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Tool

fxrgrunt
fxrgrunt Member Posts: 157
Not sure I ever would have thought I would be excited to buy a 3ft pipe wrench yet here I am. Took it home for $40 off CL. You guys have me addicted to steam...


Comments

  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    Good for you, it is amazing how heavy that gets as the years pass.
    fxrgrunt
  • fxrgrunt
    fxrgrunt Member Posts: 157
    JUGHNE said:
    Good for you, it is amazing how heavy that gets as the years pass.
    It's heavy now and I'm 33 haha! How do you feel about the aluminum ones? @JUGHNE
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,453
    Aluminum is better but you wouldn't get one fpr $40.

    I don't know what the one you got is worth new. Maybe $150-200
    fxrgrunt
  • fxrgrunt
    fxrgrunt Member Posts: 157
    Aluminum is better but you wouldn't get one fpr $40. I don't know what the one you got is worth new. Maybe $150-200
    That is what I was seeing price wise. From what I can tell this is an older Ridgid also and made in USA I believe.
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 16,796
    That's a good wrench, as long as the jaws are in good shape.
    All Steamed Up, Inc.
    Towson, MD, USA
    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
    fxrgrunt
  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,273
    Hi @fxrgrunt , If you find the wrench slipping on pipes, you can sharpen the teeth with a small grinding wheel in a Dremel tool. And it's a nice tool that can double as a barbell!

    Yours, Larry
    fxrgruntCLambEdTheHeaterMan
  • retiredguy
    retiredguy Member Posts: 898
    You used to be able to buy the bottom teeth set with or without the upper jaw or as @Larry said, you can sharpen the jaws with a Dremel. I used to use a 3 cornered file. both work but the Dremel is faster. Just wait till you get to use a 48", 60", or a 72" pipe wrench
    fxrgruntdelcrossv
  • fxrgrunt
    fxrgrunt Member Posts: 157
    They look to be solid. The guy said he bought it years ago and thinks he used it once and then it just sat around and moved house to house with him. I always was a firm believer that I have never waster money on a tool. Thank you for the sharpening recommendations!
  • NYtimebomb
    NYtimebomb Member Posts: 30
    I just got the exact same one off CL for 100$ in Western NY... I am happy with it as it will get used again and again over the years.
    fxrgrunt
  • EBEBRATT-Ed
    EBEBRATT-Ed Member Posts: 15,453
    Yes, you can get replacement upper and lower jaws from Ridgid. But they will cost you more than the wrench is worth
    fxrgrunt
  • HomerJSmith
    HomerJSmith Member Posts: 2,426
    edited October 2021
    Harbor Freight has alum pipe wrenches for a reasonable price. I got my alum 24" pipe wrench for free. I found it in the street. Lucky me!

    Sure beats my Ridged 24" in terms of weight.
    fxrgruntmattmia2
  • Dan_NJ
    Dan_NJ Member Posts: 247

    ... I found it in the street. Lucky me!

    Assuming it's not radioactive or something, sure thing :smile:

    fxrgrunt
  • unclejohn
    unclejohn Member Posts: 1,833
    I have a similar tool but it's round and black and has a hole in each end. It was free.
    fxrgrunt
  • fxrgrunt
    fxrgrunt Member Posts: 157
    Harbor Freight has alum pipe wrenches for a reasonable price. I got my alum 24" pipe wrench for free. I found it in the street. Lucky me! Sure beats my Ridged 24" in terms of weight.
    Yeah I believe they are 50 bucks on there. I figured I'd grab one so I have atleast two 3 footers with one being lighter
  • HomerJSmith
    HomerJSmith Member Posts: 2,426
    Dan_NJ
    "Assuming it's not radioactive or something, sure thing" I kept wondering why my hair and teeth are falling out. hmmm
    fxrgrunt
  • JUGHNE
    JUGHNE Member Posts: 11,042
    A few years ago I priced new jaws (I think both jaw and hook), 36" was $91.71 24" was $43.66.
    New 36" iron wrench was 163.10......new 36" aluminum pipe wrench was $192.40.
    If buying new today I would sure spring for the additional $30.00.

    I got mine at an auction, don't recall price. It does have a tapered handle, not the rounded that most have.
    A cheater pipe fits over it better and it might weigh 1 pound less, which is noticed and good.
    fxrgrunt
  • jhewings
    jhewings Member Posts: 139
    Home Depot had 48" iron wrenches for $75 last year. I'm sure they just wanted to get rid of them. I can't use 2 a together except if one in on the floor. Built my header on the floor. 22 lbs I think
    fxrgrunt
  • jhewings
    jhewings Member Posts: 139
    22 lbs per wrench that is.
    fxrgrunt
  • delcrossv
    delcrossv Member Posts: 740

    You used to be able to buy the bottom teeth set with or without the upper jaw or as @Larry said, you can sharpen the jaws with a Dremel. I used to use a 3 cornered file. both work but the Dremel is faster. Just wait till you get to use a 48", 60", or a 72" pipe wrench

    IIRC Reed tool still makes an 84" chain wrench. Must weigh 100 #. :#
    Trying to squeeze the best out of a Weil-McLain JB-5 running a 1912 1 pipe system.
    fxrgrunt