Measuring Tools

Pipe welding demands consistent arc control, dependable amperage output, and equipment suited to the material thickness and welding position. A capable stick welder can handle carbon-steel pipe fabrication, repairs, and fieldwork without requiring shielding gas, making shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) practical for many outdoor applications. The right machine should support the electrodes required for … Read more

Repairing an exhaust pipe with a stick welder requires careful electrode selection because exhaust tubing is often thin and vulnerable to burn-through. The right welding rod should provide manageable arc characteristics, suitable penetration, and compatibility with the pipe’s base metal. Mild steel, aluminized steel, and stainless steel each have different welding requirements, so identifying the … Read more

Stainless steel exhaust pipes are a popular choice for automotive repairs, custom exhaust fabrication, and performance upgrades because they offer good resistance to heat, oxidation, and corrosion. The right pipe can provide long service life while handling engine vibration and repeated temperature changes. Options vary by steel grade, diameter, wall thickness, length, and bend configuration, … Read more

Painting copper pipes can improve their appearance and help create a consistent finish on exposed plumbing, decorative pipework, and DIY metal projects. The best spray paint should adhere well to properly prepared copper, resist peeling, and withstand the conditions surrounding the pipe. Indoor decorative piping may need only a smooth metallic or satin finish, while … Read more

A quality stove pipe provides the connector between a wood stove and an approved chimney, so construction, diameter, and listing matter more than appearance. Single-wall steel pipe offers a lower-cost option and radiates more heat into the room, while listed double-wall pipe keeps flue gases hotter and can allow substantially closer clearances to combustible materials. … Read more

A wood stove pipe serves as the connector between the appliance and the chimney, carrying hot combustion gases safely away from the firebox. Single-wall and double-wall connector pipes suit different installations: single-wall models provide more radiant heat but require greater clearance, while double-wall designs keep flue gases hotter and typically allow closer placement to combustible … Read more

Stove pipe joints need a sealant that can withstand sustained heat without breaking down or releasing unwanted fumes. High-temperature furnace cements and stove-specific gasket cements are designed for metal-to-metal or metal-to-masonry joints, with products such as Rutland and Imperial offering formulations rated to 2,000°F or higher. The type of joint determines which sealant makes sense. … Read more

A stove pipe thermometer helps monitor flue temperature so you can avoid running a wood stove too cool or too hot. Magnetic surface thermometers work well on single-wall stovepipe because they attach directly to the metal, while double-wall pipe requires a probe thermometer that measures the temperature inside the flue. Temperature range and readability matter … Read more

A stud, electrical, and pipe finder needs to identify more than framing behind drywall. Modern electronic wall scanners can detect wood or metal studs, live electrical wiring, and metal pipes, while more advanced models can also identify non-magnetic metals and water-filled plastic pipes. Recent testing shows that electronic scanners provide a more useful safety check … Read more

Copper threaded connections need a sealant that fills the small gaps between mating threads without damaging the metal or interfering with the system’s contents. PTFE-based pipe joint compounds and thread-sealing tapes are commonly used on threaded copper fittings, while the correct product depends on the fluid, pressure, temperature, and fitting materials involved. Oatey, for example, … Read more