For residential service work, an 18" pipe wrench handles the majority of common fittings up to 2.5" pipe. A 14" wrench is useful for tighter spaces. For commercial plumbing involving 3"+ pipe (mains, risers, large drain lines), a 24" or 36" aluminum-handle pipe wrench from Ridgid is the standard. Most pro plumbers carry a 14" and an 18" as their core kit, plus a 24" for larger jobs.

Manual hand benders (Klein and Greenlee both make iconic versions) handle ½" and ¾" EMT all day and are essential for any electrician's truck. For 1" and larger EMT, or any rigid conduit, you'll want a mechanical (hickey) bender or a hydraulic bender like the Greenlee 1801 or 1804. Electrical contractors running large conduit runs typically own both a hand bender set and a hydraulic unit.

Yes, increasingly. ProPress and other press fittings have largely replaced soldering on commercial copper installations in Texas — the joints are faster, don't require open flame (eliminating fire-watch requirements), and pass code in most jurisdictions. Milwaukee FORCE LOGIC and Ridgid RP series are the two dominant press tool platforms. The upfront tool cost pays back quickly on any commercial job.

Tool Mart is an authorized Ridgid dealer for the Houston market, carrying the full lineup of pipe wrenches, threaders, cutters, press tools, and accessories. We also stock Ridgid jaws and dies, so you can match a tool to its consumables on the same trip. Call ahead to confirm stock on specialty items like 36" aluminum wrenches or larger press jaws.