What tool is primarily used to grip and turn pipes for plumbing connections?

The tool primarily used to grip and turn pipes for plumbing connections is the pipe wrench. A pipe wrench is specifically designed with serrated jaws that provide a strong grip on the rounded surfaces of pipes, allowing the user to secure and unscrew or tighten plumbing connections effectively. Its adjustable jaw accommodates various pipe sizes, making it versatile in different plumbing applications.

The design of the pipe wrench allows for significant torque to be applied, which is essential when working with tightly fitted pipes. Unlike other tools, the pipe wrench is uniquely tailored for this purpose, ensuring that it can handle the stresses involved without damaging the piping.

Other tools mentioned, such as a pipe cutter, are used for cutting pipes rather than gripping them. A torque wrench is utilized to apply a specific torque to fasteners and is not designed for gripping pipes. A screwdriver has a completely different function related to driving screws and is ineffective for plumbing applications involving pipes. Thus, the pipe wrench stands out as the ideal tool for gripping and turning pipes in plumbing work.