The Art of Active Listening
By Samantha Benson, Customer Service Manager at Steel Dragon Tools
The customer service representative at Steel Dragon Tools have all been trained to be active listeners. Active listening is a way of communicating with another person to improve mutual understanding. Sometimes, when two people are talking to each other, one or both may not be actively listening, they may be distracted or simply waiting for the other person to finish so they can speak.
Below are some active listening techniques that we use to help our customer service representative become better communicators. These techniques work well in the realm of customer service but can be applied in any situation to help us understand each other better and improve our daily relationships.
Active Listening in Every Situation
Do:
- Paraphrase the speaker’s words.
- Be mentally prepared to listen.
- Evaluate the speech, not the speaker.
- Be unbiased toward the speaker by depersonalizing and stepping away from emotional response.
- Fight distractions by tuning out external sounds.
- Ask questions to clarify and corroborate thoughts.
Don’t:
- Show boredom.
- Get distracted by outside stimuli.
- Prepare your response or mentally argue while the speaker is talking.
- Interrupt the speaker.
- Reflex on the rightness or wrongness of what is being said.
This is the second part of the article Communicating for Success. To view the first part of the article, click here.
Steel Dragon Tools customer service can be contacted by e-mail or by phone at 734-224-7112.
Dies from Steel Dragon Tools
Steel Dragon Tools manufactures high speed steel and alloy dies to meet or exceed industry specifications. These dies are compatible with Steel Dragon Tools pipe threading machines and can be used in compatible dies heads with other machine brands.
Dies are an essential part of the pipe threading process. Sharp, well-made dies will ensure consistent, useable threads. Dies with dull or chipped teeth will result in poorly threaded pipe that will not seal properly. Replacing dies as they wear or chip is a necessity but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
Steel Dragon Tools dies are compatible with the specified Steel Dragon Tools pipe threaders and will fit certain other brands. Steel Dragon Tools dies will match the quality of comparable dies but for a fraction of the price. Steel Dragon Tools can offer dies for far less since there is no middle man. Steel Dragon Tools manufacturers the dies and then sells them directly to the customer. Buy an extra set of dies and never worry about chipping a tooth while on the job site.
Steel Dragon Tools manufactures dies for powered and manual pipe threading machines. Many of these dies can be used in compatible die heads from Wheeler Rex® and RIDGID® machines.
For more information on the Steel Dragon Tools dies, click here. For more information on Steel Dragon Tools pipe threading machines, click here.
For more information about Steel Dragon Tools please call contact Customer Service at 734-224-7112 or by e-mail here.
The full line of Steel Dragon Tools are available for purchase from Craig’s Affordable Tools or Toolz Unlimited.
We are not an authorized distributor of RIDGID® and/or Ridge products. RIDGID® Marks are trademarks of RIDGID, Inc and are used for product identification purposes only.
Steel Dragon Tools Buys Used Equipment
Steel Dragon Tools will buy used and broken pipe threading machines and accessories. Steel Dragon Tools has ten years of experience refurbishing pipe threading machines and is always looking for items to refurbish.
Steel Dragon Tools will buy the following machines:
| MANUFACTURER | MODEL | |
|---|---|---|
| RIDGID® | 300 Power Drive | |
| RIDGID® | 300 Power Drive with Stand | |
| RIDGID® | 300 Power Drive with Stand, Carriage, Die Head, Cutter, Reamer | |
| RIDGID® | 811A and 815A Universal Die Heads | |
| RIDGID® | 811 and 815 Universal Die Heads (older models) | |
| RIDGID® | 141 with dies in good condition | |
| RIDGID® | 161 with dies in good condition | |
| RIDGID® | 1224 Pipe Threader | |
| RIDGID® | 535 Pipe Threader (Old Style) with die head | |
| RIDGID® | 535 Pipe Threader (New Style) with die head | |
| RIDGID® | 535M Pipe Threader | |
| RIDGID® | 1822 Pipe Threader | |
| RIDGID® | 300C Pipe Threader | |
| RIDGID® | 700 Power Drive | |
| RIDGID® | 12R Die Heads | |
| RIDGID® | 42620 Model 774 Square Drive Adapter | |
| RIDGID® | 42405 844 Drive Bar for 141/161 geared pipe threaders | |
| RIDGID® | 19366 758 Loop for 141/161 geared pipe threaders | |
| RIDGID® | 40A TRISTAND® | |
| RIDGID® | 460 TRISTAND® |
All prices will vary depending on machine condition and current inventory.
