DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted June 4, 2019 I’m thinking about trying a couple of projects using black iron pipe and fittings: - Building window bars over an old garage window to prevent break-in - Some furniture-type stuff using pipe as the frame and some wood pieces (workbench/table, stool, shelving) I’m guessing that I’ll need to cut and thread about 40-50 pipe ends to do all of it. Is there a “mid-range” pipe-threading tool I can buy that will last long enough to get that done so I can buy bulk pipe lengths and then thread all the ends myself? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted June 4, 2019 Rent one Douglas, this way you are not stuck with a crappy tool. And you will save money. And you will get a legit one. And they will show you how it works. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PK90 3,570 Posted June 4, 2019 I've been using a Harbor Freight welder for 9 years. Just say'n. ETA: https://www.harborfreight.com/search?q=pipe threader 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zeke 5,504 Posted June 4, 2019 9 minutes ago, Ray Ray said: Rent one Douglas, this way you are not stuck with a crappy tool. And you will save money. And you will get a legit one. And they will show you how it works. Concur. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted June 4, 2019 Yeah, but if I rent then I have to plan ahead and do all my threading in a short time period instead of at my own leisurely pace... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted June 4, 2019 Renting one is the cheapest alternative but the longer you have it the more it costs. While not the best quality I've found Harbor Freight stuff good for things you might do again at a later date. Not for the guy who has to do it everyday but good enough. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted June 4, 2019 Harbor Frieght is either a grand slam or a strike out. If home security is your goal, get it done with a legit tool. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sniper 6,372 Posted June 4, 2019 1 hour ago, Ray Ray said: Harbor Frieght is either a grand slam or a strike out. If home security is your goal, get it done with a legit tool. Usually, a strike out, unless you're buying a one time use tool, then throwing it away. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NickySantoro 211 Posted June 4, 2019 I'd avoid the HF pipe threaders. Saw them in the HF store and was not impressed. I have a set of Rigid that were my father's. They have to be 75 years old, a bit dull, but still no comparison. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ray Ray 3,566 Posted June 4, 2019 Rigid=Glock Harbor Frieght=Hi-Point Yes, a Hi-Point can serve as a self defense tool but when your life depends on a tool why go with a bottom feeder? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brisco 130 Posted June 5, 2019 Talk to any plumbers you know, they might have some old Rigid hand dies which could be had for cheap Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shocker 151 Posted June 5, 2019 Home Depot will thread your pipes for free (at least the one in Bridgewater did), although you better be pretty good with the measurements or be prepared to go back and forth a lot Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SmittyMHS 603 Posted June 5, 2019 This might help you out... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BD104X 1 Posted June 11, 2019 I bought a $40 one from Amazon to do a gas pool heater project... worked just fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DirtyDigz 1,812 Posted June 11, 2019 54 minutes ago, BD104X said: I bought a $40 one from Amazon to do a gas pool heater project... worked just fine. How many pipe ends did you thread, if I may ask? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BD104X 1 Posted June 11, 2019 10 minutes ago, DirtyDigz said: How many pipe ends did you thread, if I may ask? At least 10-15 and most were bigger 1 1/4. I was even abusing it with a pipe over the handle as a “cheater” for more leverage... to be honest, I expected it to break but was pleasantly surprised when it didn’t. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites