Spring plungers are handy little things that can be used for a number of different purposes. You can even buy them online and make them yourself, which will save you money. But where to start? Do they all have the same advantages and disadvantages? Here’s what you should know about using spring plungers in different applications.
What are Spring Plungers?
Spring plungers are cylindrical or tapered pieces of metal that are designed to pierce the toughest materials like concrete and steel. They are often made with a hard spring that makes them ideal for penetrating brick, block, stone, and other masonry. Some models feature a stainless steel tip to increase corrosion resistance. Spring plungers can be used to pierce door jambs, heavy timber, concrete slabs, rock, and other similar applications.
When to Use Spring Plungers
Spring plungers are most useful when used in conjunction with other demolition tools like a sledgehammer, chisel, and pry bar. You can also use them to pry open doors, remove cabinets, and remove studs from the wall. When used appropriately, they can also be used to break through ice and snow.
How to use a Spring Plumber
Before you begin to use a spring plunger, be sure to read and understand the instructions carefully. It’s better to be too careful than sorry. Some people make the mistake of using the spring plunger as a pry bar, when in reality it’s better used as a hammer. The spring plunger’s striking surface should be perpendicular to the intended hole location.
When using a hammer, strike the bar a short distance away from the hole location. As you drive the spring plunger into the hole, you want to move the hammer backward to strike the bar again. This is called reverse pressure striking and it is critical to the success of this tool.
The Best Types of Spring Plunger
There are basically four types of spring plumbers: serrated, smooth, serrated plus shag and weighted. We’ll discuss them all briefly below.
Which Way Should a Spring Plumber Be Used?
If you’re working with a tight space, like a crawl space or a small garage, you should use a serrated spring plumber. These types of plumbers have serrations on both ends, which are perfect for achieving a clean break in the wall.
If you’re working into a slightly wider space, like a kitchen, bathroom or living room, you should use a smooth spring plumber. These types of plumbers don’t have serrations on both ends, but instead have grooves on one end and a serrations on the other.
Conclusion
The best way to decide which type of spring plunger to use is to measure the opening of the wall you’ll be using it in. If the opening is smaller than the bar of your spring plunger, you should probably use a serrated plunger. If the opening is larger than the bar of your plunger, you should probably use a smooth plunger.
Don’t let the terms “best” or “second best” guide your decision. Just use common sense and make sure you’re using the correct tool for the application. Learn more>>>
