Plumbing often requires some special tools. One of the first tools people associate with plumbing is the pipe wrench (figure A). It's adjustable and has lots of play in the grip. Its teeth face inward, which means you can use a pipe wrench almost the same way you would a ratcheting wrench. You probably won't even have to lift it off the pipe you're turning. In all likelihood, you'll need two pipe wrenches: one to hold the pipe steady and a second to remove the nut or other attachment. Another handy plumbing tool is the basin wrench (figure B), which has a spring-loaded jaw and a pivoting head. The basin wrench is useful for getting at faucet nuts in tight spaces. A spud wrench (figure C) is great for working on the fittings beneath sinks, such as the nut holding the drain tailpiece in place. If you do much plumbing, you're bound to need a pipe cutter (figure D). Place it around a copper pipe and tighten so that it's snug: don't overtighten, which might dent the pipe. Rotate the cutter around the pipe once or twice, then tighten it again. Repeat the process until the cutter breaks through the pipe, leaving a smooth cut. If you're working in cramped quarters, a mini pipe cutter might be more useful.
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