A to Z of Heating Engineer Tools

Read on to discover the most essential tools for heating engineer tool boxes in our A to Z list.

Adjustable Spanners (Range of Sizes)

A heating engineer toolkit is not complete without adjustable spanners. In fact, all experienced artisans will have a set, simply because they can be used for different nuts and bolt sizes. Adjusting the head of the spanner is a matter of shifting your thumb backwards or forwards. And the adjusted head stays in place until you require a different size, making it one of the most versatile tools in the kit.

Adjustable Wrench

For plumbers, an adjustable wrench is like a trusted right hand. But it is definitely not exclusive to plumbing projects. The combination of the swivel head and toothed jaws gives it a solid grip on any pipe, bolt, or nut. Essentially, you are dealing with an all-purpose tool, which happens to be perfect for fastening or removing pipes.

Air Vent Sizing Gauge

Not all air vent units will provide important information, such as the ventilation area covered by the unit. But with an air vent sizing gauge, this can accurately be calculated by measuring the slots of the air vent. This also makes it a tool you should always have readily available.

Allen Keys

Certain bolts and screws have a hexagonal socket, and Allen keys (Hex Keys) are designed to tighten or unscrew them. A good example would be the grub screws commonly used for showerheads and taps, which require Allen keys for any type of adjustment.

Angle Grinder

It is hard to think of any job where angle grinders cannot be used. Whether it is for cutting, sanding, grinding, polishing, or preparing a surface, it has to be part of the toolkit. Given the multiple discs that can be attached, as well as the portability, there is no replacing the power and purpose of a quality angle grinder.

Basin Spanner

Some areas of plumbing can get very tricky, such as adjusting the fittings underneath the tap of a sink. But this is what tools like a basin spanner are for. Not only does it let you easily adjust the fittings, but it removes the necessity to fit into a very uncomfortable workspace.

Blowlamp And Gas

For delicate and precision soldering on copper pipes, a blowlamp and gas are used. This is the best way to ensure the joints of the pipe system is properly sealed and will not leak. It is portable and easy to store in a toolkit, but more importantly, it should provide a flame at high enough temperatures for effective soldering.

Braided Filling Loop Hose

The braided filling loop hose has a fundamental purpose of filling up combi boilers, as well as central heating systems when water levels are low. Hence the reason for a heating engineer to always have one in the toolkit. It is typically made of stainless steel, and it is flexible for easier use.

Circular Saw

For heavy-duty cutting jobs, do not look further than the circular saw. In spite of the stigma that these are only utilised for cutting wood, circular saws can be used in many different construction projects. This is because various blade options make it possible to cut through some of the toughest materials around, including metal and masonry.

Claw Hammer

What is a toolkit without the most basic and trustworthy tool of them all? The claw hammer is perhaps the starting point of any toolkit, featuring claws for removing nails and a blunt end for putting them back in. Ultimately, you never know when you are going to need it.

Continuity Bond

Continuity bond ensures temporary continuity of earth when disconnecting and reconnecting metal gas pipes.

Copper Pipe Cutters

Copper pipe cutters work fast, deliver clean cuts, and offer the much-needed convenience that traditional tools don’t provide when cutting copper pipes.

Cordless Combi Drill

Whether you need to drill a hole or drive in a screw, it is a job for a cordless combi drill. It is a portable power tool you can recharge when not in use. Choose the speed you drill with and even take out stubborn screws with the reverse action.

Digital Manometer

The digital manometer is essentially used for measuring and indicating pressure. It is especially useful for troubleshooting pressure issues with equipment that functions with gas or manometer fluid. For heating engineers, it can serve as a valuable tool to locate problem areas with central heating pressure

Digital Multimeter

A digital multimeter is a must when working with electrical or electronic systems. Its function is to measure the flow of an electrical current, as well as to report whether a current is even flowing. The measuring is typically done with amps or volts, and this type of measuring tool should always have a place in the toolkit.

Digital Thermometer

Digital thermometers are used in many different industries because it accurately measures the immediate temperature. For a heating engineer, it is a valuable tool for testing whether the air conditioning system is doing its job.

Drain Down Hose

When a central heating system requires draining, a proper drain down hose needs to be used. It does not have problems with leaking water, and it does not collapse or kink. In addition, it can take high pressure too.

