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.
Steel Dragon Tools Buys Used Pipe Threading Equipment
Steel Dragon Tools buys used RIDGID® pipe threading equipment ranging from handheld pipe threader die heads, like the 12-R, up to heavy-duty models like the 1224 and 161. Steel Dragon Tools will also buy the various RIDGID® stands, die heads, and associated products.
Used RIDGID® models that Steel Dragon Tools will purchase:
- Machines: 700, 1215, 300, 300C, 1822, 535 (manual or automatic, all three generations), 1224
- Hog Heads: 141, 161
- Stands: 1206 (300 stand), 450, 460, 460-6(chain vises), 40A (yoke vise)
- Die Heads: 12-R, 811, 811a, 815, 815A, 711, 714
Steel Dragon Tools will also buy accessories that work with the units like drive adapters, pipe cutters, and pipe reamers. Steel Dragon Tools will consider items that are missing components or have been disassembled for purchase as parts units.
Selling used equipment is a great way to clean up the shop and make extra money at the same time. For more information about selling used equipment, please contact us by phone at 734-224-7112 or by e-mail here.
Replacing Dies In A Die Head
Replacing or installing new dies in the Steel Dragon Tools 811A Die Head is quick and easy. Lay the die head on a stable surface and move the handles to make the scroll inside the die head retract. The scroll holds the dies in place.
Once the scroll has retracted, slide the die into the die head. The scroll must be fully retracted to remove or install a die into the die slot. Each die is marked with a number and should slide into the corresponding die slot on the die head.
Push the die into the die slot up to the marked line on the top of the die. Once all four dies have been inserted, move the handle to re-engage the scroll, securing the dies in the die head. Some adjustment on each die may be needed if the scroll will not fully engage.
Wiggling the dies back and forth while moving the handle will usually remedy the problem. Once the dies are firmly in place, reinstall the die head onto the pipe threading machine.
Having multiple die heads with
different-sized dies can reduce work stoppage. Utilizing two die heads with different sets of dies will reduce the work load from switching outs dies when threading a variety of pipe sizes and materials. Simply remove the die head from the machine, install the second die head with a different die set, and continue threading pipe.
Steel Dragon Tools dies and die heads are interchangeable with compatible dies and die heads from a variety of manufacturers. Steel Dragon Tools die heads will fit compatible machines and will accept compatible dies. Steel Dragon Tools dies will fit compatible die heads as well.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools dies and die heads, please contact customer service by e-mail or by phone at 734-224-7112.
The full line of Steel Dragon Tools dies and die heads are available for purchase from Craig’s Affordable Tools or Toolz Unlimited.