Pipe Tools & Installation Equipment for Thermoplastic Pipework
Professional pipe tools and installation equipment for faster, cleaner and more
reliable thermoplastic pipework installation.
About Our Pipe Tools & Installation Equipment Range
IPS Flow Systems supplies professional pipe tools and installation equipment for
thermoplastic pipework across the UK and Ireland.
The range supports plastic pipe cutting, chamfering, deburring, alignment, joint
assembly, pressure testing, solvent welding and heat-fusion welding. Products
include hand tools, plastic pipe cutters, pipe preparation tools, welding torches,
socket fusion tools, electrofusion machines, butt fusion machines and specialist high-purity welding equipment.
These tools support PVC-U, PVC-C, ABS, polypropylene, polyethylene, PVDF and other thermoplastic piping systems.
Selecting the correct pipe tool helps installers work more safely and efficiently while producing cleaner, more consistent joints.
Explore our Pipe Tools & Installation Equipment for Thermoplastic Pipework
Tools for Cutting, Chamfering and Joining Plastic Pipe
Correct pipe preparation is essential before a thermoplastic pipe is joined.
The pipe should be cut square, properly chamfered where required and deburred internally and externally. Poor preparation can prevent the pipe from seating correctly inside a fitting and may affect the reliability of a solvent-welded or heat-fused joint.
IPS supplies plastic pipe cutters, ratchet shears, pipe saws, bevellers, deburring
tools, pipe joiners and workholding equipment.
A suitable cutter produces a clean, controlled cut without unnecessarily deforming the pipe. Chamfering and deburring tools then prepare the pipe end for assembly, helping the fitting seat correctly and reducing the risk of damage during insertion.
Welding & Fusion Equipment for Thermoplastic Pipe Systems
Different thermoplastic materials require different jointing methods.
PVC-U, PVC-C and ABS piping systems are normally assembled using solvent
cement. Polypropylene, polyethylene and PVDF resist most organic solvents and therefore require heat-fusion methods.
IPS supplies equipment for:
- socket fusion;
- electrofusion;
- butt fusion;
- infrared fusion;
- beadless welding;
- hot-air welding;
- extrusion welding.
Selected welding equipment is available for sale or hire, subject to availability.
Detailed installation instructions and training are also available on request, helping installers follow the correct preparation, heating, joining and cooling procedures.
Explore Our Pipe Tools & Installation Equipment Range
The IPS installation tools range includes everyday hand tools as well as advanced welding equipment for site, workshop and high-purity applications
Products include:
- strap wrenches;
- ratchet shears;
- plastic pipe saws;
- quick-release pipe cutters;
- large-diameter pipe cutters;
- bevellers and deburring tools;
- Tri stands and field vises;
- pipe jacks and supports;
- hydrostatic test pumps;
- pipe and fitting pullers;
- portable pipe cutting systems;
- pipe repair products;
- solvent cement applicators;
- hand-held hot-air welding tools;
- socket fusion equipment;
- electrofusion control units;
- butt fusion machines;
- high-purity and infrared welding systems.
Featured brands include Reed Manufacturing, Exact Tools, Weld-On, Wegener,
WDS, Caldertech, Hurner, and AGRU.
Key Features of Our Installation Tools
The correct installation tool helps installers complete thermoplastic pipework accurately and consistently. Cutting, chamfering, alignment, welding and pressure testing all affect the quality of the finished piping system. Using unsuitable equipment may damage the pipe, restrict correct fitting insertion or produce an unreliable joint. The IPS range supports small-diameter tube preparation, large pipe cutting, site welding, workshop fabrication, confined-space installation and controlled high-purity applications.
Faster Installation Compared with Metallic Systems
Thermoplastic pipework can often be installed more quickly than equivalent metallic systems.
Plastic pipe is generally lighter and easier to handle, cut and position. PVC-U, PVC-C and ABS systems can also be assembled using cold solvent welding without threading, soldering or traditional metal welding equipment.
However, a faster installation still depends on correct pipe preparation and jointing.
Clean cuts, suitable tools and proper installation procedures remain essential.
The Right Tool Improves Time and Efficiency
Using the correct pipe tool helps reduce wasted time and avoid unnecessary rework.
A ratchet shear can provide controlled, one-handed cutting on suitable smaller
plastic pipe materials. A quick-release cutter can produce clean, square cuts on
materials such as PVC and CPVC when fitted with the appropriate cutting wheel.
