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Case Study: How a 4th Generation Edinburgh Plumber Found a Game-Changer for Pipe Chamfering on Site
Ryan Mills, a fourth-generation plumber from Loanhead, Midlothian, recently trialled two of our key drainage tools on site. His family-run business GD Mills Plumbing & Heating, founded by his father Gary Mills in 1983, has been serving Edinburgh, The Lothians, and parts of Fife for over 40 years. Ryan joined in 2005, continuing the tradition of offering expert Plumbing, Heating & Gas services. You can also see examples of his work on his Instagram, Tiktok and X accounts.
With his experience and as a MasterTEC Vaillant specialist, Ryan knows the importance of quality tools. That’s why our Chamf pipe chamfering tool and PipeGrip pipe clamp were a perfect fit for his drainage work.
Faster, Cleaner, Safer Pipe Chamfering
The Chamf tool quickly became a new favourite on Ryan’s van – his first thoughts were clear:
“Should have bought this years ago!”
Designed for 110mm PVC pipe chamfering, the Metex chamfer tool gets the job done in just 15-20 seconds. It creates a clean 15-degree industry standard chamfer, ideal for drain and soil pipes. It also fits onto any standard power drill or cordless drill. This speeds up pipe deburring and ensures smooth, professional results every time.
For Ryan, the difference in speed and finish was clear:
“Previously I was doing this by hand with a rasp. Very time-consuming and it doesn’t leave the greatest of finishes.”
Using Chamf for the first time was a breeze for Ryan – and compared to manual methods, it also delivered noticeably better results:
“Straight into the drill without any problems and it’s pretty self-explanatory how you use it. Great finish from the first attempt. Compared to a rasp it’s far cleaner.”
Using Chamf is also significantly safer than other deburring methods like angle grinders. On busy sites, angle grinders can be a hazard – especially when used for fine tasks like chamfering. Risks include deep cuts, flying shards, or loss of control, particularly when working in awkward positions or unstable ground.
We designed Chamf to eliminate these risks by offering a safer, more controlled way to chamfer PVC pipes.
Ryan takes site safety seriously and added:
“Basically, I feel safety glasses should always be worn when using power tools. That’s whether you’re using the chamfer tool or a grinder.”
With Chamf, there’s no exposed blade or spinning disc, making it a safer tool for busy or uneven site conditions.
Safe, One-Person Setup for Cutting and Chamfering with PipeGrip
Ryan also tested our PipeGrip, a heavy-duty pipe support and clamp built for 110mm and 160mm PVC pipes. Built from powder-coated steel, it’s stable on uneven ground and designed for solo use, keeping pipes steady and hands safe during chamfering or cutting.
This not only makes the job quicker but also reduces the risk of slips, pipe movement, or accidental tool contact by keeping the pipe firmly in place.
Ryan found it intuitive and practical:
“It’s very self-explanatory to use, and I can’t think of any scenarios where it wouldn’t be beneficial to have it.”
While it’s helpful for chamfering, Ryan pointed out its real strength:
“The PipeGrip certainly helps, but it’s not essential. The PipeGrip comes into its own for cutting though, no doubting that.”
By keeping the pipe steady, it reduces the need for a second person, making the process both safer and more efficient. And combined with the chamfer tool, PipeGrip creates a safe, reliable system for pipe prep on any site.
Ryan’s Feedback on Our Drainage Tools
In conclusion, Ryan found the two drainage tools very useful, and would recommend them to plumbers and drainage contractors: “Definitely. Especially if you’re doing a lot of drainage work, it would be a wise addition to the toolkit.”
And if he could make one small improvement?
“Maybe just the section which goes into the drill on the chamfer tool. A hex bit would be a nice improvement!”
Conclusion
Our drainage tools are designed for professionals like Ryan – plumbers who value speed, safety, and precision. From speeding up pipe chamfering and deburring to holding pipes steady on uneven ground, these tools are designed for hardworking tradespeople who want to do the job right – while reducing on-site hazards.
Ready to work safer and smarter? Discover how the Metex Chamfer tool and PipeGrip can make your drainage pipe work faster, safer, and easier.
Find a retailer or contact us for more information and expert advice!
Have you already used Chamf or Pipegrip? Let us know how you got on!
