The Rain Bird Rotor Tool 5000 Screwdriver is a perfectly fine way of adjusting sprinklers.
I thought I would just leave it in my box of spare sprinkler heads, using it every spring to fine tune my irrigation. However, this supposedly single purpose tool is surprisingly useful and has been elevated in status to the top drawer in my tool cabinet.
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It’s a Great Sprinkler Adjustment Tool
I picked up the screwdriver when I was in Home Depot. My cart was loaded up with sprinkler heads and various 3/4″ PVC pipe parts for an irrigation upgrade. The sprinklers I planned to use allowed a variety of different adjustments. I spotted this screwdriver, and at only $5, it was an easy impulse purchase.
As a sprinkler adjusting tool, it does a fine job. The head is the right length to fit into the head of the sprinkler and it engages nicely with screws and the wings stop you pushing too far.
On that basis alone, it’s recommended.
Anchor Fastener Remover
Whilst rebuilding one of my many aluminum extrusion cabinets, I hit a snag when one of the anchors got wedged in place. I couldn’t find a tool that was thin enough and strong enough to get under the neck of the anchor. A utility knife was too weak, a putty knife was too wide, and I didn’t really want to break the tip off my Wera screwdrivers. So I grabbed the Rain Bird screwdriver to give it a try.
It turned out to be the perfect tool for the job. It’s thin enough to get between the frame and the anchor, and it slides nicely under the anchor. The tip is so thin that it will actually bend when used, which would automatically reject it as a screwdriver, but it’s particularly helpful in this case.
T-Slot Cover Remover
I also found the side wings of the screwdriver to be handy when trying to pry out T-Slot covers. The wings hook nicely under the cover and provide enough leverage to pop the cover out.
Price: ~$5
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Do you have any single useful tools that have become surprisingly useful around your shop?
David says
Here’s one without personal experience, but I’m curious to try it.
I keep seeing Jimmy Diresta’s ice pick used as a general purpose tool, and the mini versions seem quite handy – enough so that I’m thinking one will go on my buy it and try it list soon.
Kurt says
I got one mostly to support Jimmy, but I find myself using it a lot. So much so, in fact, that is has earned a spot on my A-frame tool rollaround.
Noah says
Yup, an awl is one of these all-around useful tools that most people forget about. Yet when you have on hand it gets used for all sorts of stuff.
Ben V says
Ok I need one of those 😉
fred says
In the plumbing business – when we were out on a call – or doing a backflow check we often were asked by homeowners to see “if we could do something about a sprinkler.” So we usually stocked a few sprinkler-specific tools in with our backflow test kits. The Rainbird rotor tool (subject of this post) and their head-puller pliers are easy to find and rather inexpensive. They are often bundled with other tools:
https://www.amazon.com/Hunter-pak-MPTOOL-053191Tool-RainbirdRotorTool-Sprinkler-Tool-Pack/dp/B00MI1YTGU/
I’ve also seen some pricey sprinkler head tools – but have no idea if they are worth their cost:
https://www.amazon.com/xTrax-Sprinkler-Removal-Extract-Replace/dp/B01E0AMYQS/
Tyler says
I bought the following sprinkler removal tool, but haven’t used it yet. It’s a much cheaper alternative, especially if you are using it for periodic use instead of daily as a sprinkler tech.
https://www.amazon.com/Underhill-EO-SRT12K-Easyout-Sprinkler-Removal/dp/B01DGTUON4/
Ben V says
Oh yeah, that’s a much better way of buying it!
Geert Hesselberg says
I have not seen the rain-bird sprinkler adjusting tool in my local Home depot , but I will request for them to get one , or I can order directly from Rain bird. Good info from toolguyd.com
thanks
Dave says
Find a local sprinkler supply store, my local one only sells them for a $1.
GB says
Agree about the local sprinkler supply store. Much higher quality sprinkler heads than at the big box stores. Also, this tool comes free in a box of 20 heads. My local store gives them away.
Reisen says
+1 on sprinkler supply stores. Mine gave me 5 of them (for free) when I bought my sprinkler heads.