Driving cap

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A driving cap is a special type of pipe cap used to provide a striking surface for a hammer while simultaneously protecting the end of the pipe from deformation.{{cite web |title=ASSE International Plumbing Dictionary, 6th Ed |url=https://www.asse-plumbing.org/media/22305/asse_plumbing_dictionary_6thed.pdf |publisher=ASSE Plumbing Nomenclature Committee |access-date=22 January 2024 |page=59 |format=PDF |date=2007}} A driving cap is made of much thicker or more durable material than a standard pipe cap and is always removed once installation is complete.

Driving caps serve no function in the operation of a pipe and may even be incapable of doing so. This is because the driving cap is cast from a material selected for its strength and not its corrosion resistance. Thus replacement of the driving cap with a different fitting becomes necessary to prevent failures in materials handling pipe. Also, driving caps are not attractive in appearance, which is detrimental in residential and ornamental applications.