PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2025 32 Tools& Workwear
it’s no surprise that more installers are making the move into the renewables market. And for good reason. Heat pumps are incredibly effi cient, supplying more energy than they consume by extracting heat from their surroundings. They use natural, inexhaustible energy sources and can be up to fi ve times more effi cient than traditional gas heating, making them a key player in the move towards low carbon homes. With installations on the rise,
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more skilled professionals will be needed to meet demand. If you’re working with heat pumps, or planning to, it’s essential to have the right tools to get the job done effi ciently and professionally. So here are our top tool picks for heat pump installations.
Get a grip When installing a heat pump, you need a strong, reliable grip on pipe connections so a solid pair of water pump pliers comes in handy. Our Cobra 250mm is a great choice for the job – it’s compact enough to fi t into tight spaces but still gives you plenty of gripping power. The self-locking jaws mean no slipping when tightening compression fi ttings or unions and the push-button adjustment makes switching between diff erent pipe sizes quick and easy. It’s a simple but essential tool that helps keep pipework secure without hassle. Tightening compression fi ttings
on pipework is a common task during heat pump installations but using the wrong tool can damage delicate surfaces. For instance, the Knipex Pliers Wrench is the perfect alternative to an adjustable spanner with smooth jaws that won’t scratch fi ttings. Unlike traditional spanners, it applies even pressure across the fi tting, reducing the risk of rounding off edges. Its ratchet-like function allows for quick, easy adjustments and with 10 times the hand force amplifi cation, installers can get a fi rm grip without lots of eff ort. The Pliers Wrench is ideal for securing pipework connections without damage so is a must-have for professionals working with heat pump systems.
Easy adjustment If your heat pump installation involves working on existing pipework, that means dealing with stubborn, worn or rusted fasteners. TwinGrip Slip Joint Pliers are designed for exactly this scenario. These pliers give you a strong grip from both the front and the side, making it easy to tackle rounded or damaged screws and bolts. With push-button adjustment, you get a precise grip every time – no slipping so you won’t get frustrated and they are very slim too so work really well in confi ned spaces. They come
Is your kit optimised for heat pumps?
With heat pump installations on the rise, having the right tools is just as important as having the right skills, says Jason Cunningham, product & technical support at Knipex.
Pipe cutter for composite and plastic pipes
Jason Cunningham Product & technical support at Knipex
with a choice of plastic-coated handles or the new comfort handles with KNIPEXtend, so you can personalise your grip. Heat pumps require careful
electrical installation, from control wiring to terminal connections. The NexStrip is a three-in-one tool that strips, cuts and crimps, making it ideal for working on electrical connections. The automatic adjustment makes it very precise when stripping diff erent cables, and the square crimping function gives a reliable and uniform connection for wire ferrules. For heat pump installers handling electrical terminations, this tool speeds up the process without sacrifi cing quality. Heat pumps are the perfect
Knipex NexStrip multi-tool for electricians
partner to underfl oor heating. If an installation includes PEX and multilayer pipes to connect to underfl oor heating, the Pipe Cutter for composite and plastic pipes comes in very handy. It’s designed to deliver clean, right- angled cuts on composite and plastic pipes without crushing or deformation. The freely rotating cutting wheel reduces friction, making cutting up to 60% easier than conventional shears. With a compact design and an ergonomic grip, it’s an essential tool for professionals working with plastic pipework.
Cable cuts Installing a heat pump often involves running power cables from the consumer unit. The StepCut Cable Shears are specially designed for eff ortless cutting without crushing the cable strands. The step-cut function reduces eff ort by 40%, making them perfect for cutting multi-core cables up to 50mm2
. A pinch guard
ensures safe handling and their compact 160mm size makes them easy to use in tight spaces. A heat pump installation involves
High-tech water pump pliers
Pliers and wrench in a single tool
a mix of plumbing, electrical and mechanical work, so having the right tools is key to ensuring a professional, high-quality fi nish. From damage-free compression fi ttings to clean pipe and cable cuts and secure electrical crimps, we off er a range of solutions designed to make heat pump installations easier, safer and more effi cient. ◼
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ith heat pump installations more than doubling between 2021 and 2024,
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