Ridgid Pipe Wrench

[@johnmclaurin]

I loved the “soaking box” ….she looked brand new! Spray it down with some clear coat !

[@mrbenmall]

Yeah, I already repainted the end part and I'm going to give it a couple of coats of clearcoat before I give it back to my BinLaw. Thanks John!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Ben- Fantastic job! Not only are those wrenches super heavy but they’re also extremely expensive when you get to the bigger ones I have two 48 inch models one in aluminum. They are great! That harbor freight angle grinder is fantastic and looks like you got good use out of it however those cupped wire brushes have a tendency to flip around when you’re working with them and can be quite dangerous, ask me how I know. 😂. Next time you go to Harbor freight I suggest picking up their denim or other type of shop apron as a protection whenever you’re working with that cupped wire brush. I always felt that the orange paint scheme with the steel accents look so fantastic. 😃👍

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks John. I have an apron but I always forget to put it on. I have a huge collection of stained shirts to show for it. I'm not sure what you mean by flip around - are you talking about shifting the angle so that the other side of the cup catches and kicks back? If you feel it warrants it, throw an answer in a mosh sometime. Thanks!

[@nemo4907]

I picked up a ridged 48" model for $15 at a flea market, great shape just rusty as hell. The lady was cleaning out dads garage of junk. Don't know when I'll need one that size but if the need arises I'm set!

[@mrbenmall]

Good heavens that's big! And 15 bucks is AMAZING.

[@JimMcLaren1950]

You are the master of restoration. Hopefully Ridgid sees this video and gives you something for restoring one of their products.

[@mrbenmall]

Ha! That would be something! Thanks Jim.

[@357magdad]

Now THAT'S a pipe wrench! Beautiful job Ben!

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Magdad!

[@brienrepp]

Great job Ben! You are killing it these days!

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Brien!

[@TransinMontrana]

One of the best ways to paint Ridgid pipe wrenches is to completely disassemble them, remove the heel jaw and heel jaw pin, remove the flat spring assembly for the hook jaw and then you can suspend the wrench body between two points (i.e. ladder rungs) with steel tie wire by the holes for the heel jaw pin. The raised sides of the handle body by the heel jaw are meant to be bare, so you can mask those and your wire / suspension point won't affect the quality of your finished paint. You may have to slightly grind the heel jaw pin to punch it out and remove the heel jaw, but the modern replacement pins are the same size as the older 1940s wrenches and are relatively inexpensive. Just my two cents!

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks for the info. Yes, somewhere back in a previous video, I restored three smaller ones and had issues with the pin. Decided not to break it down on this one.

[@TransinMontrana]

@Ben Mall , whenever possible, I try to always replace the heel jaw, heel jaw pin and flat spring assembly on the Ridgid wrenches when the parts are available. The modern heel jaws fit most of the 1950's ~ current wrenches. They fit most of the 1940's wrenches are well, but the widths / lengths tend to be different on the larger wrenches.

[@nicknicoletti9778]

Came out well. Your brother in law will be proud to put that in his tractor. And now it’s fully functional. Quite a workout cleaning that beast.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Nick. Sure is. It's about 5 times more difficult than a small wrench.

[@patjohnson3100]

Very nice job. Your brother in law will be proud to use it. If he ever gives it back it will be the ultimate wall hanger, or if you start rebuilding locomotives as a hobby, it will be useful for that. Wrench looks great.

[@mrbenmall]

LOL I think watching Keith Rucker is as close as I'll ever get to working on train stuff. Thanks Pat.

[@brianlittle3452]

Nice looking wrench. Handling this wrench, as Arnold would say, is literally “Pumping Iron”.

[@mrbenmall]

So true. Thanks Brian!

[@pauljones618]

I enjoyed your restoration of that pipe wrench. My late father was a pipe fitter in England, but I really enjoyed your music, my father loved that type of music, it reminded me of him watching your video, fantastic job.

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Paul

[@blackbearhiker1420]

Nice work Ben. You keep improving every restoration!

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you BBHiker!

[@jeffreywolf5235]

I love the way you made a box into a temporarily much longer container to hold that long bar. As putting it in a 5 gallon bucket just doesn't work. Thanks for the tips

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you, Jeffrey!

[@troon5488]

I paused the video into make this comment! Very clever idea with the box and plastic bag - I have some long rip-saws that need rust removal, but could not find a container or trough big enough. Even resorted to rust-removing gel. Sometimes, the simplest ideas are not immediately evident… Thank you!

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Troon. FYI - There was some leakage. Be careful with your trashbag.

[@lotsabirds]

You either got incredibly phenomenal over the last three or four videos....or....you were holding out on us in your earlier ones! This was great!!! I like the color too! Thanks, Ben!

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Bill. Just learning, I guess.

[@lotsabirds]

@@mrbenmall you're doing amazing stuff!

[@SkyForgeVideos]

Wow! What a huge transformation! Really nice job Ben! Maybe you could mount it on a piece of pipe!

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks! That's a clever idea!

[@AndyB1968]

Cracking job, I love that shade of orange, perfect for a big wrench. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Andy!

