Power pipe threader choices poll

tim smith

Hey all, which power threader is top on your list. Ridgid, Rothenberger or Reed. up to 2". Need to get some new ones and want to see what all think.

Robert O'Connor_12

Ridgid

hot_rod

REMS Tornado is a great option. I think Robert knows where s use one is in the NY area

Robert O'Connor_12

??

EBEBRATT-Ed

Ridgid I guess because you can get parts and dies easily. Reed also makes dies that fit Ridgid equipment. I like most but not all Ridgid equipment. I think the 12R dies especially 1 1/2 & 2" always cut really hard even with new chasers. Never liked them.

I also have a Rems Amigo hand held which is a good tool and the dies hold up well.

Tinman

My latest is a used Ridgid 300. Love it.

GW

I bought my gently used ridgid 300 26 years ago. isn't ridgid the standard?

tim smith

Thanks guys for the replies. I have a couple 300s and one of the ridgid handheld power threaders. Just trying to see if there is something better out there and "lighter" old 300s are getting heavy as all of us here get a little older.

Aaron_in_Maine

Megapress

jonny88

Ridgid 300 as Stephen said said I thought it was the standard to.My 20 yr old machine along my Ridgid chain cutter for cast iron have stood the test of time and field repairable if required.Not ready for Mega Press yet used it hated it and even watched as a man with no field experience used it(scary).Let us thread and sweat our pipes please.

Tinman

I'm with Johnny 88, especially his last sentence. I read an article recently which implied that anyone still using a torch was a knuckle-dragging Neanderthal incapable of learning and the mechanical trades would soon pass them by. I've been around long enough to know that the next "latest and greatest thing" often isn't.

RobG

Who here still carries lead, oakum and yarning irons on their truck? I do!

Paul48

Thank God for the "knuckle-draggers" that still use the processes by which all these new-comers attempt to measure up to.

Tinman

I just got home from work and saw this work being celebrated on Twitter. Not a press tool but you get the point. Is this our future? Say it ain't so...

GW

I can imagine one could get by without a torch or a threader. But then there are the rest of us who care what the project looks like at the end of the day. I am always soldering stuff for esthetics sake.

EBEBRATT-Ed

As Gary said Ridgid has the market pretty well cornered, there are other machines that are ok.

I am sure I will get slammed for this but I don't care.

Sooner or later MEGA PRESS, PROPRESS will fail. Victaulic will fail also when run to it's maximum temp (250 deg. #107 couplings and 235 deg for the other stuff) If Vic. is kept under 180-190 it holds up fairly well.

I have Solar systems with rubber O rings that has been overheated and has had leaks. Anything made of rubber will deteriorate when run to it's maximum rated temperature. Time will tell with Megapress and Propress, it's only been 15 years.

hot_rod

Robert O'Connor said:

??

We're you trying to help sell some of Tom Schwartzs tools? There was a Rems Tornado on the list you posted in the tools section

AJCimino

Ridgid 300 with the carriage and accessories is hard to beat. I recently bought a Milwaukee Force Logic tool, because it seems everyone is using them. Its alright, but I still prefer solder. I don't carry lead and oakum on the truck, but the tools, along with the lead furnace is always ready in the shop. I still do poured lead joints a few times a year. Unfortunately, pex and sharkbites are becoming the norm.

jonny88

@Stephan this is our future and it is here right now.What a complete mess but hey it works.Isnt that what the homeowner wants.How did the powers that be in the plumbing boards let this happen.When I went on a refresher class we were told pex had to be run using a homerun system.I seldom see it.By the way this is not a knock on Uponor or Viega just wish they would stick to heating where pex has its place.

billtwocase

Rigid all the way. I do have Toledo also, as they will thread shorter lengths. I still thread and solder also

Robert O'Connor_12

hot rod said:

Robert O'Connor said:

??

We're you trying to help sell some of Tom Schwartzs tools? There was a Rems Tornado on the list you posted in the tools section

Robert O'Brien posted that

hot_rod

Robert O'Connor said:

hot rod said:

Robert O'Connor said:

??

We're you trying to help sell some of Tom Schwartzs tools? There was a Rems Tornado on the list you posted in the tools section

Robert O'Brien posted that

Sorry, better mind by P's an O's

Rich_49

Was a firm believer in the 300 for many years . Mind changed after setting up and using Wheeler Rex 6090 . The 6090 has been replaced by #8090 . Stores better , easier set up on site , cleaner use . Many who have seen us use and tried switched as fast as they could . We have had our machines now for over 10 years and they are still going strong so the longevity is certainly there and the quality is as good as others mentioned .

http://www.wheelerrex.com/wheeler-rex-professional-tools/downloads/catalog/pdf/wheeler-rex-catalog-pipe-threading-machines.pdf#search="6090"

jonny88

Hi Rich,does that machine do pipes larger than 1inch.I like the 300 as you can put on the head to thread up to 4 inch.Looks like a nice machine though.

Rich_49

Johnny , the 8090 does 1/2" through 2" . Maybe you did not scroll down to see that unit . My machines are 6090 s which have been re numbered apparently to the 8090 that appears in the link .

They manufacture machines that thread up to very large sizes and there are many adaptors that can be used with many machines that make one capable of threading larger than 2" pipe . If I had to thread alot of larger pipe than 2" I would probably purchase a machine for such applications or rent on an as needed basis .

Charlie from wmass

300 for light weight use. I have an old Toledo 999 I keep in the shop. I also have one of those Northern tool machines that does 4" through the head. It is good for the money. I also picked it up second hand so the money was less than half of a new one. I can not see a threader holding up if you do much 2" and it is lighter than the 300. They have the dolly wheel for rolling it around if you do not want to throw it on your shoulder anymore.

Charlie from wmass

That 6590 rex is going on my Christmas list for sure.

hot_rod

If you get a chance try a REMS Tornado demo. They are almost noise free, a quiet sealed motor and precision gear train, very well built.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lWcM3O-i-w0

Abracadabra

That REMS Tornado looks very nice. I especially like the adapter for making nipples.