Electronic Gas Leak Detector

In order to accurately measure gas or vacuum leaks, an electronic gas leak detector is used. It utilises ultra-sonic measurements to establish whether a leak exists, as well as provide other useful information a heating engineer needs to know. This is also why it is important to only use a quality detector in terms of being accurate.

Engineers Maintenance Mat / Boiler Workmat

A professional always needs to take into account the surrounding surface while working. This means using precaution and protecting vulnerable surfaces with a maintenance or boiler work mat. They are water-resistant, durable, and it should be a basic part of the toolkit.

File Set

You might not use a file set too often, but they do come in handy when fine shaping is necessary. They can even be used for delicate cutting or deburring. When a surface needs to be prepared without filing away too much material, make sure a file set is present.

Gas Meter Box Key

There is nothing complicated about a gas meter box key. And even though it is an incredibly basic tool, it does the important job of opening gas meter boxes.

Hacksaw

The hacksaw is strong and durable enough to be used for several purposes. Whether it is for cutting pipes, nuts, and screws, few things can stand in the way of its razor-sharp edges. It should also be noted that the blade can be used without the frame in situations when space is tight.

Heat Exchanger Brushes

Different tubes have different cleaning approaches and requirements. This is why different heat exchanger brushes are available in nylon, steel, brass, and more. The brushes are also manufactured to work under heavy-duty industrial conditions.

Immersion Heater Spanner

In order to repair or replace an immersion heater element, a basic tool like the immersion heater spanner is necessary. Even though it is not a versatile tool, every heating engineer should have one.

Infra-Red Temperature Gun

The infra-red temperature gun is very useful for two reasons. The first is that it measures the temperature of a surface without having to make contact. The second reason is that this measuring tool is accurate when others struggle with surface texture or material, which ultimately records inaccurate data.

Inspection Camera

No heating engineer or plumber should ever be without a quality inspection camera. It is a tool that provides a visual to impossible angles. For example, checking blocked pipes and small dark spaces cannot be easier when the inspection camera is brought in to help.

Jig Saw

Not all cutting jobs are straightforward. There are cases when irregular or complex shapes have to be cut, and this is where a jig saw should be used. This is a powerful tool that allows for the most versatile cutting in the most awkward places. It is also a blessing for plumbers when cutting new holes.

Knee Pads

Safety should always be a priority, even to professionals. And given the work a plumber must do on a regular basis, they are going to be on their knees for extended periods. If caution is not used, like wearing proper knee pads, an injury or pain is bound to surface.

Long-Nosed Pliers

Another fundamental tool for heating engineers would be long-nosed pliers. Not only are they effective for holding purposes, but they can twist, cut and reshape if necessary. Long-nosed pliers are also perfect for reaching into tiny areas.

Mole Grips

Also referred to as locking pliers, this tool is primarily used for taking a powerful hold of workpieces. However, its purpose does not end with gripping workpieces. Mole grips are very effective for locking down on nuts and bolts with worn edges.

Open-Ended Spanner Set

Professional plumbers can simply not afford to go out on a call without an open-ended spanner set. This ensures nuts and bolts of all sizes can be adjusted, loosened, or tightened if need be. There will rarely be a situation where a plumber will not need this type of set.

Pipe Bender

Getting pipes to bend at the right angle is made easier with the right pipe bender. This tool is valuable in scenarios where pipes have to be customised accordingly and with precision. And it is also the reason why plumbers and boiler servicing engineers will not be caught without one, at least.

Pipe Deburrer

Professionals that take pride in workmanship will always utilise pipe deburring. This is because it smooths over the rough edges and improves the aesthetics, but it might also improve functionality. So, when cutting needs to happen, it should be finished off properly with a deburr.

Pipe Freezer Spray

A fundamental part of plumbing involves shutting off the main water supply. In the case of a central heating system, the drain down needs to be shut off. This can be a hassle, especially when the main shut off points are far away from the work area. But pipe freezer spray gives plumbers time to work without having to cut the main water supply.

Pressure Tester

Testing the pressure of pipes is a basic approach to plumbing. And it requires a basic tool, namely a pressure tester. It is easy to use and provides very important information about how to continue with the repairs/replacements.

Radiator Key

At some point, it might be necessary to release pressure from the radiator via the bleed screw. And a radiator key is necessary to turn the screw. These are universal, meaning one should bleed all standard and vertical radiators.