Pipe bevellers help form a controlled bevel, while deburring tools remove sharp or uneven edges. Pipe and fitting pullers help align larger solvent-welded systems and hold joints in place while the cement cures.
These individual preparation stages contribute to a cleaner and more reliable
finished installation.
Supports Solvent Welding and Heat-Fusion Requirements
The IPS range supports both solvent-welded and heat-fused thermoplastic systems. PVC-U, PVC-C and ABS systems require the correct solvent cement, primer, cleaner and application equipment.
PP, PE and PVDF systems normally require socket fusion, electrofusion, butt fusion or specialist welding equipment.
Selecting tools according to the pipe material, diameter, pressure class and joining method helps ensure the equipment is suitable for the installation.
Pipe Preparation and Joint Assembly Tools
Reed Manufacturing supplies tools for cutting, beveling, deburring, preparing and
joining plastic pipe.
The range includes strap wrenches designed to grip pipe without unnecessarily
scratching or deforming the surface, as well as saws, tubing cutters, ratchet shears and large-diameter preparation tools.
Ratchet shears are suitable for selected materials, including PE, PP, PEX and ABS. For PVC or CPVC pressure pipe, the appropriate quick-release tubing cutter and cutter wheel should be used.
Tri stands, field vises and pipe jacks provide stable support while pipe is cut,
prepared and assembled.
Portable Pipe Cutting and Bevelling Equipment
Exact Tools portable pipe cutting systems are designed to produce clean, accurate cuts on site.
The PipeCut 170E is a lightweight portable saw for cutting metal and plastic pipe up to 170mm outside diameter. The PipeCut P400E is designed specifically for plastic pipe and can cut, bevel or cut and bevel in one operation when used with the appropriate blade.
Model availability and regional specifications should be confirmed before ordering.
Available for Sale or Hire
Selected welding machines and specialist installation equipment are available for
sale or hire.
Hiring equipment is practical where a contractor needs a socket fusion, butt fusion or specialist welding machine for a particular project without requiring permanent ownership.
Availability, tooling, voltage, size range and included accessories should be
confirmed when arranging equipment hire.
Training is also available to help site teams use the equipment correctly.
Installation Instructions and Training Available
Detailed installation instructions are available for IPS thermoplastic piping systems.
Training can also be provided on site or at the IPS training facility, subject to
requirements and availability.
Training may cover:
- pipe preparation;
- cutter and beveller use;
- solvent welding;
- socket fusion;
- electrofusion;
- butt fusion;
- heating and cooling times;
- alignment;
- weld recording;
- safe equipment handling.
Consistent training helps teams follow the same installation procedures and
improves the repeatability of finished joints
Installation Tools Applications
Pipe tools and welding equipment are used across a wide range of thermoplastic pipework installations. Applications include water treatment, chemical processing, industrial services, drainage systems, utilities, high-purity pipework and controlled manufacturing environments. The correct equipment depends on the pipe material, outside diameter, wall thickness, joining method and installation conditions.
General Thermoplastic Pipework Installation
General thermoplastic pipework installation includes cutting, preparing, joining, supporting and testing plastic piping systems. PVC-U, PVC-C and ABS systems usually require cutting and chamfering tools together with approved solvent welding products. PP, PE and PVDF installations require suitable heat-fusion equipment, which may include socket fusion tools, electrofusion control units or butt fusion machines. Pressure testing equipment can then be used where appropriate to check the completed installation.
Site and Workshop Pipe Fabrication
Portable cutters, tristands, vises and pipe jacks help installers prepare pipe on site. Workshop fusion machines provide stable clamping, controlled alignment and repeatable movement for socket or butt-fusion fabrication. The choice between portable and workshop equipment depends on the pipe diameter, project location, production volume and required level of control.
Pipe Repair and Maintenance
The range also includes products for temporary or emergency pipe repair. The InduMar Stop It Pipe Repair System is a composite repair product suitable for many metal and plastic piping materials, including PVC, CPVC, PVDF, PE, PP, steel and fibreglass. The system can be applied without hot work and hardens in approximately 30 minutes under normal conditions. Final suitability, operating pressure and expected repair life depend on the pipe material and service conditions. Current product instructions should always be checked before use.
