Other Accessories

About Other Accessories

Plumbing work demands more than just standard pipe cutters and wrenches. The specialist accessories in this category represent the often-overlooked tools that experienced plumbers rely on to complete installations and repairs to professional standards. From olive removing tools that extract compression fittings without damaging pipework, to plumbers' bellows for testing drains and chimneys, these accessories solve specific problems that arise regularly on site. Tooled-Up.com has assembled this collection to provide tradespeople with access to specialist plumbing tools that aren't always stocked by general tool suppliers.

Traditional techniques still have their place in modern plumbing, which is why items such as plumbers' ladles and tallow remain essential for lead work and specialist applications. Meanwhile, precision tools like olive removing sets allow for quick repair work on compression joints without cutting pipes or replacing entire sections. The range available from Tooled-Up includes both heritage tools for traditional methods and modern problem-solving accessories that speed up awkward tasks.

Whether you're a time-served plumber maintaining older heating systems or a gas engineer working across domestic and commercial installations, having the right specialist accessories can mean the difference between a straightforward job and hours of frustration. These tools complement standard plumbing kits and fill the gaps when standard equipment simply won't do the job.

Jargon Buster

• Olive - The brass or copper compression ring used in compression fittings that creates a watertight seal when compressed between the fitting body and the pipe. Can be difficult to remove without specialist tools.
• Plumbers' Tallow - A traditional waterproofing compound made from animal fat, used for lubricating threads, coating hemp for joint sealing, and in lead work applications. Still preferred for certain traditional plumbing tasks.
• Bellows - A flexible pumping device used by plumbers to generate air pressure or suction for testing drains, clearing blockages, or checking chimney draw. Essential for smoke testing drainage systems.
• Ladle - A long-handled tool used in lead work for pouring molten lead into joints, particularly in traditional soil pipe installations and heritage restoration work.
• Compression Joint - A pipe fitting that uses mechanical pressure rather than solder or adhesive to create a seal, relying on an olive to compress against the pipe surface.
• Lead Work - The specialist skill of working with sheet lead and lead pipe, still required for heritage building restoration, church roof work, and some traditional plumbing installations.

Who Uses Other Accessories?

• Plumbers and Heating Engineers - For compression fitting repairs, testing, and specialist installation work
• Gas Safe Registered Engineers - Requiring specialist spanners and testing equipment for gas pipe installations
• Lead Workers - Traditional craftspeople working on heritage buildings, church roofs, and specialist architectural projects
• Maintenance Plumbers - Dealing with repair work on existing installations where olive removal and compression joint work is common
• Property Maintenance Contractors - Needing versatile tools for various plumbing repairs across different properties
• Bathroom and Kitchen Fitters - Installing and connecting sanitaryware with compression fittings
• Heritage Restoration Specialists - Working on period properties where traditional methods and materials are required
• Drainage Engineers - Using testing equipment like bellows for smoke testing and pressure testing drainage systems

How to Choose the Right Other Accessories

Start by identifying the specific plumbing tasks you regularly encounter. If you frequently work on compression fittings, invest in a quality olive removing set with multiple sizes to cover common pipe diameters from 8mm to 28mm. Look for hardened steel construction that won't deform when removing stubborn olives from older installations.

For those working with traditional lead, proper ladles with heat-resistant handles and appropriate bowl capacity are essential. Consider whether you need pouring ladles for joints or skimming ladles for removing dross from molten lead. Plumbers' tallow should be genuine tallow rather than synthetic alternatives if you're working on heritage projects where authenticity matters.

Bellows quality varies significantly, so choose robust leather or heavy-duty synthetic construction with metal fittings that can withstand regular use. Check the nozzle sizes available match your typical applications, whether that's drain testing or chimney checking. Specialist plumbers' spanners should fit the specific tap connectors and compression fittings you encounter most often.

Consider the working environment too. Site work demands durable tools that can handle knocks and wet conditions, while the specialist selection at Tooled-Up includes professional-grade accessories built to withstand daily trade use rather than occasional DIY applications.

Popular Accessories

• Pipe cutters and slices for preparing pipes before fitting
• PTFE tape and jointing compounds for thread sealing
• Deburring tools for cleaning cut pipe ends
• Flaring tools for creating compression joint seats
• Wire wool and emery cloth for cleaning fittings
• Hemp and boss white for traditional joint sealing
• Gas leak detection spray and testing equipment
• Pipe bending springs for accurate manual bends
• Drain testing plugs and pressure testing equipment
• Basin and tap spanners for access in tight spaces

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reuse an olive after removing it with an olive removing tool?

No, you should always fit a new olive after removal. The extraction process deforms the olive, and reusing it will likely result in a leak. Olive removing tools are designed to save the pipe, not the olive itself, allowing you to remake the joint without cutting and shortening the pipework.

What's the difference between plumbers' tallow and modern jointing compounds?

Plumbers' tallow is a traditional natural product still preferred for lead work, lubricating threads, and coating hemp on threaded joints. Modern compounds like PTFE paste are easier to use and more consistent for general applications, but tallow remains the choice for traditional methods and heritage work where authentic materials are required.

Do I need specialist spanners for plumbing work?

For professional results, yes. Standard adjustable spanners often can't access tap connectors and back nuts in confined spaces under basins and baths. Specialist plumbers' spanners with cranked handles and precise jaw sizes make these jobs much easier and reduce the risk of damaging fittings through slippage.

Are plumbers' bellows still used with modern drainage systems?

Absolutely. Bellows remain essential for smoke testing drainage installations, which is still required under Building Regulations for new installations and extensions. They're also useful for checking chimney draw and generating air pressure for various testing purposes where electric pumps aren't practical.

What size olive removing tool do I need?

Most plumbers benefit from a set covering 8mm, 10mm, 15mm, 22mm, and 28mm pipe sizes, which covers the majority of domestic installations. If you work on commercial systems, larger sizes may be necessary. Individual tools are available if you only work with specific pipe sizes regularly.