Harbor (horrible) Freight Electric Pipe Threader Wolf Garage Real Review Item

Short review of the harbor freight pipe threader. Item#62203
Obviously I'm a diy guy. Don't bust my stones if you spend 12 hours a day threading pipe with your gas powered ridgid machine. This item held up well for doing about 40 threads at various sizes. I'm sure the dies are not as tough, but maybe you can use the power head with better dies. I use the wet tile saw, but buy better blades.

[@usethenoodle]

I just rented a REX 640 High Torque version of this tool. It's the same exact concept. I used it to thread 3/4" black steel pipe from Lowes for a large shop air system. The REX is about $2,000 and has no dies with it. It did a good job. The rental cost (11/2023) was $60.00 a day. My job took me 2 full days. It had brand new dies in the cutting head, as they replaced them in front of me before I took possession. So, I guess if you have a really big say 3 day or longer job this may be worth it. I know the HF dies are not good steel quality as I have the HF hand threader. They will work for 10 or so cuttings reasonably well but then fail and start to produce poor threads. And, I'd guess you can't buy replacements from HF. Failed dies are the main problem that will develop. The Rigid brand (the individual cutting teeth) 3/4" steel pipe dies are available 4 to a pack for ~60.00, but I don't know if they are compatible with these die holders. They may be and if they are, that would be the best option. Though I'd bet dollars to doughnuts, the Rigid dies are Chinese too, so maybe they are expensive Chinese. The $$$ REX brand tool I rented with a new set of Rigid brand cutters (the Rigid cutters are compatible with REX die holders) in the die holder, cut mostly intact threads with a few small breakouts. Somebody in one of these comments said the steel in some of the foreign pipe doesn't thread well due to low carbon content. That may be true. I don't know where the Lowe's pipe comes from or how well it should thread. So pipe vs tool, I don't know. I used plenty of cutting oil. I also stopped to clean and pull out the curling wads of chips 1/2 way through each threading using a needle nose plier. The Vevor brand Chinese tool at $160.00 with 4 dies on eBay is another option. www.ebay.com/itm/124866142128, Rental vs buying? Depends on how much you need to do. My job was large and I have phase 2 in a couple months. A smaller maybe 1 day job. I'm tempted to buy a Vevor as another 3 day rental would pay for it. But, Vevor does not supply the consumable cutters either. Which is just stupid. Sometimes the rental places rent you a crappy screwed up tool too. I have stories on that. Its a crap shoot. Good luck.

[@rywolf01]

I got more than 10 cuts. My neighbor installed oil and gas tanks for 35 years. Cuts were fine. What I did in this video was well after 20 for a gas line. I don't know how it would hold up as a daily driver.

[@mtnton1]

Yep, at 1/7th of the cost of a Milwaukee threader, I'd say it's fantastic. Thank you! Too many idiots make negative reviews on Harbor Freight tools while not appreciating the fact that they bought the Harbor Freight tool, in the first place "because It was affordable". I think those people should make review videos on the Cadillac tools. Or maybe (like most of us) they can't afford those tools.

[@rywolf01]

Still threading pipe with it today. I don't use it everyday. When I do, I do use lube and not just ram it on. I have made a lot of good money with the cheap Chinese products.

[@bradsauvageau5372]

As a professional pipe threader, I can say, from experience, that this product is adequate. I purchased it based on honest, realistic video reviews and am not disappointed. Keeping a full sized tri-stand and power pony with a hand held oiler, for weekend projects, is simply impractical for most. Decent video...but your Sportster air filter case decal is inverted...jus sayin.

[@rywolf01]

cam cover was inverted as well;-) Thanks for noticing. I don't have that sportster anymore, but all my covers are inverted:-) I could spend 20 minutes explaining why... but this site does it well:-) www.chopcult.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6484

[@javiervazquez9472]

As a professional plumber, I can attest to your statement. You would think youre giving up on quality of threads, but not so with the machine. Build quality is ok, and it seems to struggle a little bit at 1-1/4" threads, but it has paid off, and fed my family during some pretty tough times.

[@goosecubes]

Sorry for your camera problems lol. Thank you for the review. I have a manual pipe threader and have a large job coming up with several dozen ends to cut and am hoping that this makes things easier and faster. Thank you again.

[@rywolf01]

Glad it helped:) hope you get the job done. Make sure you use a good cutting lube.

[@strongholds12]

Beautiful set up. Thats all that's needed and will do

[@gwpiker]

Just was down at our local H.F checking this out, thanks for the video, didn't matter about the camaro not working with you got the point across and now to go get my own :)

[@rywolf01]

It's a good machine.

[@goosecubes]

Looking at the time stamp; that was 6 months ago; how do you like it (greg & wendy piker)?

[@usethenoodle]

Yes. Like I say it's a crap shoot. I had used my Harbor Freight to thread a Natural Gas line for my backup generator at my former residence. That project had maybe 7 ish threadings. Then the tool sat on the shelf for several years. I bought this place last March and it has a huge shop. I broke out the tool to thread some 3/4" black pipe for the underground air line from my compressor shed into the back wall of the shop. That project went well more or less except the ratchet began to skip. I had to be really careful. It got the job done. Maybe 6-7 threadings but was getting really hard to start cuts. It still works but it's a struggle and the threads are so so. So when it came time to build the air system in the shop's two RV sized bays, I decided to rent. Now that that is done, I have to do some work in the attached workshop and extend the air system into that part of the building. After that is done, I don't know when I would ever need a threader again. It could be years. I think if a guy has a large say, 3 day job... for the money I'd buy either the HF which has two brands Bauer and the lesser Chicago brand. Or perhaps the Vevor. I just wish these companies would sell replacement die teeth, or better yet, make the die holders universal with the Rigid dies. Thanks for your video! I appreciate you. Keep getting those hands dirty.

[@rywolf01]

Looks like I need to find more projects for this tool.

[@302COYOTE]

Thanks for the video. The problem with your camera focusing is that you don't have enough light in the room and the sensor is struggling to focus try to increase the light in that area can help. I own some higher end cameras if you have a larger sensor or low lux option can help. If you can't raise the light then just switch it to autofocus

[@nheng6913]

I have 5 or 6 cans of thread cutting lube, new and almost 60 years old because my FIL knew he needed the high sulphur stuff. It's almost like molasses. You also want continuous cutting so the metal flows. Carbon steel was used long before HSS was invented and worked fine, just doesn't handle heat or edge life as well. But that's where the lube comes in.

[@rywolf01]

I'm not a pro for sure, but I can muddle through. Thanks for the feedback 😀

[@johnhaspert823]

I’ve had one for about a year. They are great if you do the following- 1.) chamfer the end of the pipe to allow proper purchase of the die on the pipe. 2.) use a high quality, fully formulated thread lube with Sulfur and Chlorine, like Castrol Moly-Dee. Don’t scrimp and feed the oil so that all of the dies are well lubed. 3.) Part of the reason threads get damaged in that that the chips get too long (not broken) and gall the already cut threads. Using a start stop back off and relube restart technique works very well. 4.) also, have found that non-US pipe tends to be a bit off-size and has brittle inclusions which doesn’t lend itself to proper threading.

[@aronjohn84]

You said lil lube goes a long way ....lol

[@christianruvalcaba5332]

I’ve seen a few videos I disagree and give it a thumbs up 👍

[@falloutforever88]

Used them before, 1 1/4" is a little sketchy I'd strongly advise you use a real tristand vise in addition the clamp, and lube the ever loving shit out of the dies when cutting threads your dies will thank you.

[@michlin688]

"Don't bust my stones if you spend 12 hours a day threading pipe with your gas powered ridgid machine" 😆 👍

[@quercuslobata3776]

Based on the reviews, I purchased this tool. Cost today is 230 bucks. Not my first rodeo on pipe threading. Retired contractor. I did a total of 4 pipe ends, 1 inch black pipe. The first was acceptable. The taper on the end was a bit different, but the fitting screwed on pretty well. I cleaned the die with compressed air. The second was like the first. Taper a bit off. Blew out the die again. On the third the machine started to struggle. I was using plenty of oil, backing off to clear the chips about ever 1/2 - 3/4 turn or so. Got about 1/2 the threads cut and the machine started to slow. Not pushing it at all, letting it feed. The motor started to smoke. Stopped backed off again. Went forward again and everytime the die would start to cut, the machine would slow and smoke. Finished the third end. Threads were bungled a bit, some small chips missing, but it sealed when tested under pressure. Cleaned die again and noticed some of the cutters were chipped. Thought I would give it one more try as the die screwed on to a factory end fine. No go this time. The machine struggled worse, the motor smoked everytime the cutters engaged the pipe. Stopped looked at the threads I cut. Most were chipped. The die teeth were chipped worse. Only used it on the 1 inch sch 40. The machine is under powered for 1 inch or bigger. Wouldn't even attempt using it on 1 1/4. Might be ok with 1/2 and maybe 3/4. The dies are poor quality. Not very tough. Would recommend that if you have several pipes to thread, rent a good threader. This machine will cost you in the end. One inch black pipe is almost 5 bucks a ft. You can't be throwing it on the scrap heap because of messed up threads.

[@rywolf01]

Sounds like you got one that might have been used and abused. Mine is still going strong. Use it for odd projects, but I don't force it through the material. Heck, even with a manual ridgid threader I've beat up bits and threads. Sucks, but your review is honest :) I'm happy with mine, and all my connections tested and held at 30psi.

[@quercuslobata3776]

@@rywolf01 Was packaged as new. Going to take it back to HF. Still have to decide how to finish the rest of the project. This one is out in a remote area. Rentals are a 70 mile roundtrip. Being so far out was the main reason I purchased. One thing I found out a few years back about HF items. You can buy two identical items, but they may have different numbers. What that means is that they were not made by the same manufacturer/factory. So some people may get a good product and others not so good.

[@RaviPatel-ex8er]

Use a lube with high sulphur content. I own pipe fitting company. We thread alota pipe. Lots of it. I dont know how cheap threaders hold up. I only buy ridgid, rothenbeger, and we just bought milwaukee

[@rywolf01]

I'm sure if I had to use this daily in a professional setting it wouldn't stand the test of time. I'm do remodeling/renovations.

[@leebrand2172]

Not sure that the machine is going to appreciate being cycled on off all the time under load?

[@rywolf01]

For a China knock-off, thing takes abuse. Still running it hard.

[@robertficek7586]

@@rywolf01 Inrush current, once you start dont stop, it was painful to watch

[@maximusxm]

i bought one yesterday and i feel that makes threads too deep, does it works for gas pipe lines? im using 1/2 black iron pipe

[@rywolf01]

Gas, yes. Absolutely.

[@scotty362100]

"You were no longer able to adjust the die because the screws stripped out of it" - Umm I've been a pipefitter for 43 YEARS, the dies are NOT adjustable! WTF are you even talking about? Hold the damn trigger down, it is NOT made to be used like you are doing it (start,stop,start,stop,start,stop, etc.)

[@rywolf01]

Thanks captain keyboard commander. Glad you were a pipe fitter for more than half your life:) Great constructive criticism from a yard jockey. The die was replaced in a ridgid manual threader. Which... was done by a pipe fitter who tried to help me out by pulling his old manual threader out of his shed. He stripped a screw securing the die. He spent 35 years in the field installing gas and oil tanks. Thanks again for your asshat comment though. Hope your day is as $hitty as you are😅 Right here's the link for what his setup looked like $hithead;) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnfLf6Gbgb1pe7ssi=1VhnU-rD6o0k9iLI Wtf are you talking about? Sounds like you were never allowed to touch the tools since you apparently think there's only one style head for dies 🤔 😉 😏 What's your keyboard commander move now? You going to tell us there's no screws and/or adjustments to be made? It took you 43 years to figure out you were a pipe fitter. I d 10 T

[@scotty362100]

@@rywolf01 Lol, do you even know what the terms you are using mean? (keyboard commander, yard jockey) Thanks for showing me your IQ. Kind of hard to admit you just don't know what the hell you are doing - - - huh. Have a good, if not narcissistic life. lmfao

[@No_bread-and-circuses]

@@rywolf01 Looks like the troll was successful in getting your goat. You know people like that just thrive on irritating people.

[@fioregrazioso9496]

I was told that they don't sell the whole die unit and I like an idiot ended up buying a whole new machine just to finish up another job because the die wouldn't thread anymore. Oh and yes this happen before and Harbor freight did replace the 2 nd unit Being that it was still under Warranty. With that second new unit it ended up doing the same thing on another job. So I ended up buying the 3rd unit, And of course I was able to finish off that other job. I love the machine and it works quite well. I also had reviewed the reviews on it and I don't know why some of these other plumbers are talking bad about the machine. Back to my question. I can't seem to get ahold of anybody at the company and until this day still haven't received a call back. My question was once again do we buy the the die teeth pieces itself To put back into the die unit? And if someone knows which ones are they. I keep running across the manual die unit pieces Which are different than the electric mechanical unit. Can you or someone here help me With my problem?

[@rywolf01]

I know it is way beyond a year. What was your solution?

[@danielsolano56]

Harbor freight strikes again!!! Lmao everytime I see someone use their product they are afraid to go all out lol

[@rywolf01]

All out? Please elaborate. I certainly know that this item outperforms the manual rigid pipe threader I have. If you mean overwork a Chinese knock off... Why would I do that? I believe this unit would be fine, I just prefer to take slow and easy. Quality verses quantity in my book. And... It's another horrible freight item worth 150 or whatever I paid for it.

[@falloutforever88]

My old shop bought these, we would just send it if it broke then it broke not our problem the boss wouldn't buy pro grade tools, the clamp did get bent from someone threading 1.25" without oil.

[@rywolf01]

@@falloutforever88 I'm not typically a full send type of guy. I spend too much time already repairing broken items. If I was getting paid to drag race, then I'd consider full send:)

[@aronjohn84]

Wear gloves bro..geeze! Thanks for the video though... how's it handling still

[@rywolf01]

Safety first. Do as I say not as I do :) Still threads pipe. Lend it out to everyone I know and the teeth still got good bite.

[@WillieMakeit]

How nany threads past flush to going? Just curious I usually go 2

[@rywolf01]

Think it depends on your application. Anywhere from 8 threads on a large pipe for a gas installation to 18 threads for smaller pipe. Not sure what code should be, but I would think that 2 threads past is good.

[@keithryant5779]

I'm buying one of these Chinese products. Thanks!

[@mtnviper1963]

This was painful to watch. Try using a dark thread cutting oil, you’ll have a lot better result than the useless spray can crap.

[@rywolf01]

Well, if I was using it everyday. I mean, not everyone can be a pro like you bro!

[@patriciarambert9261]

@@rywolf01 he right tho, that frothy spray won't do. Listen to the experts, real thick oily stuff's the way to go. In time they'd prove you wrong because your tool would rebel

[@wolfmanrebel874]

Cool,thanks

[@ErnestHughes12344322]

It doesn't take much lube.... Lubed the sh** out of it lol

[@rywolf01]

If that's considered a lot... No wonder you're burning shit up. The chill lube foams up after applying. Have you ever seen the rigid electric pipe cutter/threader at home depot? Look in there, that's a lot of lube:)

[@greekmaster1001]

Absolutely no way you suppose to keep stopping and starting the machine like your did

[@rywolf01]

Worked for me and I didn't twist any ends up. Just saying :)

[@greekmaster1001]

@@rywolf01 yeah but the way you use it you can easily damage the dies

[@gauravgaurav8987]

Kya prize aa iskha

[@ocrun6765]

how are the dies holding up?

