakest)	Grey (Weakest)
Brown	Brown
Green	Green
Yellow	Yellow
Red	Red
Purple (Strongest)	Purple (Strongest)

Note: When selecting a cartridge, always start with the weakest load for that tool and increase the strength, one step at a time, until the proper fastening is obtained. Re-driving a fastener is not recommended, as it can damage the tool and weaken the grip of the fastener.

Cartridges

There are two designs used for cartridges: crimped and wadded. Both provide the same power. Hilti uses the crimped design and paints the cartridge tip to identify the strength of the powder load (grey to purple). The paint also acts as a waterproof barrier to keep the cartridge dry.

Wadded cartridges are not used by low-velocity or captive piston tools because the wads could plug the vent ports needed with the captive piston system.

Firing Methods

The cartridges for powder-actuated loads are either:

• Rim fired (the Hilti method) or
• Centre fired

Types of Fasteners

Fastening pins are made of specially hardened steel. For fastening into concrete, the shank (the end of the fastener being driven into the concrete) is smooth. For fastening into steel, the shank is knurled, meaning that the tip has a series of small ridges to aid fastening.

Each tool model will accept only the type of fastener specially designed for it. Therefore, it is very important that the right fastener is selected for the tool.

In designing fasteners for its tool models, Hilti has incorporated a double guidance system.

 

Interpretation of Fastener Codes

The follow table describes the fastener by its corresponding code.

Table 2: Common Fastener Codes Used in Powder-Actuated Tools

Code	Meaning	Illustration
DN	Dome head nail (small)
W	Threaded
NK	Round head nail
DS	Dome head nail (large)
TB	Eyelet fastener
E	E in front of any code indicates that the fastener has a knurled shank and is used for steel only.

Example 1:

Code W6-20

W – designates threaded

6 – designates a thread diameter of 6 mm ([latex]\frac{1}{4}[/latex] in.)

20 – designates a thread length of 20 mm

Note: The piston must be changed for each threaded fastener so that the bore in the piston matches the fasteners. Thus, codes W6-11, W6-20, and W6-30 call for pistons with different bores, because each threaded fastener has a different length.

Example 2:

Code W6-20-22-S-12

W – a threaded fastener

6 – thread diameter – 6 mm

20 – thread length – 20 mm

22 – shank length – 22 mm

S – steel washer

12 – washer diameter – 12 mm

 

Note: Three types of material are used for washers.

S – steel

P – plastic

D – dual (a combination of plastic and steel)

Self-Test B-2.1: Describe Portable Power Tools Used in the Pipe Trades

Complete Self-Test 2.1 and check your answers.