A pipe wrench is the tool that decides whether a corroded shut-off valve comes out in one piece or gets rounded into a hidden leak. Its jaws are angled and serrated, so the harder you pull the tighter it bites, which makes it the correct wrench for round supply pipe, unions, gate valves and cleanout plugs.
We spent weeks putting eight of them through the jobs a homeowner actually hits: seized hose bibs, under-sink compression fittings, galvanized risers in a 1940s house, and a 24-inch main line. If you want the short answer, the RIDGID 31100 Model 818 is the one we would buy first, and the RIDGID 31010 is the companion you keep next to it.
A few jobs go beyond wrench choice though. When the leak is deep inside a wall and you need to see the joint before you cut, our guides on dual lens inspection cameras for plumbing and pipe inspection cameras with screens cover the diagnostic side of the same job.
Everything below was checked against 2026 listings and buyer reviews, and every spec comes from the manufacturer data rather than from memory.
Top 3 Pipe Wrench Picks for 2026
RIDGID 31100 Model 818 18-inch Aluminum
- 2.5 inch jaw capacity
- I-beam handle with floating forged hook jaw
- Replaceable jaw parts
RIDGID 31305 E-110 9.5-inch Hex Jaw
- Hex jaw grips nuts and packing nuts
- Thin jaws for confined spaces
- Cast iron body
RIDGID 31010 Model 10 10-inch Straight
- 1.5 inch jaw capacity
- Ductile iron housing
- Made in USA with lifetime warranty
Pipe Wrenches at a Glance in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| RIDGID 31100 Model 818 18-inch Aluminum |
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| RIDGID 31010 Model 10 10-inch Straight |
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| RIDGID 31305 E-110 9.5-inch Hex Jaw |
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 DURATECH 10-inch Aluminum Straight |
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 HORUSDY 4-Piece Pipe Wrench Set |
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 DURATECH 14-inch Offset Aluminum |
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 KARRYTON 10 / 14 / 18 / 24-inch Set |
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 Performance Tool 18-inch Drop-Forged Steel |
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1. RIDGID 31100 Model 818 18-inch Aluminum: Best Overall for Hard Fittings and Big Pipe
RIDGID 31100 Model 818 Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench, 18-inch Plumbing Wrench
18 inch aluminum body
2.5 inch jaw capacity
3.8 lb weight
I-beam handle
Pros
- About 40 percent lighter than cast iron equivalents
- I-beam handle with floating forged hook jaw
- Hook jaw heel jaw and spring are replaceable
- Aluminum body resists rust and corrosion
Cons
- Straight pattern jaws can flatten soft brass and chrome
- Aluminum dents if used as a hammer or cheater bar
Reach for this one when the fitting has been painted shut for thirty years. The 2.5 inch jaw capacity covers supply lines and most of the iron and copper you will find in an older house, and the handle length gives you the leverage to break a union without cranking so hard that you strip the threads.
Our pick of the best pipe wrenches for plumbing repairs comes down to weight as much as grip. At 3.8 lb this is an 18 inch wrench you can hold overhead with one arm, and buyers consistently note that the teeth stay sharp after years on rusted pipe rather than glazing over.
The self-cleaning threads on the adjustment nut matter more than they sound. Scale and rust flake off the nut as you close it, so the wrench does not seize halfway through a job with the water off and the family waiting.
RIDGID sells the hook jaw, heel jaw and spring assembly as separate pieces, which turns a dropped wrench into a repair rather than a replacement. That repairability is the argument for spending more here than a department-store alternative.
Who this wrench suits
Homeowners in pre-1970 housing where galvanized risers and cast iron stacks have turned to grit. Anyone replacing a corroded shut-off valve, working a main supply line, or taking apart a water heater connection where the leverage has to come from somewhere.
Overhead work on a pipe drop in a garage or basement is where the aluminum body earns its place. You will notice the difference in your shoulder by the second fitting.
Where it falls short
It is a straight-pattern wrench, so the teeth press straight into the fitting and will mark soft brass or a thin chrome escutcheon if you overtighten. Put a rag between the jaw and anything with a finish you care about.
Aluminum is not steel. Used as a cheater bar to shock a stuck fitting, the frame will take a set, and heavy corrosion around a fitting can pit it. Treat it as a wrench, not a crowbar.
