Steel Dragon Tool Rebar Cutter Tips
Steel Dragon Tools rebar cutters can be kept in peak operating shape for years to come by following these simple tips. For more information on Steel Dragon Tools rebar cutters, click here.
Use the Right Tool
Steel Dragon Tools rebar cutters can cut other materials, but it is important to remember to use the proper tool for the job. The failure rate for these machines will go up when using it for a purpose other than cutting rebar.
Hydraulic Fluid
Hydraulic rebar cutters, even the manual kind, will make quick work of cutting thanks to the assist from the hydraulic pump. Be sure to use a standard, agriculture-grade hydraulic fluid to fill or re-fill the pump. Hydraulic fluid is the power behind these cutters. If the cutter pump is low on fluid, it will not cut. Low fluid levels will degrade pump efficiency of the electric rebar cutters. The clearest indication of low fluid is when the piston starts but stops abruptly.
Check and Fill
The fill hole for Steel Dragon Tools electric rebar cutter is on the side of the machine. To fill or add hydraulic fluid, lay the cutter on its side and remove the hex bolt. Fill the cutter until the hydraulic fluid is visible in the hole. Insert hex bolt and tighten.
It is normal for some hydraulic fluid seepage from the electric cutters. These cutters come with hydraulic fluid but will need to be filled again from time to time. When the hydraulic fluid is low, both cutting speed and power will be reduced.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools call 734-224-7112 or e-mail customer service here.
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, eBay, and Walmart.
Steel Dragon Tools Rebar Cutters
Rebar is one of the hidden materials of the construction world. It gets buried in concrete and quickly forgotten. But any concrete or masonry structure requires rebar and as a result, construction workers need to be able to cut the rebar to spec. There are several ways to cut rebar, including reciprocating saw, circular cutter and hand saw. Rebar cutters, both hydraulic and manual, will cut the rebar much quicker and more efficiently, saving construction companies valuable time on the work site.
Steel Dragon Tools manufacturers three types of rebar cutters; electric hydraulic, manual hydraulic, and manual. All three types are designed to quickly cut rebar and all three are portable and easy to use.
Electric Hydraulic Rebar Cutters
Steel Dragon Tools electric rebar cutters use an electric motor to drive a hydraulic pump. These machines come in three different cutting capacities. The RBC05 will cut 5/8-inch, #5 rebar. The RBC06 will cut 3/4-inch, #6 rebar. The RBC08 will cut 1-inch, #8 rebar. Each cutter will cut the specified size of rebar and below. All three offer a cutting speed of six seconds or less. These machines will cut construction rebar, deformed steel bar, round steel bar, and rebar rod. Each machine comes with a heavy-duty carrying case and tool kit. The tool kit includes wrenches, Allen wrenches, screw driver, and a one-time use hydraulic oil bottle.
Manual Hydraulic Rebar Cutter
The Steel Dragon Tools 22A manual hydraulic rebar cutter will cut up to 3/4-inch, #6 rebar. This cutter features a sturdy steel construction and comfortable rubber grips for ease of use. This cutter is ideal for smaller jobs that does not require a massive volume of cuts. The blades are made of forged steel and will cut construction rebar, deformed steel bar, round steel bar, and rebar rod.
Manual Rebar Cutter
The Steel Dragon Tools RBC625 is a manual rebar cutter and bender that will cut and bend 5/8-inch, #5 rebar. A 50-inch handles give the operator the leverage necessary to cut and bend the rebar. This cutter does not have a hydraulic pump. The RBC625 features mounting holes in the frame so that is may be secured to floor, allowing for easy, one-hand operation.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools call 734-224-7112 or e-mail customer service here.
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, Sears, and Walmart.
The Versatile 87740 Motor
The 87740 motor is the driving force behind some of the most popular pipe threaders in the industry, including the RIDGID® 300 and 535. The Steel Dragon Tools version of the 87740 motor powers the Steel Dragon Tools 300 and 7090i. The 87740 motor is a versatile work horse and can be used across a variety of platforms thanks to interchangeable gearboxes. This motor is reliable, durable, and easy to service should the need ever arise.
The 87740 motor has three main components; the field, the armature, and brushes.
The brushes are the item most likely to wear out first. The brushes are designed to make constant contact with the commutator of the armature. While the brushes are considered a wear item to be replaced on occasion, it is also important to inspect the armature and especially the commutator. After many years of use, the commutator can be worn away due to the constant contact with the motor brushes. This wear will result in a slight indentation in the commutator (fig. 1). New brushes will not be able to make solid, constant contact with the commutator, resulting in sparking, higher current draw, and loss of power. If the commutator shows this type of wear, it is easier and more cost effective to replace the entire armature.
