All tool categories / Wrenches & Pliers
Wrenches & Pliers
Explore the plumbing
Find your way around the sink
Tap a number or part name to see what it does and what to look for.
Simplified sink plumbing. Trap style, valve location, connections and venting vary; venting is not shown.
1. Aerator
The small outlet fitting shapes the faucet stream. Some aerators unscrew externally; others need a matching recessed key.
Size and thread pattern matter. A faucet brand alone does not identify the correct replacement.
Compare aerator keys →Parts & tools
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M16.5 × 1 cache thread, 1.5 GPM; verify the faucet size.
View on Amazon ↗2. Mounting hardware
Nuts or brackets hold the faucet to the sink or counter. Access underneath can be tight.
A basin wrench or mounting tool must fit the actual hardware and available space.
Compare basin wrenches →Related tool
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Related installation tool for reaching mounting and supply nuts.
View on Amazon ↗3. Supply stops
Local shutoff valves feed hot and cold water through supply connectors.
A wet connector or valve is different from a drain leak. Avoid forcing seized shutoffs.
Explore leak detection →Parts & tools
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Match the pipe connection and faucet supply outlet.
View on Amazon ↗4. Slip-joint seal
Many tubular drain connections use a nut to compress a correctly sized washer around the tube.
The washer makes the seal. Adding thread tape is not a substitute for the correct parts and alignment.
Choose sealants by joint type →Parts & tools
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For matching tubular slip joints; confirm washer profile.
View on Amazon ↗5. P-trap
The curved drain holds a water seal that helps keep sewer gases out of the room.
Clogs, loose connections and a lost water seal cause different symptoms. A persistent problem needs diagnosis.
Explore small-drain equipment →Related tool
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Includes a threaded PVC adapter, reversible J-bend and washers; confirm drain fit.
View on Amazon ↗Illustrations explain common parts and conditions. They do not diagnose your home or replace the instructions for your specific equipment.
Choose smooth jaws for suitable flats or toothed jaws for unfinished gripping surfaces.
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Tool length, jaw opening, nut size and nominal pipe size are different measurements. Toothed jaws can damage decorative finishes.
Smooth-jaw tools
Adjustable wrench and pliers wrench2 options
Crescent
AC210VS Adjustable Wrench
10 in. tool length
Adjustable jaws for hex fasteners.
View on Amazon ↗Fit details
Match AC210VS and verify its jaw-opening specification on the selected listing. Measure across the nut’s flats; overall wrench length is not jaw capacity.
KNIPEX
10-in. Pliers Wrench
Up to 2 in. hex capacity
Parallel smooth jaws for flats.
View on Amazon ↗Fit details
Model 86 03 250 SBA. Size across the flats. Smooth jaws can still mark a finish; check fixture instructions and protect delicate surfaces.
Gripping pliers
Compare KNIPEX and CHANNELLOCK2 options
KNIPEX
10-in. Cobra Pliers
Up to 2 in. round capacity
Toothed jaws for a secure grip.
View on Amazon ↗Fit details
Model 87 01 250, 25 positions. Toothed jaws can damage chrome and soft materials. Round-pipe capacity differs from nut capacity.
CHANNELLOCK
420 Tongue & Groove Pliers
1½ in. jaw capacity
9½-in. straight-jaw pliers.
Find on Amazon ↗Fit details
Model 420. Toothed jaws grip unfinished surfaces and can mark chrome or soft materials. Tool length is not the jaw capacity.
Model specifications ↗
Pipe wrenches
For suitable metal pipe1 option
RIDGID
12-in. Straight Pipe Wrench
Up to 2 in. nominal pipe
For suitable metal pipe surfaces.
View on Amazon ↗Fit details
Catalog 31015. Nominal steel-pipe capacity is not the same as an opening measured across a nut. Do not use toothed jaws on finished fixture trim.