2. RIDGID 31010 Model 10 10-inch Straight: Best for Under-Sink and Behind-Toilet Work
RIDGID 31010 Model 10 Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe Wrench, 10-inch Plumbing Wrench, Red, Black, 250mm (10in)
10 inch ductile iron housing
1.5 inch jaw capacity
0.79 kg
I-beam handle
Pros
- Made in USA with a lifetime warranty
- Ductile iron housing and I-beam handle
- Floating forged hook jaw for fast adjustment
- Self cleaning threads with replaceable jaw parts
Cons
- Jaw shows a little play when new
- Adjustment nut can feel rough instead of silky
This is the wrench that fits where your knuckles do not. At 10 inch with a 1.5 inch jaw capacity it handles supply lines, hose bibs and the small drain fittings under a bathroom vanity, where the pipes are boxed in by framing and the trap.
Minimal clearance is the most common complaint we saw in plumbing forums, and it is rarely about grip strength. It is about swing radius. A shorter handle turns through a smaller arc, which is the whole point when a shut-off valve sits 2 inch from a wall stud.
The ductile iron housing and I-beam handle give it more strength than the compact size suggests. Buyers describe buying the same model again decades later, which is about as good a durability signal as a tool can produce.
It complies with federal specification GGG-W65IE Type all Class A, the spec that covers the plumbing wrenches used on federal and institutional work. If you are chasing which compact wrench is built to standard, that is the one.
Who this wrench suits
Anyone working under a sink, behind a toilet or inside a vanity where a longer handle cannot swing. The 10 inch size is also the right one for replacing a supply line stop valve without removing the drain trap first.
It makes a sensible second wrench alongside the 18 inch model. Two sizes mean you always have leverage that matches the fitting instead of one tool trying to do every job.
Where it falls short
A handful of owners notice a small amount of play in the jaw when the wrench is new, and the adjustment nut can feel rough instead of gliding. Neither stops the wrench from working; both are worth knowing before you buy.
At 1.5 inch capacity it cannot touch a 2 inch union or a gate valve body. For those you need the 18 inch, and trying to force a big fitting with the small wrench is how fittings crack.
3. RIDGID 31305 Model E-110 9.5-inch Hex Jaw: Best All-Round Wrench for Nuts and Packing
RIDGID 31305 Model E-110 9.5″ Offset Hex Jaw Pipe Wrench, Red, Made in The USA
9.5 inch cast iron body
Hex jaw profile
2.63 inch jaw capacity
Offset head
Pros
- Hex jaw grips hex nuts unions and packing nuts from several sides
- Thin smooth jaws reach confined spaces
- Multi sided grip resists slipping
- Lifetime warranty against defects
Cons
- Not built for round pipe grip like a serrated pipe wrench
- Listed weight looks understated against real heft
This is the wrench we reach for when the target has flats. A hex jaw bites several sides of a hex nut, a square nut, a union or a valve packing nut at the same time, so it does not walk the way a serrated pipe wrench does on a machined surface.
It is also among the most-reviewed tools in this roundup, and buyers keep pointing at the same thing: the thin jaws reach places a standard pipe wrench physically will not, and the multi-sided hold means the fitting stops deforming.
Cast iron construction gives it the weight of a larger tool in a 9.5 inch frame, and the wide jaw profile fits around big pipe while the neck stays narrow. That combination is unusual and it is why it works on packing nuts deep inside a valve body.
The lifetime warranty here covers defects in material and workmanship for the normal life of the product, not a fixed term. On a wrench you might keep for a decade, that difference is worth noticing.
Who this wrench suits
Plumbers and serious DIYers who want one tool that covers hex nuts, unions, packing nuts and light round work. If your repairs involve valve internals rather than supply pipe, this earns a permanent spot in the bag.
The capacity runs from 1-1/8 inch to 2-5/8 inch, so it also covers the round work that falls between the 10 inch and 18 inch sizes.
Where it falls short
A hex jaw is not a round pipe gripper. On a corroded galvanized line with no flats, the serrated teeth of a straight pipe wrench bite where these jaws would only pinch a corner.
The listed weight of 0.1 kg looks far lighter than what the cast iron body actually feels in the hand. Do not plan your overhead work around that number.