Reduced prices will be offered for machines with cracked or missing feet, missing front chuck, etc.
Please send photos and contact information to: apietszak@steeldragontools.com or call 734-224-7112.
RIDGID® marks are trademarks of RIDGID, Inc and are used only for product identification purposes.
K-60 Sectional Drain Cleaner
The Steel Dragon Tools K-60 Drain Cleaner is a versatile machine capable of cleaning drain lines from 3/4-inch up to 6-inches in diameter. The K-60 is an easy-to-use machine that will fit into the arsenal of a professional plumber or the tool kit of the avid DIYer.
The K-60 features a built-in GFI to protect machine when being used in a damp environment. The GFI will trip whenever the machine is unplugged to ensure the machine does not start when plugged and to safe guard against electrical shock should the machine be placed in a wet area.
The Steel Dragon Tools K-60 will operate in forward and reverse. The operator must feed the cable into the machine manually. The K-60 cable drive is engaged with a large handle on top of the machine. The handle can be used manually or locked into the engaged position. Locking the machine into engaged position allows operator to step away from machine to hand feed the cable through the machine, attach extra lengths of cable, or untangle the cable if necessary.
The K-60 is easy to clean and maintain. Both sides are removable to reach internal areas that will occasionally need to be greased. The machine is powered by an electric 250-watt, 110-volt motor.
The Steel Dragon Tools K-60 comes with an assortment of attachments, extra cable, gloves, pin key, and rear hose guide. Cable and attachments connect using a spring locking pin system. Package includes 40 feet of C8 5/8-inch all-purpose wind cable, 45 feet of C10 7/8-inch all-purpose wind cable, and 35 ft. of C1 5/16-inch cable. The K-60 is compatible with RIDGID® 5/8-inch cable (C7, C8, and C9) and RIDGID® C1 5/16-inch cable. The Steel Dragon Tools K60 package also includes an assortment of seven augers and cutters that will make quick work of tree roots, grease, or hair. Carrying case for attachments, A17 drum, gloves and pin key are also included.
For more information on the Steel Dragon Tools K-60, please click here or call Customer Service 734-224-7112 or by e-mail here.
The Steel Dragon Tools K-60 is available for purchase from Affordable Tool and Toolz Unlimited.
The product is designed and manufactured by STEEL DRAGON TOOLS®.
RIDGID® Marks are trademarks of RIDGID, Inc and are used for product identification purposes only.
STEEL DRAGON TOOLS® does warranty this item against manufacturer defects for one year.
Steel Dragon Tools Line of Die Heads
Steel Dragon Tools manufactures a wide-range of die heads that will fit a variety of industry-standard pipe threaders, as well as the Steel Dragon Tools line machines. Steel Dragon Tools die heads will fit popular RIDGID® pipe threading machines, including Model 300, 535, and 1224 machines.
Steel Dragon Tools also manufacturers die heads for RIDGID® 11R and 12R Pipe Threaders. 11R and 12R die heads can be used manually with a ratchet handle or in conjunction with a power drive like the RIDGID® 41935 Model 700.
Steel Dragon Tools also manufacturers die heads that will fit certain Wheeler-Rex® pipe threading machines. The Steel Dragon Tools 70131 die head will the Wheeler-Rex® 6790 Pipe Threading Machine. All Steel Dragon Tools die heads will also fit the related Steel Dragon Tools pipe threading machines.
The Steel Dragon Tools line of die heads includes:
Steel Dragon Tools 811A
- For use on RIDGID® Model 1215, 1233, 300, 300 Compact, 535, 535A and 1822 Machines.
- For use on Steel Dragon Tools Model 300 and 300C Machines.
- Replaces Part Number: 97065
Steel Dragon Tools 815A
- For use on RIDGID® Model 300, 300A, 500, 500A, 535, 535A, 800, 801, 802, and 1822 Machines.
- For use on Steel Dragon Tools Model 300 and 300C Machines.
- Replaces Part Number: 97075
Steel Dragon Tools 711
- For use on RIDGID® Model 1224 Machines.
- For use on Steel Dragon Tools Model 1224 Machines.
- Replaces Part Number: 26132
Steel Dragon Tools 714
- For use on RIDGID® Model 1224 Machines.
- For use on Steel Dragon Tools Model 1224 Machines.
- Replaces Part Number: 26152
Steel Dragon Tools 12R
- Steel Dragon Tools manufacturers a full line of 12R die heads. All Steel Dragon Tools die heads thread in the right-hand direction and come with one set of corresponding dies.
- For use with RIDGID® 12R Manual Pipe Threaders and RIDGID® Model 700 Power Drive.
- For use with Steel Dragon Tools 12R Manual Pipe Threaders and Steel Dragon Tools Model 700 Power Drive.
- Replaces Part Numbers: 37390, 37395, 37400, 37405, 37410, 37415
Steel Dragon Tools 11R
- Steel Dragon Tools manufacturers a full line of 11R die heads. All Steel Dragon Tools die heads thread in the right-hand direction and come with one set of corresponding dies.
- For use with RIDGID® 12R Manual Pipe Threaders, RIDGID® Model 600 Power Drive and 700 Power Drive (with adapters).
- For use with Steel Dragon Tools 12R Manual Pipe Threaders, Steel Dragon Tools Model 600 Power drive and Model 700 Power Drive (with adapters).
- Replaces Part Numbers: 20928, 20948, 37110, 37115, 37120, 37125,
Steel Dragon Tools 70131
- Steel Dragon Tools 70131 die head will fit the Wheeler-Rex® 7991 Pipe Threading Machine.
- For use on Wheeler-Rex® Model 7991 Machines.
- For use on Steel Dragon Tools Model 7991 Machines.
- Replaces Part Number: 70131
For more information on the Steel Dragon Tools die heads, click here. For more information on Steel Dragon Tools pipe threading machines, click here.
For more information about Steel Dragon Tools please call contact Customer Service at 734-224-7112 or by e-mail here.
The full line of Steel Dragon Tools are available for purchase from Craig’s Affordable Tools or Toolz Unlimited.
RIDGID® Marks are trademarks of RIDGID, Inc and are used for product identification purposes only.
Wire Stripping Machines
Steel Dragon Tools manufactures a range of wire stripping machines – from the hand-held, drill-driven wire strippers to industrial-sized, fully automatic wire strippers, plus several models in between. Steel Dragon Tools has five different automatic wire stripping machine models – WRA10, WRA15, WRA20, WRA35, and WRA40 – and two manual wire stripping machines – WRM25, WRM33, and WRM35.
Wire stripping machines are a must-have for contractors, demolitions companies, dedicated DIYers, and scrappers. Stripping wire will result in higher return prices for wire at recycling centers. Steel Dragon Tools wire stripping machines can pay for themselves within a few hours depending on material and current scrap prices.
The WRM33 and WRM35 are benchtop wire strippers with m anual operation. The WRM33 and WRM35 will strip a variety of wire sizes including Romex. These machines are powered by an attached hand crank. The WRM33 and WRM35 are light weight and very portable. The blades are fully guarded to ensure complete safety during operation.
The WRA10 and WRA15 are benchtop wire strippers. These models are drill-driven and are ideal for the occasional wire stripping. The WRA15 can also be used manually with an included hand crank handle.
The WRA20 and WRA35 are larger, benchtop models with automatic operation. Both models feature built-in 120-volt motors. The WRA20 and WRA35 are portable for easy transportation to the job site. Both machines will strip a variety of wire sizes, including round and flat stock. The WRA35 also includes a hand crank for manual use.
The WRA40 is the largest wiring stripping machine from Steel Dragon Tools. The WRA40 is a floor model that will strip up to 125 feet of wire per minute. This machine will cut two different sized wire at the same time from 34 AWG up to 1-1/2-inch wire. The WRA40 is powered by an American-made Leeson m
otor. This machine is ideal for demolition companies, recycling companies, contractors, and scrappers. Stripped wire will fetch a higher price at the recycling facility. The WRA40 is also sold with a heavy-duty foot pedal.
Steel Dragon Tools offers replacement cutting wheels for the full line of wire stripping machines. Replacement motor parts are also available for the WRA40.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools wire stripping machines and replacement parts, click here.
To purchase any Steel Dragon Tools wire stripping machines visit AffordableTool.com and ToolzUnlimited.com.
For more information on any of the magnet tools made by Steel Dragon Tools, please contact customer service by e-mail here or by phone at: 734-224-7112.
Pipe Abbreviations
As with any profession, there can be lots of arcane abbreviations and jargon – pipe threading is no different. Steel Dragon Tools is committed to educating customers and helping them make informed decisions. Buying a new pipe threader from Steel Dragon Tools may have been the easy part, but trying to figure pipe nomenclature can be downright confusing. For anyone new to the industry, or for veterans looking for a quick refresher, here is how to make sense of pipe nomenclature.
American National Standard Pipe Thread standards are always represented as a string of numbers and letters. Pipe nomenclature will look like this: 3/4 – 14 NPTG. All numbers and letters stand for something and are important to understand the pipe size, the threads per inch, and how the pipe will be used. The first number (3/4) refers to the pipe’s nominal size or outside diameter. The second number (14) will give the threads per inch. The string of letters will describe the threading standard (N stands for National), the type of material being threaded (P stands for Pipe), the thread type (T stands for tapered), and the pipe’s intended use (G stands for gas). All pipe nomenclature must have four letters. Without the fourth letter the use of the pipe and the proper threading procedure cannot be determined.
A – Aeronautical
C – Coupling
F – Fuel
G – Gas
H – Hose
I – Intermediate
L – Loose
N – National
P – Pipe
R – Railing
S – Straight
T – Tapered
Steel Dragon Tools manufactures a variety of different pipe dies and die heads for use on the pipe material listed above. For more information on Steel Dragon Tools pipe threading machines, pipe dies, or die heads please click here or contact customer service here or by phone at 734-224-7112.
Steel Dragon Tools pipe dies are available for purchase from AffordableTool.com and ToolzUnlimited.com.
Pipe Threading Tips
When threading pipe with a Steel Dragon Tools die head, or any die head for that matter, it is important to remember that the scale on the top of the die head i
s for reference only. The scale is used to get as close as possible to the correct threading size but it is up to the operator to test the die head, dies, and pipe.
Start by setting the die head to the desired threading capacity. Thread a sample piece of pipe and test the pipe with a c
orresponding fitting. A properly threaded piece of pipe will make one and a half to two full turns within the fitting before meeting resistance. A pipe that does not make one and a half to two full turns has threads that were cut too shallow. Shallow threads will not allow the pipe and the fitting to seal properly. A pipe that turns more than two full rotations in the fitting has threads that were cut too deep. A pipe with threads that are too deep may bottom out in the fitting, preventing the pipe and fitting from being tightened.
Pipe threading is not an exact science, it will take a little finesse and patience to successfully thread pipe and it is a good idea to test the threaded pipe on a regular basis. It is also important to remember that in most cases a sealant will be used on the pipe and fitting to prevent leaks. Using a sealant will allow the operator a bit of leeway when threading pipe.
The pipes themselves can also cause problems during threading. Pipes may not be true to their stated measurements. For example, a 1-inch pipe may be slightly smaller at 15/16 inches in diameter or slightly larger at 1-1/16 inches in diameter. The pipe may also be metric. A 25-millimeter pipe is slightly smaller than a 1-inch pipe but can look identical to the naked eye. Pipe variance must also be considered. Defects in the pipe from the manufacturing process can result in the pipe not being uniform from one end to the other. A pipe might measure 1 in. at the end, bow out to 1-1/16 in. at the middle before returning to 1 in. at the other end. It is always a good idea to periodically test the threaded pipe with a fitting to ensure a tight seal.
