ToolGuyd

Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More!

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Tool Brands: Who Owns What?
    • Best Cordless Drills (2021)
    • Dewalt UWO Explained
    • Where to Buy Tools
    • Best Tool Kit Upgrades
    • Best Extension Cord Size
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Best Safety Gear
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Tool Brands in Every Category
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
    • More Buying Guides
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • Woodworking Tools
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Ryobi
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Screwdrivers > The Surprisingly Useful Rain Bird Rotor Tool 5000 Screwdriver

The Surprisingly Useful Rain Bird Rotor Tool 5000 Screwdriver

Aug 8, 2019 Ben V 11 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Rain Bird Rotor Tool 5000 Rotor Screwdriver

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.

Advertisement

It’s a Great Sprinkler Adjustment Tool

Rain Bird Rotor Tool 5000 Rotor Screwdriver - Sprinkler adjustment

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

Rain Bird Rotor Tool 5000 Rotor Screwdriver - Anchor Fastener lever

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.

Advertisement

T-Slot Cover Remover

Rain Bird Rotor Tool 5000 Rotor Screwdriver - T-slot lever

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

Buy Now (via Amazon)

Do you have any single useful tools that have become surprisingly useful around your shop?

Related posts:

Wiha Made in USA Multi-Bit ScrewdriversWiha Multi-Bit Screwdrivers Review

Sections: Fasteners, Screwdrivers, Tool Reviews More from: Rain Bird

« Blue Monster Compression Seal Tape for Emergency Plumbing Repairs
Deal: Dewalt Xtreme 12V Max Brushless Cordless Power Tool Kits, $99 Each »

About Ben V

Ben Vincent started his love for creating things at an early age, crediting Lego with its endless possibilities as his inspiration. Despite a failed attempt to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he eventually found a career in Software Engineering, and now has 58 worldwide patents to his name! As a very keen amateur he shares his passion for creating on Instagram and now on ToolGuyd!

11 Comments

  1. David

    Aug 8, 2019

    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.

    Reply
    • Kurt

      Aug 8, 2019

      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.

      Reply
    • Noah

      Aug 8, 2019

      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.

      Reply
    • Ben V

      Aug 10, 2019

      Ok I need one of those 😉

      Reply
  2. fred

    Aug 8, 2019

    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/

    Reply
    • Tyler

      Aug 9, 2019

      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/

      Reply
    • Ben V

      Aug 10, 2019

      Oh yeah, that’s a much better way of buying it!

      Reply
  3. Geert Hesselberg

    Aug 8, 2019

    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

    Reply
  4. Dave

    Aug 8, 2019

    Find a local sprinkler supply store, my local one only sells them for a $1.

    Reply
  5. GB

    Aug 9, 2019

    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.

    Reply
    • Reisen

      Aug 17, 2019

      +1 on sprinkler supply stores. Mine gave me 5 of them (for free) when I bought my sprinkler heads.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

ToolGuyd Forum

Recent Comments

  • Jerry on New Dewalt USB-C Rechargeable LED Lights: “I’m always on the lookout for a newer better flashlight. However, neither of these peak my interest, at least at…”
  • Rob on New Festool Cordless Reciprocating Saw aims to Demolish: “It’s an 18v Flex reciprocating saw with a Festool battery slot. No more, no less. Addressing the comments: As a…”
  • ITCD on New Channellock Screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA: “Don’t set up in high COL areas. The swing between how high and how low living costs can go in…”
  • ITCD on New Channellock Screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA: “I’m sure national distributors aren’t the only ones buying Channellock to stock their shelves. Sometimes gotta check mom n pops,…”
  • ITCD on New Channellock Screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA: “Oh yeah the high torques. I’m not sure how I would like that shape for regular drivers but they’re actually…”
  • Rob on New Festool Cordless Reciprocating Saw aims to Demolish: “The Hilti dust extraction nozzle for their recip saws is so popular that it’ is currently oversold.”

Recent Posts

  • New Dewalt USB-C Rechargeable LED Lights
  • Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool - 4 New Colors
  • New Channellock Screwdrivers are 100% Made in USA
  • Craftsman is Closing its USA Hand Tools Factory
  • New Ryobi 18V Power Station has 3x AC and 6x USB Outlets
  • Home Depot Tool Deals - Milwaukee, Dewalt & More (3/20/23)
  • Here are the Latest Tools Deals (3/17/23)
  • New Channellock Locking Pliers are a Blast from the Past
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Euro Hand Tool Brands
  • Best Tool Brands
  • Best Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Tools for New Parents
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • Gear
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure