Pipe Threaders

[sfav8r]

Greetings,

I find myself threading enough IMC so that the ratchet threader is annoying, but not enough to want to buy a $1,000 rigid hand-held electric threader.

Does anybody have any experience with anything like the threader at this link

Pipe Threader

I'm thinking of buying something like this, but I don't wan't a piece of junk.

Thanks

 

[infinity]

Re: Pipe Threaders

We always use the Ridgid 700. It's built like a tank and will thread up to 2". They're about $1000 but worth it since it will last a long time and can withstand the abuse of being dropped, and thrown into a truck or gang box. Ridgid also makes the Ridgid 600 which does up to 1 1/4", and is about $250 cheaper. Remember you'll need type NPSM dies for electrical work not the NPT dies which plumbers use.

[ August 01, 2005, 05:15 AM: Message edited by: infinity ]

 

[iwire]

Re: Pipe Threaders

Originally posted by infinity:
Remember you'll need type NPSM dies for electrical work not the NPT dies which plumbers use.

I have never heard of NPSM dies, I believe we use NPT.

What am I missing?

 

[iwire]

Re: Pipe Threaders

Doesn't this...

344.28 Reaming and Threading.

All cut ends shall be reamed or otherwise finished to remove rough edges. Where conduit is threaded in the field, a standard cutting die with a 1 in 16 taper (3/4-in. taper per foot) shall be used.

...describe NPT?

 

[larryl]

Re: Pipe Threaders

go to ebay,type in "electric pipe threader"
144.00,worth checking out,probley junk,although could be what your looking for

 

[mdshunk]

Re: Pipe Threaders

The NPSM die does not have the required 3/4" taper per foot. They're straight dies (National Pipe, Straight Mechanical). They do make locknuts go on so much nicer, though, which is why some guys cheat with them.

 

[infinity]

Re: Pipe Threaders

Doesn't this...


quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
344.28 Reaming and Threading.

All cut ends shall be reamed or otherwise finished to remove rough edges. Where conduit is threaded in the field, a standard cutting die with a 1 in 16 taper (3/4-in. taper per foot) shall be used.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

...describe NPT?

Bob,

You're right this sounds like an NPT to me. When we order threading equipment from our supplier it always comes with what they call "Electrician's Dies" which are NPSM. Guess that they've been sending us the wrong stuff for years!

It's just an opinion but I think that this is one of those areas where we're really splitting hairs. Would the two different threads make a real difference in the field?

I know that the conduit should tighten up against the edge of the coupling for a good electrical and mechanical joint. But anyone who has run a bunch of threaded conduit will tell you that the couplings can't always be wrench tight. If I'm threading in an elbow and I can't get that last 1/2 turn then it will be backed off a 1/2 turn to make the piece fit. This is the reality of threaded conduit that's why I the whole thread issue is IMO overrated.

By the way I'm speaking generally not about intrinsically safe installations.

[ August 01, 2005, 04:43 PM: Message edited by: infinity ]

 

[GENEM]

Re: Pipe Threaders

I supervise at a site where we run nothing but threaded pipe from 3/4 to 6". It is all Class 1 div. 1&2. We use NPT dies and every fitting is tight and sealed for a reason-not for ease of installation. Ever try threading a condulet or guat onto straight pipe and getting a good joint? It does not work. If you did cut it deep enough to get the fitting on, the thread would be weak enough to snap off with very little pressure. We run several Ridgid 700 as well as a couple of larger stand mounted units. My suggestion-if you intend to run very much pipe-go with a Ridgid threader.

 

[highkvoltage]

Re: Pipe Threaders

You get what you pay for. Rigid 700 is the only way to go. With the 700 you will able to tread larger pipe if you need to. Do you really save very much if you have to buy multible machines?

[ August 01, 2005, 11:25 PM: Message edited by: highkvoltage ]