Update Bent handle on pipe wrench..

plowhand · Jul 6, 2017

The handle was bent on my 48"Ridgid pipe wrench..I put it in a press and applied some pressure and it cracked instantly..I guess I should've put some heat to it...darn!!! So now what's a good rod to weld it with?..nickel? standard 7018? Thanks in advance..i may have access to a wire feed welder..

Stephen Newell · Jul 6, 2017

The best rod is the one left in the package. No welding is going to make the wrench near as strong as it was originally. Best to cut it off where it's broke and use it as a shorter wrench.

Steve@Advance · Jul 6, 2017

I agree, it will never be the same.

Not worth a trip to the ER!

Destroked 450 · Jul 6, 2017

No offense but if your asking what welding rod or type of welder to use you don't need to be welding that handle back on.
A good welder will know what type of metal the handle is made of and if it can be welded he'll also know what to weld it with.
If my buddy who is a professional welder welded it I wouldn't be afraid to put some force on that handle, if I welded it I'd make sure I wasn't where I'd get hurt when it breaks off again.

David Snipes · Jul 6, 2017

You could braze it. The bronze material will not fail suddenly as some of the others were concerned about with arc welding. It should be strong enough to handle the work and soft enough to fail slowly so that you would have warning. If you did weld it and were concerned with it's integrity, I have seen wrenches like that with a steel pipe pounded down tightly on the handle to reinforce it.

jeffcat · Jul 6, 2017

If you have any big and really good flea markets near you, take a look this weekend. Many vendors have tons of good new and used tools wi5h some really good prices. I have bought so many there!

jdv · Jul 6, 2017

Find a piece of pipe to slide over what's left of the handle, then drill a hole through the pipe and handle and put a bolt or a quick pin through it to hold the "new handle" in place. With the quick clip you can remove the pipe handle for storage. Of course this will only work if you have enough of the original handle left.

Janicholson · Jul 6, 2017

The rewelding can be done. Just take it to a pro welder after grinding the ends to a 3/8 remaining. Consider putting it together with the broken piece flipped to form an S. have just the handle heated to medium red then oil quenched. It is what I would do. Jim

paul · Jul 6, 2017

Be sure and size the pipe so you can slip another 10 foot pry pipe over it again.

Paul

Pete in Holland MI · Jul 6, 2017

V-it down to less than 1/8" at the joint. Carefully braze it. Add a 4" long strap of 1/8" flat steel on the tension side & braze that in too. Grind smooth. Paint (it's all about the paint).

Keep the cheaters off of it.

jon f mn · Jul 6, 2017

7018 would be my choice for welding as it is vast steel, not cast iron. But I would leave it short and just use a cheater when needed if it were me.

RayP(MI) · Jul 6, 2017

Throe it away. Before someone gets hurt.

SDE · Jul 6, 2017

4 rigid 4ft pipe wrenches sold for $25 each at the last auction I attended.If you can wait, buy a replacement.

markct · Jul 6, 2017

I hate that attitude, none of us were
born knowing how to do everything, we
all learned, how would learn if others
said you shouldn't do it if you don't
know, he is asking so he will know duh!

Joe(TX) · Jul 6, 2017

I have one that is broken off. I just slide a pipe over the handle. That's probably how yours got broken by not sliding it on far enough.

mtny · Jul 6, 2017

Gotta ask what a 48 " pipe wrench is even around anymore . Over 2 or 2 1/2 is either welded or Vic .

The Dukester · Jul 7, 2017

Take it to a good professional weldor who will know first if it should be welded and secondly, the proper procedure to use doing it. You gots to keep the monocules happy....you didn't do that when you tried to cold straighten it.

hd6gtom · Jul 7, 2017

Fellows I attend a lot of large flee markets, see them all the time for 25 or 30.00. Nobody wants them cause they are so darn heavy. Good luck with it.

Check Break · Jul 8, 2017

Your Rigid pipe wrench was sold with a lifetime guarantee. I returned a 48" with 12"-s of handle once and got a new one, no questions asked. The lifetime guarantee was noticed on a sticker on the handle. No one remembers 20 years later after it wore off. Give Rigid a call if you don't have a local retailer and post back what they tell you.

tom stalker · Jul 8, 2017

(quoted from post at 06:01:59 07/08/17) Your Rigid pipe wrench was sold with a lifetime guarantee. I returned a 48" with 12"-s of handle once and got a new one, no questions asked. The lifetime guarantee was noticed on a sticker on the handle. No one remembers 20 years later after it wore off. Give Rigid a call if you don't have a local retailer and post back what they tell you.

https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/full-lifetime-warranty

Check Break · Jul 8, 2017

(quoted from post at 04:43:32 07/08/17)
https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/full-lifetime-warranty

Yes, this is the new Rigid warranty. However, the old Rigid warranty, the one that came with that wrench said this. "Rigid Unconditional Guarantee. If this housing Breaks or Distorts, we will replace it free of charge."

The current Rigid warranty doesn't supercede the warranty that came with the wrench.

Update Bent handle on pipe wrench..

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