T-Drill

Tom_133

Hey All,

So for a while now Ive wanted a T-drill something like a T-60 for copper. Not for a specific job but more for use on custom headers, and when I have time to make a really nice header for a job. I am having a hard time justifying the used price on eBay. Anyone out there have one that can help me to see the benefit and cost savings? Or of course the adverse side of it, anybody out there that will say dont do it.

kcopp

@hot_rod The person to ask...

hot_rod

I bought one new, many years ago, and a second larger set at a pawn shop for $300 bucks. So the cost balanced out
You use them a lot when you first own one, it is a bit time consuming. We did copper fire protection systems with it and it easily paid for itself.
We also made manifolds and primary secondary connection with it.

Pretty tough to make manifolds as nice as the ones build on the big automated T-drill machines.

PC7060

Nice tool. The well used one I found was still $4k! I see the new T-65 is around $9000.  You’d have to run a lot of custom T to make that pay.  

offdutytech

They are a great tool! It's the investment vs payback that's the big question for such a specialized tool. Unless you can carry the cost in jobs or have a side gig making headers the payback is going to be long. Pro press for example pays for its self rather quickly after the upfront investment. 

Tom_133

Thanks for the thoughts. It seems you all are saying what my wallet is telling my brain, hold off. The reality is if it was a bit more cost effective I would do it for the enjoyment, but as was noted even the used ones are pricey. Well, if anyone has a nice setup they want to sell hit me up.

GW

I thought about this in the past too, I had no idea they were that expensive, wow. I buy 6 foot long, 12 spot headers, Alberta Tee, from our local vendor. 2”x1”. The costs are higher than if I were to buy the fittings, but the look is so crisp and clean, just beautiful. I will definitely keep on buying pre made tees. even if I bought that machine, we still have to drill it and braze the stubs and buy the copper! 

Larry Weingarten

Hi, REMS makes a similar, hand powered tool for a lot less money. It's the REMS 151005. https://remstoolsusa.com/tools/

Yours, Larry

PC7060

@Larry Weingarten - good suggestion for the one or two specialty jobs per year.

hot_rod

I have one of these REMS tools, it will pull and expand up to 7/8". An affordable way to get into t pulling in small sizes. Remove the adapter and install a chuck for another drill motor

hot_rod

GW said:

I thought about this in the past too, I had no idea they were that expensive, wow. I buy 6 foot long, 12 spot headers, Alberta Tee, from our local vendor. 2”x1”. The costs are higher than if I were to buy the fittings, but the look is so crisp and clean, just beautiful. I will definitely keep on buying pre made tees. even if I bought that machine, we still have to drill it and braze the stubs and buy the copper! 

PPP up in Oregon makes manifolds also. I see them on wholesalers shelves across the country.

Sioux Chief bought some of the Watts radiant machines when they closed the Springfield shop, they offer copper headers also.

JUGHNE

So I am looking at Larry's "Rems" tools, is there any other use for the "dimpling pliers"?

Somehow I have ended up with a couple of pairs of them from some auction in the last 30 years or so. I can't imagine whoever had that auction would of had a T-drill machine.

So I need to know what else they might be for.
I can not throw anything away unless I know what it is....and once I know, then well, maybe someone might need that someday.

I am not clear on how it worked with the T-drill...somehow puts a stop in your tapping to keep your insert pipe from going in too far??

EBEBRATT-Ed

@JUGHNE

I have run into older EMT installs that used indenter type fittings (no set screw). I never saw anyone install any but maybe the tools you have were for that

mattmia2

Do they still make drive on emt fittings?

I like that the rems tool also has a power swedging tool.

Aren't there braze on saddles that do the same thing without special tools?