What Tools Do Pipefitters Use?

A pipefitter fits and fixes pipes to ensure they can transport substances without leaking.¹ What tools do pipefitters use to get the job done?

Here are six tools you might find in a pipefitter training program or in use by pros in the field:

1. Welder’s gauge¹
2. Pipefitter’s square²
3. Fitter grips³
4. Centering head⁴
5. Flange aligners¹
6. Pipe wraps¹

1. Welder’s Gauge

A welders’ gauge is used for quality control. Using this tool, a pipefitter can check for issues at the source of the pipe, such as angle of preparation, alignment, fillet weld throat and fillet weld length.¹

A welders’ gauge can be used before a pipe fitting job to determine the pipe material, quality of the pipe and dimensions. This tool can also be used to double-check alignment after a fitting job is complete.² The gauge is extremely important because any small error could cause leakages or other issues.¹

2. Pipefitter’s Square

This tool is used to make sure a pipe is aligned properly. The two most common angles for a pipe to be bent are either 45 or 90 degrees. Pipes sometimes have different angles, though. A pipefitter’s square is an essential tool used to fit pipes at uncommon angles.²

3. Fitter Grips

Fitter grips are used to lock two pipes together while they are being welded. This tool can also be used to lock a pipe in place as it is being welded to a joint.² Fitter grips are important to a pipefitter’s daily work because they allow a pipefitter to work hands-free as the pipe is being securely held in place.³

4. Centering Head

A centering head is a pipefitter’s tool used to establish angles or points on pipes, which are cylindrical surfaces. It is often used to find centerlines on a pipe, such as top dead center or bottom dead center, but it can also be used to find other angles. This tool is extremely important for precision marking.^4,5

5. Pipe Wraps

Pipe wraps help a pipefitter make a straight cut on a pipe. This wrap is placed around the pipe to make sure that all the edges are aligned before cutting. Then a pipefitter will draw a line around the pipe with a sharp piece of soapstone, following the wrap to ensure a precise cut.¹

6. Flange Aligners

Flange aligners help pipefitters align joints before welding. This tool can also be used during routine maintenance to check for joint misalignment.¹ Flange aligners can be attached at the point of misalignment, then used to pull the flanges back into correct alignment.⁶

Learn More in Pipefitter Training

This is not a complete list of pipefitter tools, but some of the common tools many pipefitters use.

Interested in learning more about pipefitter tools? Pipefitting training can be a good place to get some practice working with these tools. It can also serve as a starting point for preparing for an exciting career as a pipefitter. Contact Tulsa Welding School to learn more about its welding and pipefitting training programs. Call (855) 237-7711.