Hey Legends, 30+ years crawling under houses, inside factories, and behind toilets — these are the 10 tools that have literally kept me sane (and employed). Ranked by how often they get used on a real maintenance call-out. 1. Tongue-and-Groove Pliers (aka Gas Pliers, Waterpump Pliers, Channellocks) The absolute king. Grips anything, twists anything, holds anything. If I could only take one tool… this is it. Sorry, shifter — you’re second. 2. Adjustable Wrench (Shifting spanner) Does 90% of nuts and bolts. One tool, endless sizes. The lazy plumber’s best friend (and yes, I’m lazy when it saves time). 3. Pipe Wrench The heavy-duty brute. Two of these = one to hold the pipe, one to turn the fitting. Without them you’re just swearing at rusty galvanized. 4. Basin Wrench The only way to reach those stupid mounting nuts hidden behind sinks. Long handle + swivel jaw = the tool that stops you from punching the vanity. 5. Pipe and Tubing Cutters Clean, square cuts on copper or PEX. Bad cuts = leaks = callbacks. No one wants to be the guy who has to come back twice. 6. Hacksaw (with spare blades) When nothing else fits. Cuts metal, plastic, old bolts, your patience — whatever’s in the way. 7. Plumber’s Torch For sweating copper joints. Nothing says “permanent fix” like a nice hot solder joint… and a small burn on your thumb. 8. Plunger + Drain Auger (Plumber’s Snake) Plunger handles 80% of toilet clogs. The other 20%? Auger. Never leave the van without both — unless you enjoy fishing with your hand. 9. Headlamp / strong work light Because 90% of plumbing happens in dark cupboards, under sinks, or in roofs. Eyesight is overrated anyway… right? 10. Multitool and/or Multi-bit screwdriver (with good bits) Phillips, flat, torx, square — one handle does them all. Saves carrying a whole toolbox just for screws. Honourable mentions: Mole grips (emergency third hand), tape measure (obvious), spirit level (keeps things from looking drunk). What’s missing from my list? What’s your #1 “if I forget this I go home” tool? Drop it below — stupid answers get a laugh, smart ones get a like 😏

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Hey legends, Welcome to **Ossie Live Plumbing DIY Mentor** — the home for plumbing disasters, deck fails, and woodwork nightmares to get judged… lovingly. 🛠️ I’m Ossie (@OssieLiveMentor). 30+ years in the trades as a maintenance expert, IOPSA chairman and PIRB inspector. I’ve run businesses, taught solar, and even survived getting stabbed in the face (bad day at the office). I lost an eye, so now I’m your "voice in the ear" instead of the guy crawling under the house. **What we do here:** This is for real-time, "mid-job" brainstorming. Stuck on a leak? Deck looking like a diving board? Bring it here for practical, no-nonsense advice before you blow a pipe. **The Workshop Rules:** ✅ **Ask the ‘Stupid’ Questions:** Better to look dumb for 5 minutes than remain stupid for life. ✅ **Check the Ego:** Sarcasm is welcome; bullying is not. 🚫 **No BS:** No spam, no crypto, no bots. ⚠️ **Safety First:** This is educational entertainment. Check the pinned disclaimers—if your house floods, that’s on you! **How to get started:** 1️⃣ **Introduce Yourself:** Drop a comment below. What’s your biggest DIY headache or plumbing nightmare right now? 2️⃣ **Watch this Space:** Pinned tips and posts are coming. 3️⃣ **Live Q&As:** Free group sessions are launching soon—have your job photos ready. So... what’s the "stupid" question you’ve been too proud to ask? I’ve got the popcorn and the wrench ready. Fire away. 👇 — **Ossie** (Your invisible, slightly judgmental live mentor)

This is a general welcome to all members coming in. I encourage you to make a post. Tell us who you are and where from? What do you do? Just browsing or do you have a plumbing or DIY issue you would like to discuss?

No matter what the plumbing problem you tackle, it's always good to know where to close the water supply in case something goes wrong. Don't wait until you need it one day. Many plumbing jobs will require you to start here! Have you had an emergency situation where everyone are running around like headless chickens to find the stop valve. Trust me you don't want to be, water damage can cause major damage!!