Pipe Cutters and Plastic Pressure Pipe Quiz

Plastic Pressure Pipework - Hand Tools

• Plastic pressure pipe is now commonly used, in straight lengths of 3 meters or coils up to 50 meters.
• It's flexible, allowing easy fitting under floors and in voids, reducing the number of joints and lessening the risk of leaks.
• Ideal for hot and cold water systems, including central heating.

Hand Tools - Pipe Cutter

• Pipe cutters use a shearing action to cut plastic pipe.
• Different designs exist among manufacturers, some including ratchets.
• Many cutters are disposable; if the blade becomes blunt, a new tool is needed. Some manufacturers offer replacement blades.
• Blade sharpness is critical for effective cutting.

Hand Tools - Pipe Slice

• Pipe slices are similar to those used for copper pipe.
• Different from the pipe cutter, they lack the support rollers present in copper cutters opposite the cutting disc.
• They produce clean, straight cuts.
• Typically disposable, although some manufacturers offer replacement blades.
• Most have a plastic body.

Hand Tools - Adjustable Spanner

• The adjustable spanner is a general-purpose tool for tightening and loosening nuts.
• Designed where a single-side flat nut is concerned; use this spanner, not grips.
• The head's shape guides correct positioning on the nut, minimizing slippage when applying force.
• Forged steel construction necessitates regular lubrication of the moving worm and jaw to prevent rust caused by damp conditions.

Maintenance

• Tools must be maintained to optimize performance and safety.
• Thorough cleaning and drying of cutting tools are crucial, as blades can rust.
• Lubrication is not required for all tools; keeping the cutting blade sharp is important.

Maintenance and Safety

• Sharp edges require awareness and safety precautions.
• Using gloves may be necessary for protection.
• Never place fingers inside pipe cutters to avoid severe cuts.

Safety

• Exercise careful handling when using tools or potentially harmful tools to prevent injuries like finger trapping.
• Pay attention to maintaining safe distances between fingers and handles when the pipe cutter has made the desired cut.
• Adjust the spanner to the right size to avoid slippage and finger injuries.

PPE

• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) reduces injury risk during plastic pipe cutting.
• Always wear the required PPE.

Test your knowledge on pipe cutters and their use with plastic pressure pipes. This quiz covers the characteristics of pipe cutters, their cutting actions, and maintenance aspects. Challenge yourself with matching features to their descriptions and more.