4. DURATECH 10-inch Aluminum Straight: Budget Pick for Everyday Repairs
DURATECH 10-inch Aluminum Straight Pipe Wrench, Adjustable Plumbing Wrench
10 inch aluminum and alloy steel
0.49 kg
Drop forged Cr-Mo jaw
Slim head
Pros
- About 40 percent lighter than steel equivalents
- Drop forged heat treated Cr-Mo steel jaw
- Slim 10 inch head reaches tight and overhead spots
- Wide I-beam handle with a hang hole
Cons
- Jaw can wander on very round polished pipe
- Brand nameplate has no recognised parts network
At 0.49 kg this is one of the lighter wrenches here, and the review base is the largest. Buyers regularly compare it with big-box pipe wrenches costing far more and conclude it holds its own on ordinary supply work.
The jaw is fully forged CR-Mo steel and heat treated, which is the same basic material description the premium wrenches use. Lightness and tooth hardness are usually a trade-off; here they are not.
The hang hole at the base of the handle matters more than it sounds. A wrench that lives on a pegboard instead of rolling under the sink is a wrench that is still there when the leak comes back.
A small share of reviews report teeth slipping or a quality inconsistency on individual pieces, which is the usual cost of buying from a brand with less retail reach. Treat the first use carefully and check the teeth.
Who this wrench suits
Homeowners and electricians who want a capable straight pipe wrench without a lifetime-warranty budget. It works well as a daily driver for hose bibs, supply stops and trap work in a house that is not a museum piece.
If you work overhead or in a van all day, the weight is the headline. It is roughly 40 percent lighter than a steel equivalent of the same size.
Where it falls short
The jaw can wander slightly on very round, polished pipe if it is not seated carefully. Take a moment to set the hook jaw flat before loading it, especially on chrome supply lines.
There is no spare-parts story here. When the hook jaw wears out you replace the wrench, where a lifetime-warranty brand would send you the part.
5. HORUSDY 4-Piece Set 8 to 14 Inch: Best Set for Building a First Toolkit
HORUSDY 4 Pack Heavy Duty Pipe Wrench Set, Adjustable 8″ 10″ 12″ 14″ Soft Grip Plumbing Wrench Set with Storage Bag
8 / 10 / 12 / 14 inch set
Cast iron handles
Forged steel heads
Storage bag
Pros
- Four sizes cover most household and light trade work
- Deep grooved teeth grip rusted and stuck fittings
- Soft wrapped handles stay comfortable
- Costs less than buying the sizes separately
Cons
- Grip coating peels away with prolonged use
- Heavier than an equivalent aluminum set
If you are starting from nothing, this set removes the sizing problem entirely. The 8, 10, 12 and 14 inch spread covers everything from a small trap adapter to a 1-1/2 inch line, and the bag keeps them together in a van or a closet.
That is the honest answer to the most common forum question from first-time homeowners: a graduated set beats one wrench you keep stretching past its comfort zone. Reviewers describe the same thing, reporting that the set became a permanent toolbox fixture within weeks.
The handles are malleable cast iron with heavy forged steel heads, a combination that shrugs off the drop-and-kick abuse a job site dishes out. Electricians and DIY plumbers report throwing and stepping on them without damage, which is a specific kind of compliment for a wrench.
Deep grooved precision-machined teeth are what lock onto smooth round surfaces like shower arms, sink drains and gutters. The plastic-wrapped handles stay grippy and do not dig into wet hands.
Who this wrench suits
New homeowners, renters and maintenance staff who need full size coverage without buying four tools one at a time. It also suits anyone doing tank maintenance, domestic water pipe work or light vehicle work.
Four sizes means you always have a handle that matches the torque the fitting needs, which is the single biggest cause of stripped and rounded fittings.
Where it falls short
The most common complaint is the soft grip coating peeling away after heavy use. The wrench keeps working; the comfort does not.
Cast iron across four sizes is heavy. Carrying the whole set up a ladder or into a crawlspace is a workout that an aluminum set would not be.
