"I've been using sandpaper since it's cheaper, but wondering if the actual tool makes a noticeable difference or if it's just marketing hype..."
Honestly, sandpaper or a file works fine most of the time—especially if you're careful. I've used both methods plenty, and while the deburring tool is quicker and cleaner, it's not a game changer unless you're doing tons of pipework regularly. If you're just tackling occasional DIY fixes, stick with sandpaper or a file...save your cash for something more useful.
I've used both methods plenty, and while the deburring tool is quicker and cleaner, it's not a game changer unless you're doing tons of pipework regularly.
I agree with this for the most part. I've done a fair bit of DIY plumbing since buying my first house (mostly out of necessity, haha), and honestly, sandpaper or a file has always gotten me by just fine. But I will say, the one time I borrowed a buddy's deburring tool, it did make things noticeably quicker and smoother—especially when I was working in a tight spot under the sink. Less awkward angles and fewer scraped knuckles, you know?
Still, I haven't felt the need to actually buy one myself yet. If you're just dealing with the occasional leak or minor fix, sandpaper is totally fine. But if you ever find yourself doing a bigger plumbing project or replacing a bunch of pipes at once, borrowing or renting one might be worth it just to save some hassle.
Yeah, I get what you're saying. I've always just stuck with sandpaper myself—never felt like shelling out for another tool I'd use maybe twice a year. But your point about tight spaces...
"Less awkward angles and fewer scraped knuckles, you know?"
...definitely tempting me a bit, haha. Maybe I'll borrow one next time.
I used to think the same, figured sandpaper and elbow grease were enough... until one night I ended up hunched under the sink at 2am, swearing quietly (kids asleep) and nursing scraped knuckles.
Definitely learned my lesson, haha."Less awkward angles and fewer scraped knuckles, you know?"
Been there myself, man... Late-night plumbing adventures are a rite of passage, I swear. One time, I figured I'd just tighten a fitting real quick before bed—no big deal, right? Wrong. Ended up soaked, crouched awkwardly between cleaning supplies and the garbage disposal, flashlight clenched between my teeth. Definitely learned the value of prepping properly after that.
Something I've found helps is using one of those adjustable basin wrenches. They're weird-looking and kinda awkward at first, but once you get the hang of it, they save your knuckles big time. Also, if space is tight, taking a couple extra minutes to clear out under the sink completely makes a huge difference. Less stuff in your way means fewer bruises and scrapes.
Curious though, did you end up replacing the pipe entirely or just patching it up temporarily? I've been debating whether quick fixes are worth it or if it's better to bite the bullet and swap things out completely.
