Making Pipe Dies Last
Quality pipe threading dies should last a very long time if care is taken to keep them in good working order. Steel Dragon Tools manufacturers dies that are compatible with several brand-name die heads and pipe threading machines. Steel Dragon Tools dies are made from a composite alloy or high-speed steel and, under proper working conditions, should last a very long time.
To get the most out of a set of Steel Dragon Tools dies, here are some important tips to keep in mind when threading pipe. The following tips should be applied to powered and manual pipe threading machines.
- Always use a high-quality pipe threading oil. High-quality pipe threading oil will reduce the friction between the dies and the pipe. The oil will also absorb heat during the threading process. Excess heat during the threading process can damage the dies and the pipe. Excess heat can cause metal chips to become welded to the dies. Metal chips in the die teeth will affect the consistency and shape of the threads.
- Keep the dies clean. Clean dies make for clean threads. After threading pipe, use a stiff-bristle wire brush to clean any debris that may be stuck in the die teeth.
- Install the dies properly into the die head. Dies that are not properly installed can result in damage to both the die teeth and the pipe. Double check to make sure the dies are properly installed before threading pipe.
Following these steps will help ensure that the Steel Dragon Tools dies enjoy a long operating life and provide you with many perfectly threaded pipes.
To view Steel Dragon Tools dies, click here.
For more information on the Steel Dragon Tools dies call 734-224-7112 or e-mail customerservice@steeldragontools.com.
Learn more about the importance of pipe threading oil.
Learn more about installing dies into die heads.
Learn more about Steel Dragon Tools die heads.
Steel Dragon Tools products are available for purchase from Affordable Tool and Toolz Unlimited. Steel Dragon Tools products can also be purchased at major online retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
Tips and Tricks for the 535
One of the common complaints from users of the Steel Dragon Tools Reconditioned RIDGID® 535 is that the chuck or the pipe wobbles, resulting in unusable threads.
If the machine is not threading properly, check the dies first. A good set of dies should last a very long time. Unless the die teeth are chipped or otherwise damaged, the dies should work without issue. Next, check the installation. Dies will fit into the die head only one way but should be installed securely and in the proper order. If the dies are installed properly, check the rear centering chuck. The rear centering chuck simply keeps the pipe centered in the machine. Do not over tighten the rear chuck. Only hand tighten the rear chuck, do not use tools.
The front chuck does most of the work when threading pipe. The front chuck should only be hand tightened. Do not use tools to tighten the front chucks.
To tighten front and rear chuck, spin chuck forcefully in a counter clockwise motion. The chuck will tighten around the pipe. Do this several times to ensure a snug fit. The sound the that the chuck makes will change as it tightens. Once the sound changes, the chuck is tight. A tightened chuck will give off a short, dull sound as the chuck has already tightened around the pipe.
Other Tips to Remember:
The guide marks on the die head are not exact. Always run a simple threading test before threading the actual work piece. Use a properly-sized fitting to test the threads. A properly threaded pipe will allow the fitting to turn one and a half to two turns before meeting any resistance. If the fitting continues to turn easily or does not turn at all, the die head settings will need to be adjusted.
Threads should only be cut to the width of the die head. Cutting threads too far down the pipe may result in unusable threads. Some dies are designed to cut tapered threads. Cutting beyond the width of the die head will result in straight threads instead of the desired tapered threads.
For more information about Steel Dragon Tools please call contact Customer Service at 734-224-7112 or by e-mail here.
RIDGID® marks are trademarks of RIDGID, Inc and are used only for product identification purposes.
Steel Dragon Tools 819 Nipple Chuck
The Steel Dragon Tools 819 is a nipple chuck adapter used to create pipe nipples on 1/2-inch to 2-inch pipe. The Steel Dragon Tools 819 can be used with both RIDGID® and Steel Dragon Tools pipe threading machines, including model numbers 300, both power drive and compact, as well as 535, 1882, and 1224.
The Steel Dragon Tools 819 package includes a nipple chuck wrench, adapter hanger for storage, standard insert and five adapters: 1/2 in., 3/4 in., 1 in., 1-1/4 in., and 1-1/2 in. The base itself serves as the 2-inch adapter.
To create a pipe nipple, install pipe into the threading machine and thread pipe as normal. Cut the pipe to the desired length. Install the Steel Dragon Tools 819 nipple adapter into the pipe threading machine and screw the threaded end of pipe into the adapter. Do not over-tighten the pipe into the nipple adapter. Hand tight will be sufficient. Once the pipe is secure in the adapter, thread it as normal.
It is important to make sure the initial thread is the correct dimensions. If the threads are over-sized or under-sized, the pipe may become lodged in the adapter. Removing a lodged pipe will require a pipe wrench and considerable force. Test the threads with a thread gauge or corresponding fitting to ensure the threads are dimensionally correct. A fitting should turn 1-1/2 to 2 turns on a properly threaded pipe.
Insert the plug end of the nipple chuck wrench into the holes in the adapter to release the tension spring inside the adapter. Unscrew the pipe from the adapter while relieving the tension. A pipe wrench may be required to unscrew the pipe from the adapter. The pipe can become lodged in the adapter if the threads are not dimensionally correct. The pipe will tighten by itself in the adapter during the threading process.
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 only for product identification purposes.