6. DURATECH 14-inch Offset Aluminum: Best for Overhead Fittings and Awkward Angles
DURATECH 14-inch Aluminum Offset Pipe Wrench, Adjustable Plumbing Wrench
14 inch aluminum body
2 inch jaw capacity
45 degree offset head
Drop forged Cr-Mo jaw
Pros
- 45 degree offset head reaches fittings a straight wrench cannot
- About 40 percent lighter than a steel equivalent
- Drop forged through hardened jaw resists distortion
- Handle form does not dig into the palm
Cons
- Jaw holds less consistently on some examples
- Higher share of one-star reviews than the other picks
The 45 degree offset head is the whole point of this wrench. Straight-pattern wrenches need the handle to swing in the same plane as the pipe, which is not possible when the fitting points straight at you from a ceiling or a cramped wall cavity.
The 2 inch jaw capacity sits in the sweet spot for residential work, covering supply pipe from 3/4 inch up to 2 inch. Plumbers using it call the offset head the feature that solves the access problem rather than solves the grip problem.
The jaw is drop forged and through hardened CR-Mo steel with overbite jaws for maximum gripping surface. The ergonomic handle profile is shaped so it does not bite into your palm while you hold the wrench overhead with both hands.
This is the lowest-rated tool in the group, and the reviews explain why. About 8 percent of buyers gave one star, describing a jaw that does not hold consistently or a failure in service, which is normal unit-to-unit variation rather than a design fault.
Who this wrench suits
Anyone working above their head or in a wall cavity where the fitting runs at an angle to the handle. Basement drops, garage ceiling pipes and kitchen sink plumbing in a remodel all fit this description.
It also makes sense as a mid-size between the 10 inch and the 18 inch, giving you 2 inch capacity without carrying the heavier wrench.
Where it falls short
If the jaw feels loose on a new wrench, do not force it. Set it on a known pipe diameter and check the bite before loading it up, because a wandering jaw is how chrome gets marked.
It is the pick here with the thinnest warranty story and the least consistent quality between pieces. Buy it for access geometry, not for grip confidence on seized fittings.
7. KARRYTON 10 / 14 / 18 / 24-inch Set: Best Reach for the Biggest Pipe on the Job
KARRYTON Aluminum Pipe Wrench Set, 10″ 14″ 18″ 24″(4 Pack) Adjustable Straight Handle Plumbing Wrench Set, Heavy Duty Plumbers Tool with Drop Forged Jaw,Exceed the Standard GGG
10 / 14 / 18 / 24 inch set
Jaw openings up to 4 inch
11.2 lb set weight
Aluminum handles
Pros
- Widest jaw range in this group
- Aluminum handles cut fatigue on heavy work
- Cr-Mo steel jaws resist bending and warping
- Anti rust and anti oxidation coating
Cons
- One report of a jaw cracking within two months
- Tradespeople expect replacement after about a year of daily use
Nobody else in this roundup goes past 18 inch. The 24 inch wrench here opens to 4 inch, which is what you need on a main supply line, a boiler connection or a commercial waste stack where a 2 inch jaw simply closes short.
The handles are aluminum alloy with chromium-molybdenum steel jaws, and the whole set weighs 11.2 lb. Two of these four are the size you carry and two are the size you leave in the van for big work only.
Maximum jaw openings are 1-5/8 inch on the 10 inch, 2-3/4 inch on the 14 inch, 3-1/4 inch on the 18 inch and 4 inch on the 24 inch. Thirty-degree wave teeth in a V-shaped opening clamp pipe, bolts and hex nuts.
Buyers use these on hydraulic cylinders and large pipe as much as household plumbing, and the feedback on the top end of the capacity is consistently positive. That is not a tool most homeowners need, but it is the right answer when they do.
Who this wrench suits
People who service main lines, boiler rooms, water heaters and hydronic systems where the fitting is larger than any residential wrench can reach. Maintenance crews and renovators get the most out of the full ladder.
The 10 inch and 14 inch in the set also make it a one-purchase answer for a household that does not yet own any pipe wrenches at all.
Where it falls short
There is no lifetime warranty here. Working plumbers note the set may need replacing after roughly a year of continuous daily use, which is a fair trade for the reach but worth weighing if that is your workload.
One review reports a jaw cracking around the teeth within two months of ordinary service. It is an isolated report in a large review base, not a pattern, but it is worth inspecting the teeth after heavy use.