Hot-Air and Extrusion Welding
Wegener equipment supports hot-air and extrusion welding of thermoplastic sheet, pipe and fabricated components. Current product families include Duratherm3 and Autotherm4 external-air welding tools, together with self-contained hot-air tools and EXWELD 4-series extrusion welders. Depending on the model, features may include electronic temperature control, digital displays, material recipes, cold-start protection, replaceable welding shoes and illuminated work areas. Product names, specifications and availability should be checked against the current Wegener range before ordering.
Socket Fusion Welding
Socket fusion joins thermoplastic pipe and fittings by heating the external pipe surface and internal fitting socket using matched heating tools. IPS supplies portable hand-held equipment and workshop machines for materials including PE, PP, PB and PVDF where socket fusion is approved by the piping system manufacturer. The correct heating blocks, preparation tools, temperature settings and heating times must be used for each pipe material and diameter.
Electrofusion Welding
Electrofusion uses fittings containing integrated electrical heating elements. The Caldertech Proxima Centaur electrofusion control unit supports Fusamatic, barcode and manual welding modes for HDPE fittings up to 1000mm.
Current supplier information lists:
- 8–48V output; storage for up to 704 weld records;
- IP54 environmental protection; optional GPS and digital quality-assurance features;
- IP54 environmental protection; optional GPS and digital quality-assurance features;
The correct control unit, leads and fitting parameters must be confirmed before welding.
Butt Fusion Welding
Butt fusion equipment joins prepared pipe ends by heating them against a controlled
heating plate and pressing them together under defined conditions.
IPS supplies compact and larger WIDOS and Hurner butt fusion machines for PE,
PP and PVDF systems.
Available equipment covers small installation and confined-space work through to larger construction-site and trench applications.
Depending on the model, machines may support manual operation, weld logging or
CNC control.
Solvent-Welded Plastic Pipe Systems
Weld-On supplies solvent cements, primers, cleaners and application equipment for PVC, CPVC, ABS and other compatible plastic piping systems.
The range includes product-specific options for different pipe materials, diameters and applications.
Examples include:
Weld-On 719 PVC: an extra heavy-bodied, slow-setting PVC cement for
larger industrial PVC pipework;
Weld-On 724 CPVC: a heavy-bodied CPVC cement for chemical piping
applications and approved Corzan CPVC systems;
Weld-On 725 Wet R Dry: a fast-setting PVC cement for wet conditions and applications requiring rapid pressurisation;
Weld-On P-70: an industrial primer for preparing PVC and CPVC pipe and fitting surfaces.
The correct cement, primer and applicator must be selected according to the pipe material, system approval, diameter and operating conditions.
High-Purity & Controlled-Process Installations
High-purity and controlled-process installations require repeatable welding, clean joint surfaces and reliable process documentation.
AGRU welding technology supports controlled joining of high-performance
thermoplastic piping systems.
Current equipment includes:
- SP 110-S V3 infrared welding equipment;
- larger SP-series infrared welding machines;
- SP 63 mobile equipment for pipeline tie ins;
- SP 110-B beadless welding technology;
- HPF-E-Socket electrofusion fittings for ultra-high-purity PVDF systems;
Selected machines monitor and record welding parameters and may automatically adjust settings according to material and environmental conditions.
This level of control is valuable in semiconductor, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other high-purity applications where joint traceability and cleanliness are important.
Our Partners & Brands in Pipe Tools
IPS works with recognised manufacturers of professional pipe tools and
thermoplastic welding equipment.
Reed Manufacturing
Reed supplies tools for cutting, gripping, beveling, deburring, supporting and joining plastic pipe. The range includes strap wrenches, ratchet shears, saws, quick-release cutters, tristands, vises, pipe jacks, test pumps and pipe preparation tools.
Exact Tools
Exact Tools supplies portable pipe cutting and beveling systems for site and workshop use. Models include compact equipment for small and medium pipe diameters as well as specialist plastic pipe cutting systems.
Weld-On
Weld-On Adhesives, Inc., a subsidiary of IPS Corporation, manufactures solvent cements, primers, cleaners and application tools for plastic piping systems. Product selection must be based on the pipe material, diameter, system approval and operating application.
Wegener
Wegener supplies hot-air welding tools, extrusion welders, nozzles and thermoplastic fabrication equipment. The range supports workshop, site and specialist plastic fabrication applications.
WDS
WDS manufactures socket fusion and butt fusion equipment for thermoplastic pipe and fittings. The range includes hand-held heating tools, workshop machines, compact site equipment and larger fusion systems.