More information on Steel Dragon Tools die heads and dies can be found by following the links or calling customer service at 734-224-7112.
Steel Dragon Tools die heads and dies are available for purchase from Craig’s Affordable Tools or Toolz Unlimited.
Best Practices to Ensure High-Quality Products
Steel Dragon Tools has built a reputation manufacturing quality tools and machines while pricing them to beat the competition. Setting forth and following best practices ensures that every product from Steel Dragon Tools meets or exceeds customer expectations and any applicable regulations. Steel Dragon Tools best practices include:
- All Steel Dragon Tools are CE Approved and government tested.
- An on-staff master technician inspects all Steel Dragon Tools to ensure top-of-the-line performance.
- Live, on-site customer service representatives provide valuable product knowledge. Customer service representatives are available to answer questions or offer technical
assistance on Steel Dragon Tools. Customer service representatives can be reached Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST at 734-224-7112. - All products manufactured by Steel Dragon Tools are backed by a one year warranty against manufacturer defects.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools contact customer service here or by phone at 734-224-7112.
Steel Dragon Tools are available for purchase from AffordableTool.com and ToolzUnlimited.com.
Different Types of Pipe
Steel Dragon Tools pipe threading machines can cut, thread, and ream a variety of different types of pipe with the right die head and dies. Some of the different types of pipe available on the market includes black iron, galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, and plastic. Each pipe material has different uses and qualities.
Black iron pipe is made from mild steel. Black iron pipe is susceptible to corrosion when exposed to alkaline or acidic water. Black iron pipe is typically used for low-pressure and low-heat applications with gas or steam but is not suitable for potable water.
Cast iron pipe is manufactured with molds and is mostly used for sewage and waste removal. Cast iron pipe will corrode when in contact with carbonic or sulfuric acids. Cast iron pipe can be found in the sewage systems of many homes due to its durability and longevity. This type of pipe is popular for use in waste removal before of its thickness. The pipe’s density helps to muffle the sound of water and waste moving through it, resulting in a quieter home.
Galvanized iron pipe, also known as galvanized steel pipe, is steel pipe with a protective zinc coating. The zinc layer prevents rust and corrosion for approximately 40 years. Once the layer of zinc has been worn away, corrosion and deposits of salt and lime will eventually block the pipe. Galvanized pipe was used for potable water delivery but has been replaced with the more resistant copper and easier-to-handle PVC. Thanks to its anti-corrosion properties, durability, and relatively low cost, galvanized pipe is still popular for use outdoors in irrigation or in large construction projects where the amount of copper pipe needed might be cost prohibitive.
Stainless steel pipe is made with different alloys for use across many industries including food, aircraft and aerospace, nuclear energy, military, and medical applications. Stainless steel pipe is highly regarded for its low maintenance, corrosion resistance, hygienic properties, ease of fabrication, durability, and recyclability. Some types of stainless steel pipe are highly acid resistant and are typically found in chemical plants or for use in food processing.
Copper pipe is durable and corrosion resistant. This type of pipe is easy to handle and install but can be expensive. Copper pipe is typically used for potable water delivery and refrigerant lines in air conditioning systems. Copper pipe can also be used for gas delivery systems, both industrial and medical.
Polyvinyl chloride pipe (PVC) is a versatile material that comes in several chemical variations for different uses. This pipe can be used for pressure and non-pressure applications including potable water service, radiant floor heating, drains, waste removal, venting, irrigation, and ice melting. PVC pipe is inexpensive, easy to handle, and resistant to most household chemicals. PVC pipe does have a low resistance to heat and will expand rapidly when heated. PVC also has a lower pressure rating and crush resistance when compared to most metal pipe.
Steel Dragon Tools manufactures a variety of different pipe dies and die heads for use on the pipe material listed above. For more information on Steel Dragon Tools pipe threading machines, pipe dies, or die heads please click here or contact customer service here or by phone at 734-224-7112.
Steel Dragon Tools pipe dies are available for purchase from AffordableTool.com and ToolzUnlimited.com.