Ridgid makes some really nice equipment for threading pipe. Of course you need to pick the equipment that can do the type of work that you perform and can have a payback with the volume of work you do. Equipment choices range from small hand threaders to powerful machines that can thread up to 6” diameter pipe using geared threading heads. You need to pick the equipment that fits your needs to maximize your profits. I can tell you from experience relying on rental equipment is a pain when you are trying to get a job done. It seems that when you need threading equipment, everyone else needed it too so you have to run a long distance to a rental center that has the machine.
Of course you find out when you get to the job that the dies are shot because the last guy used motor oil in the oiler instead of cutting oil. The threads are coming out all galled without any hope of a leak free thread joint. A call to the rental center and at first they deny there is a problem because of course they fully checked the machine out before renting it. Finally they tell you to go ahead and replace the dies and they will knock the cost off the rental fee just bring them the bad ones, so of you go to find a new dies. Finally your back and have them installed the first day on the job is just about shot.
Manual Ratchet Threaders
If you do only occasional smaller diameter pipe threading then your needs will probably be met by using a manual ratchet threader. The Ridgid # 00-R accepts thread die heads that can thread from 1/8” to 1” pipe. The Ridgid # 11-R accepts thread die heads that can thread from 1/8” to 1 1/4” pipe. The Ridgid #12-R accepts die heads that can thread from 1/8” to 2” pipe. I can attest to 2” pipe being a workout and I wouldn’t want to be doing it all day. These threaders can be used with a pipe vise mounted on the truck or, a vise mounted on a stand.
Hand Held Power Threaders
If you do a lot of small diameter pipe threading and some occasional larger diameter pipe threading then the hand held power drives may what you need. The Ridgid #600 Power Drive will thread from 1/8” to 1 1/4”. The Ridgid #690 Power Drive will thread from 1/8” to 2”. The Ridgid #700 Power Drive will thread from 1/8” to 2” using conventional dies, and 2” to 6” using the Ridgid #141/161 Geared Threading Heads. These threaders also require using the vise like the manual ratchet but, in addition would require the use of an oiler such as the Ridgid #418 oiler. The power drives have a no load speed of 32 RPM and damage to the dies will surely occur without a good supply of cutting oil.
Compact Power Threading Machines
If you do quite a bit of threading especially in the smaller diameters and you want to step production up to the next level there are a number of smaller compact threading machines that incorporate features such as built on pipe cutters, reamers and die heads with automatic oiling.
The Ridgid Model # 1210 Oil-Less Threading Machine uses a coolant rather than cutting oil, and cuts a virtually dry thread which really keeps the mess down and can be used anywhere, even finished rooms. The # 1210 can cut thread on ½” to 1” pipe.
The Ridgid Model #1215 Threading Machine uses through the die head oiling and can cut thread on ¼” to 1 ½” pipe.
The Ridgid Model #300 Compact Threading Machine uses through the die head oiling and can cut thread on 1/8” to 2” pipe. These machines may require the purchase of a stand for the machine, and I would recommend getting pipe stands.
These machines are much lighter than the full size machine and can tip with a 21’ length hanging off the end of the machine.
Power Threading Machines
The Ridgid Model # 300 Complete has been the industry workhorse for years. The # 300 Complete comes with the cutter, reamer, and die head attached but requires the use of a #418 Oiler which comes with it. The Model # 300 Complete can thread from 1/8” to 2” pipe and with the Ridgid Model # 141/161 Geared Threading Heads can thread from 2” to 6” Pipe.
The Ridgid Model # 535A is a full size machine with a 3 speed gearbox which has all the tools mounted on the machine and has through the die head oiling. It can cut from 1/8” to 2” and with the Ridgid # 141 Geared Threading Head threads up to 4” Pipe.
The Ridgid Model 1822-I is a full size machine with a 2 speed gearbox which has all the tools mounted on the machine and has through the die head oiling. It can cut from 1/8” to 2” and with the Ridgid # 141 Geared Threading Head threads up to 4” Pipe.
The Ridgid Model # 1224 is a full size machine with a 2 speed gearbox which has all the tools mounted on the machine and has through the die head oiling. It can cut from 1/4” to 2” Pipe, using a Ridgid # 714 Receding Die Head it threads from 2 ½” to 4” and with the Ridgid # 161 Geared Threading Head threads from 4” to 6” Pipe.
Stands for the machines may be a separate purchase and Pipe Stands would also be recommended.
Whatever your threading needs are Ridgid has you covered. All you need to do is select the threading equipment that matches your planned usage and budget.