Gawaplast
Gawaplast AG (Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland) supplies and fabricates plastic pipeline systems for gas, water and energy distribution. The offer covers PE pipe and fittings supply, prefabrication and welded assemblies, technical consultancy, on-site installation support, pressure testing and welding equipment service and training.
Caldertech
Caldertech supplies electrofusion control units and associated digital welding support equipment for PE piping systems.
AGRU
AGRU supplies controlled welding technology for industrial, high-purity and cleanroom thermoplastic piping systems. The range includes infrared, beadless, socket and electrofusion technologies.
Installation Tools technical resources
The IPS Installation Tools handbook section provides further information on pipe
tools, preparation equipment and welding machines.
It includes product information for:
- cutting and preparation tools;
- vises and pipe supports;
- pressure testing;
- pipe joint assembly;
- pipe repair;
- solvent welding;
- hot-air welding;
- socket fusion;
- electrofusion;
- butt fusion;
- infrared and high-purity welding.
Use the handbook to review tool capacities, product codes, power requirements,
pipe size ranges and application suitability.
Download the Installation Tools Section of Our Handbook
Download the Installation Tools section of the IPS handbook for details of hand tools, pipe cutters, preparation tools, test equipment and thermoplastic welding machines. The handbook can help contractors, engineers and purchasing teams identify suitable equipment before ordering or arranging hire.
Download the Euro Version of the Installation Tools Section
A Euro version of the Installation Tools handbook section is also available. It contains the same technical product information in a euro pricing format for customers, contractors and project teams working with euro-based purchasing requirements.
Why Choose IPS Flow Systems for Pipe Tools?
IPS Flow Systems supplies pipe tools and installation equipment for thermoplastic piping systems used across water, chemical, industrial and controlled-process applications. Customers can source pipe preparation tools, solvent welding products, fusion equipment, equipment hire and technical support from one specialist supplier.
Wide Range of Pipe Tools
The range covers equipment from compact hand cutters and ratchet shears through to electrofusion, butt fusion and infrared welding systems. This helps installers source tools for pipe preparation, jointing, testing and repair from one supplier.
Support for Different Plastic Pipe Systems
IPS supplies equipment for PVC-U, PVC-C, ABS, PP, PE, PVDF and high-purity thermoplastic systems. Because each material has different joining requirements, the correct cutter, cement, heating tool or welding machine must be selected for the piping system.
Sale, Hire and Training Options
Selected welding equipment is available for sale or hire. Installation instructions, technical guidance and installer training are also available on request, helping teams use equipment correctly and produce more consistent joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is using the correct installation tool important?
The installation tool affects the quality of the complete pipe system. A poor cut, rough edge, incorrect bevel or badly aligned joint can lead to weak bonding, incomplete fitting insertion or failed fusion. The correct cutter, chamfering tool, applicator, heating head or welding machine helps prepare and join the pipe consistently. It can also reduce installation time by avoiding preventable damage and rework.
Which tools are needed to install plastic pipe?
The tools required depend on the pipe material and joining method. A typical installation may require a pipe cutter or saw, chamfering tool, deburring tool, measuring equipment, alignment tools and suitable pipe supports. Solvent-welded systems also require approved cement, primer and applicators. Heat-fused systems require socket fusion, electrofusion, butt fusion or specialist welding equipment.
Can the same pipe cutter be used for every plastic material?
No. Some cutters are suitable for materials such as PE, PP, PEX and ABS, while rigid PVC or CPVC pressure pipe may require a different cutter or cutting wheel. The tool manufacturer’s material and pipe-size guidance should always be checked before cutting.
What is the difference between socket fusion and butt fusion?
Socket fusion heats the outside of the pipe and the inside of a matching fitting socket. The heated components are then joined together. Butt fusion heats two prepared pipe or fitting ends against a heating plate. The surfaces are then pressed together under controlled conditions. The correct method depends on the piping system, material, diameter and manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Is welding equipment available to hire?
Selected thermoplastic welding machines are available for hire, subject to availability. The available package may include the main machine, clamps, inserts, heating tools and related accessories. Voltage, size range and included equipment should be confirmed when booking.
Why choose thermoplastic systems instead of metal piping?
Thermoplastic piping systems are lightweight, corrosion resistant and can be quicker to install than many metallic alternatives. They are suitable for a wide range of water, chemical, industrial and high-purity applications. However, material selection must still account for pressure, temperature, chemical compatibility, mechanical loading and installation conditions.