Radiator Spanner

There is no question that radiator valves have to be tightened properly. It also cannot be questioned that a basic radiator spanner is the number one choice for the job. The design is basic, strong, and forms a mandatory part of a professional toolkit.

Sabre Saw

Plumbers can literally cut into the time they spend removing old pipes with the sabre saw. It has got power, speed, and interchangeable blades that turn the saw into a multi-purpose tool. The sabre saw is great for cutting metal or plastic, and even wood if necessary.

Screwdrivers

Just like a claw hammer and open-ended spanners should be in the toolkit, the same principle applies for screwdrivers. Whether it is a single handle with interchangeable heads, or the individual stubby or long Phillips head screwdrivers, they have to accommodate a heating engineer on every call out.

SDS Drill

Some situations are going to require powerful drilling, hence the powerful design of the SDS drill. It accommodates wide-diameter drill bits and usually offers three distinct action modes. More importantly, it is perfect for heavy-duty drilling. The SDS abbreviation stands for a special direct system, just for interest sake.

Smoke Pellet And Match Holder

Smoke testing is a necessary part of the job, and it needs to happen with safety in mind. A smoke pellet and match holder will help to perform the test safely while providing access to awkward or closed-off spaces.

Soldering Pad

Safety should never be compromised. But it is also important to protect the surrounding surface when soldering or working with an open flame. Hence the purpose of a soldering pad. It is flame-resistant and protects everything around the area where the soldering takes place.

Spirit Levels (Various Sizes)

In order to establish whether surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical, spirit levels are used. It is a very basic tool with a very strong purpose, which automatically makes it invaluable.

Stanley Knife

The Stanley knife can be a good friend to any professional with a practical purpose. The design allows for quick access and safety. But it is also sharp enough to cut through various materials without much difficulty, including wires and carpets.

Stopcock Key

There is not much to be said about a stopcock key, except that it is crucial for shutting off the main water supply. If a stopcock key is not readily available, the plumber should always have a spare.

Tape Measure

A tape measure has and always will be an essential part of a toolkit. Given its flexibility, as well as its ability to measure a good distance with accuracy, it is a tool that simply cannot be overlooked.

Telescopic Inspection Mirror

These special mirrors are designed for areas that specialists cannot see or maybe even get to. They are typically mounted with strong LED lights, the necks are flexible, and the mirror sizes differ. In the end, a telescopic inspection mirror can be very useful in dark or small areas, which is where heating engineers tend to spend some time.

Telescopic Magnet

Life happens and tools fall. But when they fall into places you cannot reach, a telescopic magnet can pick them up for you. In fact, any metal tools or equipment will attach to the powerful magnet.

Telescopic Tube Cutters

When it comes to cutting pipes with a thickness up to 35mm, the telescopic tube cutter is a plumbing favourite. And not only is it adjustable with heavy-duty written all over it, but it cuts cleanly thanks to the built-in deburrer. When other tube cutters cannot handle the pressure, the telescopic tube cutter will probably succeed.

Torch

A strong torch that is capable of lighting up the darkest area needs to be in the toolkit. It is also recommended to use a durable torch that can withstand the challenges associated with the job. And seeing as torches are portable, lightweight, and provide a clear view of what is going on in the darkness, do not leave it behind.

Water Flow Rate Weir Gauge

When setting up combination boilers, the water flow rate is very important. And a water flow rate weir gauge is designed to measure the water flow rate per minute, which gives insight on how the flow rate should be adjusted. Needless to say, a weir gauge is a very important tool.

Water Pump / Slip Joint Pliers

Slip joint pliers can almost be considered the perfect holding tool. This is based on the pivot point, and how it lets you adjust the range of the jaws. In addition, the jaws on water pump pliers are perfect for gripping thanks to the toothed edges, and gripping a workpiece has never been easier.

Heat Pump Source: Reliable Heating and Cooling Solutions

At Heat Pump Source, we take pride in our unwavering commitment to serving the UK with top-tier HVAC solutions. From the efficiency of heat pumps and the cool relief of air conditioning to the warmth of boilers, radiators, and underfloor heating, our dedicated team is always at the forefront of innovation. We understand the unique needs of every household and business, and we strive to provide dependable health and cooling products and services that are tailored just for you. Ensuring your comfort and satisfaction is our utmost priority. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or require support, we’re always here to assist. Please don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re eager to be of service.