[@rywolf01]

I don't use it daily, but I've cut at least 4 dozen cuts with the half inch die. Seems to produce a clean cut. Not sure about the accuracy, but all of the fittings get pressure tested and have maintained at least 30 psi over 48 hour period. Not sure what your application is, but as a prosumer tool, you won't be disappointed so long as you use it right.

[@ocrun6765]

@@rywolf01 Thanks. I'll be using for home pipe retrofit. Water, some gas. Probably only 1/2 & 3/4. But I'll be under the crawlspace or in a tight attic working some in place retrofit with not much room for the big manual tool.

[@fioregrazioso9496]

I have this device my question is how do I replace the dies?

[@rywolf01]

Sorry, missed your comments. Too busy working. Did you find a solution?

[@AdventureMan-kx3dr]

must be a rookie pipe threader operator

[@rywolf01]

Don't think I claimed to be a professional asshole. Let me rephrase this. Absolutely a rookie, but the tool is still worth avoiding your professional pipe fitting bs. At least I own my boat. Looks like you're taking a selfie on your bros boat to look cool (fake). Goofy ass tool troll.

[@javimoreno8553]

Thanks bro, good information. After a fkd up day I came across your review and thank God I chose I read the feedbacks cause your comebacks have me laughing hard. 🤣

[@javimoreno8553]

Skip through the grammar errors, I was too busy laughing

[@AdventureMan-kx3dr]

If you not a pro then why review a tool and complain about a tool you don’t even know how to use ??

[@rywolf01]

@@AdventureMan-kx3dr what's your problem Neal? What exactly do you do for a living? Besides troll with negative feedback about a great tool and my opinion. Let us know. Maybe we can help. You're telling me your best bud never bought a tool and said, this tool is great, you should buy it. I'm that guy. Maybe not your best bud, but when I see good value I let other people know. Guaranteed your little pecker is smaller than the smallest adapter for threading pipe. I'm also not complaining assdart. Maybe you have a cognitive reading issue. It's a review. Not by a professional. Just an average dude in a tiny garage. I can tell you that my neighbor, who is 78, who has laid more pipe than you'll ever lay installing gas station tanks for 40 years of his life after serving time in the air force was impressed as well.

[@davidg5629]

Mine won't do galvanized pipe. Big disappointment.

[@rywolf01]

I've put threads on galvanized steel pipe.

[@davidg5629]

@@rywolf01 mine just spins on galvanized pipe. It won't engage. Tried the block of wood trick. Nothing. Tried beveling the edge. Nope.

[@jmac213stuff]

you lost me at the lube. User Error. This machine must be screaming at your. Even a rigid 300, a $3k machine needs to be submersed in threading oil does 2 things, COOL the cuttings threads and lubes it. YES the lube type and amount matter. For the price tag, it works great. This portable machine gets into places the larger machines don't.

[@hyster2568]

Man my 20% coupon doesn’t cover this machine. No century items

[@rywolf01]

Yeah, lately they've been limiting the coupons. They had a class action lawsuit that seems to have screwed up a lot of their sales.

[@georgenarso3148]

Extremely poor pipe threading technique.

[@rywolf01]

How would you improve it?

[@georgenarso3148]

@@rywolf01 Grease the dies instead of oil, do not cycle your electric drive threader instead press and hold the switch till the threading is complete, reverse, release and clean with rag and steel brush.

[@AdrianButler86]

@@rywolf01 yea i think stopping n starting so often will damage the elecrical contacts on the switch cuz everytime u open n close a switch u get an arc that eats away at the metal. Also stopping n starting is makin the motor pull more amps and work harder. I would only stop n strt again maybe like 2 to 3 times at most to do the whole thread just so u can give more lube but keep trying to shoot lube as its threading

[@WillieMakeit]

Short stroking will get pipe shaving stuck in the dies. Run it brush it wipe it install it