The motor field is not a wear piece and will rarely need to be replaced unless it is damaged. Damage is most likely to occur during operation or maintenance. The field can be damaged by an electrical surge or if an internal wire is pinched.
Steel Dragon Tools offers replacement parts that will fit any 87740 model. Steel Dragon Tools is also a full-service repair shop specializing in reconditioning pipe threading machines. Steel Dragon Tools technicians have decades of experience and can quickly diagnose and repair most 87740 motors.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools call 734-224-7112 or e-mail customer service here.
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, Sears, and Walmart.
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.
Tools repaired and reconditioned by Steel Dragon Tools voids original warranties and certifications from Ridge Tool.
Steel Dragon Tools is always looking for used or broken pipe threading machines and pipe threading accessories. Click here for the purchase list and prices.
Wire Strippers – WRA 10 vs WRA 15
Steel Dragon Tools offers several different models of wire strippers. The two entry level options are the WRA10 and the WRA15. Both models can be operated manually with a hand crank or automatically with a drill. The WRA10 and WRA15 are an ideal entry point for anyone looking to strip wire and increase recycling payouts on scrap metal.
The WRA10 is small, at 6-inches in height it is almost pocket size. But behind the diminutive size is an easy to operate machine that will quickly and cleanly strip up to 450 inches of wire per minute when connected to a drill. The WRA10 will strip wire up to roughly 1/2-inch in diameter.
The WRA15 is the more traditional benchtop model. It boasts a larger size and wire-stripping capability. Standing at 12-1/2-inches in height it will also strip up to 450 inches of wire per minute when connected to a drill. The WRA15 will strip wire up to roughly 1-inch in diameter.
Set Up is Key
Set up is the most important step to successfully strip wire. Following these tips will help make the wire stripping process quick and easy. These tips apply to both the WRA10 and WRA15.
- Secure the wire stripper to the benchtop. Screwing or bolting the wire stripper to the bench will stop it from moving during the stripping process, freeing the hands to feed the wire and operate the drill at the same time.
- Separate wire by size, set machine to strip that size, and then strip all of that wire at once. Getting the wire stripper keyed in to quickly strip the wire requires careful set up. Strip one size at a time before moving on to avoid wasting time readjusting between each piece.
- Do not run the drill at full speed. A common mistake is to run the drill as fast as possible. Typically, this will result in a wire that isn’t completely stripped as well as reducing the life of the cutting wheel.
- Run the drill slowly and at an even pace. The same applies when using the hand crank.
- Run the wire through twice. The WRA10 and WRA15 only have one cutting wheel. Run the wire through once and then rotate it 180 degrees before running it through again. Two cuts in the casing will make stripping the wire much easier.
- Straighten the wire and cut it into manageable pieces between 12-inches and 24-inches in length. A straight piece of wire has little chance of bunching up and clogging the machine. A short piece of wire will run through the machine quickly, especially if the operator wants to run it through twice.
- Running long pieces of wire can pose a safety hazard. This warning applies to the larger machines but the principle is still the same. When running long pieces of wire can be dangerous as the wire may become wrapped around the operator or other nearby objects. The operator or these objects can then be pulled toward the wire stripper if enough force is being generated.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools call 734-224-7112 or e-mail customerservice@steeldragontools.com.
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, Sears, and Walmart.
811 vs 815 Die Head Debate
A die head (or two) is a requirement for most industry-standard pipe threading machines. Using a Steel Dragon Tools 300, 300C, 7090-PRO, 7090i, 7090e, or a RIDGID® 300, 300A, 500A, 535, 535A, 800, 801, 802, or 1822 pipe threading machine will require a die head. Pipe threading professionals can choose between the 811- or the 815-style die head. (Most 811- and 815-style die heads are now being manufactured with automatic oiling operation, designated by the letter A — more on this next week.)
The main difference between the 811 and the 815 comes in operation. The 815 die head has a trigger mechanism that will automatically open the die head and stop the threading process once a certain number of threads have been cut. The 811 die head has a quick open lever that must be opened manually to stop the pipe threading process. Both die heads can be used to thread pipe and bolts, both thread in the right-hand direction, and both have the same threading capacities.
Seems like an easy choice, right? However, the 811 die head allows for a flexibility in threading that the 815 cannot accommodate. The 815 die head will always cut the same number of threads per pipe size before the pipe hits the trigger and stops the threading process. The 811 die head can thread further down the pipe should the need arise.
The 811 die head will also be more reliable in the long run since there are no extra mechanical pieces to break or malfunction. Price-wise, the 815 will be slightly more expensive than the 811 but not by much.
