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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders

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Need Opinions

02-14-2005 17:49:41

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I've heard all the objections to Harbor Freight and buying non-US tools, but...for occasional use buying US Rigid grade quality would be foolish. Now some foreign tools are absolutely GARBAGE and some are OK. Have any of you folks had experience with HF's pipe threaders? The one I'm looking at lists for $39.99 and is on sale for $19.99. It comes with three dies- 3/8, 1/2, and 1". Are these worth bringing home? Thanks!

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Jon H

02-15-2005 18:03:10

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

After hearing of all the bad results I bet they have been improved. I bought one of those HF sets 2-3 ? years ago,and it seems to cut a good thread. Have used it on 1/2 and 3/4 black pipe hydraulic lines on systems running up to 2500 psi,no leaks and seems to be as good a thread as any factory job. It's all I need and at a price I can afford for once or twice per year use.

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bjr23

02-15-2005 07:40:07

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

After reading all the post on this I couldn't stand it any longer. I bought the HF set your talking about. I was installing a irrigation system using 3/4" risers. I made about 200 threads with the 3/4" die alone, I used lots of old engine oil for lubrication a did what needed to be done. I used some teflon pipe goo and didn't have leaks. Most HF stuff does the job and a fella can still afford to go the grocery store afterwards. bjr23

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dr.sportster

02-15-2005 08:06:08

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to bjr23, 02-15-2005 07:40:07

Due to the inconsistancy of Chinese production tools and considering the fact that yours worked good Ive changed my mind.The best advice is to borrow the one bjr used because his actually worked.However if the food on your table is directly connected to the tools you use you better buy quality.

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bjr23

02-15-2005 10:27:45

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to dr.sportster, 02-15-2005 08:06:08

Yes, it is related, so I buy chinese at times, just as I said. bjr23

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dr.sportster

02-15-2005 12:01:07

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to bjr23, 02-15-2005 10:27:45

I think both of us are trying to advise the guy whats best so despite differences in opinion to have this many voices heard is a good thing.Now can he borrow yours or not.

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Vern-MI

02-15-2005 13:29:45

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to dr.sportster, 02-15-2005 12:01:07

I was so moved by BJR's threading 200 pieces of 1/2" pipe with this H.F. Die set that I dragged out my set and thought I would give it another try. This time I used new motor oil and black pipe. The cutter would not bit into the pipe but rather it tended to ride on the outside diameter like a tool bit which is set above center in a lathe. Then I figured that maybe just the 1/2" die was bad so I gave the 3/4" die a try and had similar results. I did buy this set about six years ago so maybe they have changed the design by now. Anyway the set only costs 20 bucks so why not give it a shot. The ratchet is pretty decent and seems to be well made.

Your mileage may vary.

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MAC,IL

02-15-2005 06:33:19

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

I think I would determine exactly what I needed and buy rigid, a little more costly. Might check the craftsman line as it seems rigid makes some of the stuff they now sell.

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dr.sportster

02-15-2005 05:27:41

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

Its not a patriotic thing or a Made in USA issue to a hobbiest.It is the taking a chance on a cheap product to do a job and that product is not up to it and your money has been wasted and now you must rent,buy,or borrow,a good tool to actually do or finish the job.Some of the tools will get you by others are money lost.Something like a die has to be half decent to cut a usable thread.Rigid tools made millions of these I would try to find used.Rigid dies arent that expensive.Its your money,good luck either way.

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dr.sportster

02-15-2005 05:34:05

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to dr.sportster, 02-15-2005 05:27:41

I was thinking you were threading galvanized electrical conduit.If these pipes are for fluid inside and not just wires you probably are going to be disappointed when you see the squirting.

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T_Bone

02-15-2005 05:17:41

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

Hi NO,

You will also need to consider thread quality.

When Rigid pipe dies become dull, the die will rip the pipe threads as it cuts them thus the joint will leak. It doesn't matter how much joint compond you want to use as the joint will leak.

Lets say the HF dies are sharp enough to cut a good thread, then it becomes how many threads will the die cut before it dulls. I bet not many, less than 3 times!

In pipe threading, you only have one choice, Rigid, or Greenlee if they still make them but Rigid cost less.

T_Bone

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JerryU

02-15-2005 05:12:39

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

I bought one and used it to thread maybe 6 or 8 1/2 inch pipe ends with no problem. Worked like some of the Rigids I had borrowed from work. I wouldn't bet that they would last long, but I bought them for the one or two times you need a piece threaded. Otherwise a trip to Home Depot which is about 18-20 round trip.

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Home Depot..John,PA

02-15-2005 06:11:06

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to JerryU, 02-15-2005 05:12:39

I went to Home Depot with a piece of 2 in. black pipe to finish a fuel oil tank installation that I was working on. I was hopeing they would cut the threads on it for me.

When I got there, there was no one around the threading machine area, so, I cut the threads myself. That is the last time. I really got yelled at for using their machine. Plus the fact that I didn't check-in at the customer service area first to show them that I was bringing in my own pipe. Point is, though, the job got done before the fuel oil co. delivered the heating oil! Thanks for lett'n me SOUND OFF!
John,PA

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Vern-MI

02-15-2005 02:11:16

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

Forget it! Bought a set and the angles are wrong so that the dies don't cut properly. The die starts to cut then begins to ride up on the pipe and bind to the point where it won't move. I have used Rigid at work and they cut like butter. These H.F. dies are just cheap crap so don't waste your money. Try finding a set of used pipe dies at a used tool, flea market or pawn shop.

Looks like there needs to be a H.F. tool forum to wring out the good and bad products at H.F.

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I agree...John,PA

02-15-2005 05:08:13

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Vern-MI, 02-15-2005 02:11:16

It takes awhile to build a collection of GOOD tools. Maybe start of with just a "Rigid" handle and the threading die that you need for the current job. Maybe 1/2 or 3/4. I notice that good tools are becoming easier to find at the flea markets, since plastic pipe is the most popular way to go.

I bought a rigid handle that included a 3/4 in. die for $1.50 last summer at an auction. I had a yard sale afterwards and asked $5.00 for it with no one interested. THEIR LOSS! :})
John,PA

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Mike Burdick

02-14-2005 18:54:03

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

I"d have my doubts!

But...if you live near on of their stores try one out! I think they will take it back and give a full refund if you"re not happy.

If you do try one, please report back with your opinion.

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Bus Driver

02-14-2005 18:22:01

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

If you have used Ridgid pipe threaders, thereafter none of the no-name imports will seem satisfactory except for chasing existing threads.

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Correction

02-14-2005 17:56:00

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Need Opinions, 02-14-2005 17:49:41

Make that 1/2", 3/4", and 1".

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Davefr

02-15-2005 14:35:39

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Correction, 02-14-2005 17:56:00

If it turns, cuts, or does precision work then avoid this crap sold at HF. 95% is pure junk not fit for the purpose intended.

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AZ Jack

02-14-2005 19:21:39

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Re: Harbor Freight Pipe Threaders in reply to Correction, 02-14-2005 17:56:00

Correction-you are probably right-it will be 1/2 inch but they package them strangely sometimes, it could be 3/8. For occasional use they probably will work OK, since you more than likely will be using them on import pipe anyway. Jack

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