A boiler pump multitool is a tool that has been designed specifically for tightening and loosening all of the different types of screws that are used to hold a boiler pump (sometimes referred to as a circulator pump) together.
A boiler pump makes hot water flow from your boiler to the radiators throughout your house. Without it, your radiators would be cold!
The multitool can be reconfigured to match the specific task you need it to do. It counts as five tools in one.
There is only one brand of boiler pump multitool: the “Jonmac” or “Johnny Mac”. This is an abbreviated name of the tool’s inventor, John Macoughlin.
A famous tennis player earned his name for the fact that he used to ride a dinghy up the river to repair boiler pumps. In other words, he used to take his Jonmac and row…
What are the 5 functions of a boiler pump multitool?
Tools 1-3
The multitool has bits that allow it to function as an allen key to fit 4mm (5/32″), 5mm (13/64″) or 6mm (15/64″) screws.
A bit is the part of a screwdriver or allen key that fits inside a screw. In the case of the multitool, there are 4 different bits that can be attached to the tool. A fifth is permanently attached to the handle.
An allen key is a hexagonal tool designed to turn screws with hexagonal recesses in their heads. It is sometimes referred to as a hex-key or allen wrench.
Tool 4
The multitool can function as a screwdriver with a 4mm (5/32″) flat bit.
A screwdriver turns a screw by slotting into the top of it to provide grip that you would not be able to get by turning it with your bare hands.
Screwdrivers with flat bits turn screws with flat, linear indentations (slots) in their heads.
Tool 5
The multitool also has a separate flat bit in its handle.
This part of the tool is designed for turning bleed screw cover plates, which look like giant screws.
Removing this cover plate allows access to the inside of the pump for repairs, or to bleed the pump of air.