Steel Dragon Tools manufactures an 811A and 815A die head that will fit most industry standard pipe threading machines including Steel Dragon Tools and RIDGID® machines. Steel Dragon Tools 811A and 815A die heads are offered with an automatic oiling feature for use on pipe threading machines that have a pipe threading oil reservoir.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools call 734-224-7112 or e-mail customerservice@steeldragontools.com.
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, Sears, and Walmart.
Steel Dragon Tools is always looking for used or broken pipe threading machines and pipe threading accessories. Click here for the purchase list and prices.
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.
Reconditioned RIDGID® 300
The Steel Dragon Tools Reconditioned RIDGID® 300 is a versatile power drive that can be used for pipe threading or roll grooving applications. Steel Dragon Tools is an industry leader in reconditioning and refurbishing used or broken pipe threading machines and pipe threading accessories. Each machine is disassembled, degreased, cleaned, painted, reassembled. All reconditioned machines from Steel Dragon Tools are backed by a one (1) year warranty against manufacturer defect.
Steel Dragon Tools offers the reconditioned RIDGID® 300 in several different packages. Customers can choose a package that will meet their needs. Packages include pipe threading machines with extra dies, extra die heads, or pipe threading oil.
Packages are available with either reconditioned RIDGID® accessories or Steel Dragon Tools accessories. These accessories include an 811A die head, universal high-speed dies, 360 pipe cutter, 341 pipe reamer, 311 carriage, 1206 stand, and 418 oiler bucket.
The reconditioned RIDGID® 300 is equipped with a foot pedal for hands-free operation and has a pipe threading capacity of 1/4-inch pipe to 2-inch pipe.
The reconditioned RIDGID® 300 can also be used for roll grooving with a compatible roll-grooving attachment. All reconditioned RIDGID® 300 pipe threading machines are compatible with RIDGID® and Steel Dragon Tool accessories and replacement parts.
For more information on Steel Dragon Tools call 734-224-7112 or e-mail customerservice@steeldragontools.com.
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, Sears, and Walmart.
Steel Dragon Tools is always looking for used or broken pipe threading machines and pipe threading accessories. Click here for the purchase list and prices.
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.
Tools repaired and reconditioned by Steel Dragon Tools voids original warranties and certifications from Ridge Tool.
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.
Sell Your Used Pipe Threading Tools
Steel Dragon Tools will buy used and broken pipe threading machines and accessories. Steel Dragon Tools started refurbishing pipe threading machines in 2009 and is always looking for items to refurbish.
Power Pipe Threaders:
| RIDGID® | 1822 Pipe Threader |
| RIDGID® | 1224 Pipe Threader with Die Head |
| RIDGID® | 1215 Pipe Threader |
| RIDGID® | 700 Handheld Threader |
| RIDGID® | All Model 535 Pipe Threaders |
| RIDGID® | 300C Pipe Threader |
| RIDGID® | 300 Power Drive and Accessories |
Carts for Machines:
| RIDGID® | 150A Cart |
| RIDGID® | 200A Cart |
Power Threader Parts:
| RIDGID® | Cast and Stamped Foot Pedals |
| RIDGID® | 300 Motors and Gearboxes |
| RIDGID® | 300C Motors and Gearboxes |
| RIDGID® | 535 Motors and Gearboxes |
Pipe Threading Accessories:
| RIDGID® | 141 Hog Heads |
| RIDGID® | 161 Hog Heads |
| RIDGID® | 811 and 815 Die Heads |
| RIDGID® | 811A and 815A Die Heads |
| RIDGID® | 12R Die Heads |
| RIDGID® | 12R Ratchet |
| RIDGID® | 774 Square Drive Adpt. |
| RIDGID® | 844 Drive Bars |
| RIDGID® | 840A Universal Driveshafts |
| RIDGID® | 2A Pipe Cutters |
| RIDGID® | 728 Loops for Hog Head |
| RIDGID® | 775 Support Arm |
| RIDGID® | 1452 Tric Trays |
| RIDGID® | 311 Carriages |
| RIDGID® | 341 Reamers |
| RIDGID® | 360 Cutters |
| RIDGID® | 254 Spiral Reamers |
Tristands and Vises:
| RIDGID® | 1205 Tristand |
| RIDGID® | 460 Chain Vise Tristand |
| RIDGID® | 450 Chain Vise Tristand |
| RIDGID® | 40-A Yoke Vise Tristand |
All prices will vary depending on machine condition and current inventory.
Please send photos and contact information to: apietszak@steeldragontools.com or call 734-224-7112.
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.
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.