8. Performance Tool 18-inch Drop-Forged Steel: Best Budget 18-Inch Wrench for Occasional Use
Performance Tool W1133-18B 18 in. Red Drop-Forged Steel Pipe Wrench
18 inch drop forged steel
2.2 lb weight
Enamel paint finish
Precision milled jaws
Pros
- Precision milled and drop forged steel jaws
- Enamel coating slows corrosion
- Light for an 18 inch wrench at 2.2 lb
- Grips flat sided and round pipe
Cons
- Jaw can feel loose and wobble under load
- Teeth can chip at normal torque on a minority of pieces
- Limited warranty instead of lifetime cover
This answers the question forum users ask most often: is a cheaper wrench a false economy for occasional work? At 2.2 lb with drop forged steel jaws, this one holds galvanized fittings and 3/4 inch pipe well enough for weekend repairs, and reviewers report it lasting years.
The enamel paint coating is the durability story. It is not stainless steel and it will scratch, but it keeps rust off the frame long enough for the wrench to sit in a damp garage for years.
Be aware of the gap between the claims and the reality. The listing describes it as made in the USA, and several buyers question that. The warranty is limited rather than for the life of the tool.
Those two facts do not matter much if you own one wrench and use it twice a year. They matter a great deal if you plan to work on galvanized mains every weekend.
Who this wrench suits
Homeowners who need one 18 inch wrench for the occasional seized hose bib and do not plan to build a tool collection. It also works as a beater around the shop for light pipe work.
The 18 inch length gives real leverage, so you do not have to trade grip strength for a lower price the way you would with a small budget wrench.
Where it falls short
Some owners report a loose jaw that tightens or wobbles under load. If the fit is not solid before you apply torque, stop and swap it rather than fighting a moving jaw against a fitting.
A minority of buyers report chipped teeth at normal torque. On corroded iron, check the jaw edges periodically and keep the tool out of the salt and out of the van bed.
Pipe Wrench Buying Guide for Home Plumbing Repairs
What a pipe wrench is and how the jaw works
A pipe wrench is an adjustable wrench with angled, serrated jaws built to grip round pipe and threaded plumbing fittings. The hook jaw sits behind the pipe and the angled teeth dig in as torque is applied, so grip increases with load instead of slipping.
The knurled adjustment nut at the heel sets the jaw opening to the pipe diameter before the wrench goes on. Turn it right to close and left to open, which feels backwards the first few times you use one.
What size pipe wrench do you need
For most homeowners, a 10 inch and a 14 inch pair covers nearly every residential repair. The 14 inch is the default all-purpose choice, and a 10 inch companion handles the tight corners. Add an 18 inch only when you work on main lines, water heaters or older galvanized plumbing.
Pipe capacity is the number that actually matters, and it is larger than the pipe you are turning. A 10 inch wrench closes to 1-1/2 inch, a 14 inch typically to 2 inch, and an 18 inch to 2-1/2 inch. Buy for the biggest fitting you will meet, not the smallest.
The four wrenches a plumber keeps within reach
Straight pipe wrench: round supply pipe, unions, gate valves, cleanout plugs and anything threaded that has turned to crust.
Adjustable wrench: hex nuts and fittings with clean flats, where a serrated jaw would only mark the finish.
Basin wrench: the nut behind a faucet or under a sink, turning in a space no jaw-style wrench can reach.
Strap wrench: chrome, brass, PVC and anything where a tooth mark would be visible. It grips without marring.
Cheater pipe wrenches sit in a fifth category. They clamp a fitting that has already rounded off, which is a rescue tool rather than a first choice.
Pipe wrench vs adjustable wrench
The difference comes down to the target. A pipe wrench has serrated angled teeth for round pipe and grips harder as you pull. An adjustable wrench has smooth parallel jaws for hex nuts and stops tightening when it meets resistance.
Using a pipe wrench on a hex nut works, but it leaves bites in the flats. Using an adjustable wrench on a round pipe usually rounds the fitting and can crack a galvanized one.
Drop forged steel vs cast iron vs aluminum
Drop forged steel is the hardest, heaviest and most abuse-resistant, and it is what you want on seized fittings and in the van. Cast iron is tough and cheaper to produce, which is why it shows up in value sets. Aluminum is roughly 40 percent lighter than steel at the same size, which is what makes it the right choice overhead.
The trade is dent resistance. An aluminum frame used as a hammer or a cheater bar will take a set where a steel frame would not.
Where a pipe wrench is the wrong tool
Soldered copper joints, where you cut the pipe instead of turning it.
