Olive Removing Tools

About Olive Removing Tools

Olive removing tools are specialised plumbing implements designed to extract compression fitting olives from copper pipes without causing damage to the pipework. When working with compression fittings in plumbing systems, olives – the small metal rings that create watertight seals – can become firmly compressed onto pipes, making them difficult to remove by hand. These purpose-built tools provide a mechanical advantage that allows tradespeople to pull olives cleanly from 15mm and 22mm copper pipes, which are standard sizes in domestic and light commercial plumbing installations throughout the UK.

The range available from Tooled-Up.com includes olive pullers from trusted brands such as Monument and Faithfull, constructed from durable materials like solid brass with zinc-plated components for longevity. These tools typically feature a threaded shaft that screws into the compression nut, combined with a tommy bar or turning mechanism that applies even pressure to extract the olive without scoring, crushing or otherwise damaging the copper pipe beneath. This preserves the integrity of the pipework, allowing the pipe to be reused with a new olive and fitting – a significant cost and time saving on plumbing jobs.

Whether you're decommissioning old plumbing systems, correcting installation errors, or modifying existing pipework layouts, olive removing tools are essential kit for achieving professional results. They eliminate the frustration and potential pipe damage associated with makeshift removal methods, and represent a modest investment that pays dividends in reduced material waste and improved job efficiency.

Jargon Buster

• Olive: A small brass or copper compression ring used in plumbing fittings that compresses onto the pipe to create a watertight seal when the compression nut is tightened.
• Compression Fitting: A type of pipe connection that uses mechanical pressure rather than solder to create a seal, comprising a compression nut, olive, and fitting body.
• Tommy Bar: A removable metal bar that inserts through holes in a tool to provide leverage for turning, commonly used on olive pullers to apply rotational force.
• Copper Pipe: Standard plumbing pipework material in the UK, typically available in 15mm (for individual taps) and 22mm (for main distribution) diameters.
• Thread Gauge: Refers to the specific thread size on an olive puller that must match the compression nut being used, typically ½" drive for standard UK compression fittings.
• Zinc Plating: A protective coating applied to steel components to prevent corrosion, commonly used on olive puller tommy bars and threaded sections.

Who Uses Olive Removing Tools?

• Plumbers and heating engineers – working on domestic and commercial water systems, central heating installations, and bathroom/kitchen refurbishments
• Maintenance technicians – responsible for building services and facilities management requiring plumbing repairs and modifications
• Gas fitters – when working on pipework that requires reconfiguration or correction
• DIY enthusiasts – tackling home plumbing projects, bathroom installations, and radiator replacements
• Property developers and renovators – modifying existing plumbing layouts during refurbishment projects
• Landlords and property managers – maintaining rental properties and addressing plumbing issues
• Construction contractors – working on new builds where plumbing corrections or changes are needed

How to Choose the Right Olive Removing Tools

Pipe Size Compatibility: Ensure the olive puller accommodates the pipe diameters you work with most frequently. Many models at Tooled-Up.com handle both 15mm and 22mm pipes – the two most common sizes in UK domestic plumbing – making them versatile additions to your toolkit.

Build Quality and Materials: Look for solid brass construction rather than cheaper cast alternatives, as brass offers superior strength and durability when subjected to the significant forces involved in olive removal. Zinc-plated steel components provide corrosion resistance for tools that may be exposed to damp working conditions.

Thread Compatibility: Check that the thread gauge matches your compression fittings. The ½" drive specification found on models like the Monument 2035Q is standard for most UK compression nuts, but verify compatibility with any specialist fittings you encounter.

Ease of Operation: Consider the tommy bar design and length, as this affects the leverage you can apply. A longer bar provides more turning force with less effort, reducing hand fatigue during repetitive work.

Brand Reputation: Established brands like Monument and Faithfull have proven track records in manufacturing reliable plumbing tools that withstand professional use, offering better long-term value than unbranded alternatives.

Popular Accessories

• Compression fittings and olives – replacement components for reassembling pipework after olive removal
• Pipe cutters – for clean, square cuts when shortening damaged pipe ends
• Deburring tools – to remove internal and external burrs from cut pipe ends before fitting new olives
• Adjustable spanners and wrenches – for tightening compression nuts and holding fittings during assembly
• PTFE tape and jointing compound – supplementary sealing materials for threaded connections
• Pipe bending springs – to prevent kinking when bending copper pipe to new configurations
• Plumber's grips and stillson wrenches – for gripping pipes and larger fittings securely

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse a copper pipe after removing an olive?

Yes, provided the olive removing tool has been used correctly and hasn't damaged the pipe surface. Inspect the pipe carefully for scoring or deformation. If the copper is smooth and undamaged, you can fit a new olive and reuse the pipe. However, if you attempted removal with pliers or other improvised tools first, the pipe may be compromised and require cutting back to undamaged pipe.

Will an olive puller work on both brass and copper olives?

Yes, olive removing tools work equally well on both brass and copper olives. The extraction mechanism applies force to the olive itself through the compression nut thread, regardless of the olive's material composition. Both types are commonly found in UK plumbing installations.

Do I need different olive pullers for 15mm and 22mm pipes?

Most olive pullers available from Tooled-Up are designed to accommodate both 15mm and 22mm pipes, making them suitable for the vast majority of domestic plumbing applications. Always check the product specifications to confirm size compatibility before purchasing.

Can I use an olive puller on push-fit plumbing systems?

No, olive pullers are specifically designed for compression fittings. Push-fit systems use entirely different connection methods with grab rings or collets rather than olives, and require different removal techniques – typically involving release tools specific to the push-fit system manufacturer.

How do I prevent damaging the pipe when removing an olive?

Always use a proper olive removing tool rather than improvised methods. Ensure the tool is correctly threaded into the compression nut, and turn the tommy bar steadily and evenly – avoid jerking or forcing. If the olive won't budge, apply penetrating oil and allow it to soak before trying again. Patience prevents pipe damage and saves costly replacements.