PEX, crimped connections and anything that must be pressure tested at a set temperature.
Bleed valves and stopcocks with small soft brass bodies that crack under side load.
Chrome escutcheons and visible trim, where a strap wrench protects the finish.
Fittings with no flats and no round body, such as a broken-off stub, where an internal pipe wrench engages the inside of the pipe.
How to use one without rounding a fitting
Shut the water off at the main and confirm the line is dead before you touch anything.
Set the jaw to the pipe diameter, then place the hook jaw so it bites toward the fitting, not away from it.
Hold the pipe with a second wrench so the turning force does not transfer into the joint behind it. This two-wrench rule prevents the most common cause of a new leak.
Turn in short increments and re-seat the wrench between pulls rather than leaning on one long pull.
Use a drop of penetrating oil on seized fittings before you apply real force, and let it sit.
Budget or pro, and where to buy
Cheap pipe wrenches get three things wrong: light jaws that bend, coarse teeth that slip, and no replacement parts. For occasional work a well-reviewed value wrench is a sensible purchase. For daily work, a lifetime warranty with free replacement jaws is what stops the slow drain on your budget.
Buy from a retailer that carries replacement hook jaws, heel jaws and adjustment nuts. If your local shop cannot get a part for a wrench, the warranty is a marketing line rather than a service. For diagnosing what is failing before you buy, our pipe inspection camera guide covers the camera side of the same repair.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wrenches do plumbers use?
Most plumbers carry four wrench types: a straight pipe wrench for round supply pipe, unions, gate valves and cleanout plugs; an adjustable wrench for hex nuts with clean flats; a basin wrench for faucet and under-sink nuts in tight spaces; and a strap wrench for chrome, brass and PVC where tooth marks would show. Cheater wrenches are kept in the van for fittings that have already rounded off.
What is the most useful pipe wrench size for residential plumbing?
A 14 inch straight pipe wrench is the default all-purpose size for residential work, paired with a 10 inch for under-sink and behind-toilet clearance. A 14 inch typically closes to 2 inch, so it covers most supply pipe. Add an 18 inch only for main lines, water heaters and older galvanized plumbing.
What is the difference between an adjustable wrench and a pipe wrench?
A pipe wrench has angled serrated teeth that grip round pipe and threaded fittings, biting harder as you apply more torque. An adjustable wrench has smooth parallel jaws for hex nuts and fittings with clean flats. Using a pipe wrench on a nut leaves bite marks, and using an adjustable wrench on round pipe rounds or cracks the fitting.
Which pipe wrench is better, a Milwaukee or a Ridgid?
RIDGID is the more established name in pipe wrenches, with a lifetime warranty and replaceable hook jaw, heel jaw and spring parts across its size range. Milwaukee competes strongly in aluminum and heavy duty models. For most homeowners the deciding factor is not the brand but whether the retailer stocks replacement parts for the model you buy.
Can you use a pipe wrench on copper pipe?
Yes, on supply pipe and fittings, because the serrated teeth bite into soft copper readily. Avoid a pipe wrench on a soldered joint or on a fitting you plan to reuse, since the marks can weaken the fitting or make it leak later. Use a strap wrench on visible chrome and brass trim instead.
Are cheap pipe wrenches worth buying?
For occasional home repairs, a well-reviewed value wrench with forged steel jaws is a sensible purchase rather than a false economy. For daily work, budget wrenches fall short because of light jaws that bend, coarse teeth that slip on corroded pipe, and no replacement parts when the hook jaw wears out.
Which Pipe Wrench Should You Buy in 2026
Buy the RIDGID 31100 Model 818 if you want one wrench that handles corroded valves, main lines and the leverage to back them out. It is the wrench we would buy first from this roundup of the best pipe wrenches for plumbing repairs, and its 2.5 inch capacity covers the range most people never exceed.
Add the RIDGID 31010 Model 10 as your tight-space companion, and the E-110 hex jaw wrench if your work involves unions, packing nuts and fittings with flats. For occasional work and a smaller outlay, the DURATECH 10 inch aluminum delivers forged steel jaws at a weight you can hold overhead.
The rule that matters most is simple. Match the wrench to the fitting, hold the pipe with a second wrench so the joint behind it never takes the load, and buy a tool with replacement parts available. Do that and the next repair is a fifteen minute job instead of a call to a plumber.