[@rickhammar1636]

I have used those many times. Now they hang on my shop wall as a reminder of why I hurt so bad everyday. Mostly use aluminum ones now but really not even those much any more. You did a nice job on that wrench. Hope you enjoyed something cold when you were done.

[@mrbenmall]

Not a drinker anymore, but I always have a Diet Coke nearby! Thanks Rick!

[@stanellis7805]

Awesome job Ben! That thing is YUGE!!!

[@mrbenmall]

Yes it Yis! Thanks Stan!

[@frankg3072]

Well Ben you really did a great job. It looks really nice! 👍👍

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Frank!

[@paintnamer6403]

I have my Grandfather's 24" Ridged pipe wrench that was given to him after it was brazed back together. It has TOOL ROOM hand stamped on it. It came in handy for removing the sewer clean out.

[@mrbenmall]

I think 24" is a more reasonable size to work with. Thanks Paintnamer!

[@bigvicsworkshop]

That's a biggun forsure! Really Came out nice Mr. Ben! Enjoyed it!

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Vic!

[@setdown2]

It’s big…about this big ( holding it up ) LMAO….ya just gotta love this guy…nice job btw….

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Chuck! I appreciate it!

[@gatescompton7876]

I have two of them one has a flat handle and like u have. In Texas we used them on windmill repair and water line jobs. Super heavy, now just hanging in the barn now! Good job! 🇺🇸🤠

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Gates. Yes, I live in the Valley and my brother in law has a ranch in Three Rivers. Perhaps he'll be using it on windmills as well!

[@wadel6]

You did a great job restoring that pipe wrench. Thanks for sharing!

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks for watching, Wade!

[@texasj49]

Good job on that little old wrench, Ben. :-) Looking forward to the Wilton.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Jeff. It's going to be a challenge. Someone welded the jaws on.

[@kylekyleson373]

Yes, like someone else said nice creative soaking box. You got your workout in for the day for sure. Very nice job.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Kyle!

[@lv_woodturner3899]

That cleaned up very well. Nice job. I would not want to have to use that size pipe wrench. My longest is 24in and whatever that size wrench needs to remove or tighten, it is a lot of work. Dave.

[@mrbenmall]

I completely agree. Thanks Dave!

[@graemedalgleish8944]

He must be one heck of a brother to deserve that cleanup.

[@mrbenmall]

I'm always looking for something interesting to put in a video. We both benefited from it. Thanks Graham!

[@MrDoeboy356]

Another awesome job and video buddy.

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Cliff!

[@larrydemaar409]

Nice project, came out great.

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Larry!

[@stevef8993]

Awesome job Ben!

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Steve!

[@tonylenge424]

That was a project and more! Big tools are so cool, always liked them. Nice job it looks great. Thanks

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Tony!

[@edgarcabatingan9883]

Thanks Ben for your vlog about ridge wrench I've have learned how to fix a ridge wrench.thank's Ben.

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Edgar!

[@timeflysintheshop]

Well Done Ben! That is inspiring me to get working on my own pipe wrench projects.

[@mrbenmall]

Get after it! Thanks!

[@w9jim]

Very nicely done, Ben!

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Jim!

[@ianstools4929]

Ben! Fantastic job my friend! Your brother in law will certainly appreciate it! That must’ve been quite the workout !

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Ian!

[@rawbacon]

It's these type of projects where a sand blaster comes in handy, just blast it and the rust is gone and the metal is perfectly prepared for paint.

[@mrbenmall]

You are so right. Thanks Raw!

[@StefCarle]

I have 2, 14’’ inch ridgid from my dad , on my to do list , it came out really nice, good job 👍🏻

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Stef. Good luck with those wrenches!

[@daviddibella9432]

This restoration came out great.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks David!

[@paulsworkshop4179]

That took a lot of patience! Great job.

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Paul!

[@OldSneelock]

Nice work Ben. Those knuckle busters are HEAVY. I use to use them for working on machines and plumbing. I was in management by the time aluminum handles became availible. I ordered a set of them. Much easier to use than the monsters ike the one you restored. 😁😎

[@mrbenmall]

I can't imagine anyone using a beast like this one. But apparently some do. Thanks!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

A-PLUS! Pretty green wrench!

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Lewie!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@mrbenmall YOU did it!

[@johnduff6436]

Very cool.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks John!

[@robertlevine2152]

Ben, It looks much, much better than new. A little grease and perhaps cold bluing to prevent corrosion might be an idea. Tell your brother-in-law to keep his toys inside. Weather is hard on tools. I am really impressed with your work. You are still too hard on yourself. You obviously take pride in your work, as you should. I watched a KZbin video I think it's called "Make Everything". He was using Milwaukee and Ryobi die grinders with two inch diameter wheels. He had everything from grinding disks, to sanding disks, to flap wheels, to polishing disks. He was showing there are tools available between surface grinders and Dremel tools. Continue the good work. Bob

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Robert!

[@mrbenmall]

PS - I tried making stands out of nails and pieces of wood but I guess I couldn't get it balanced right and it kept falling over and messing up the paint.

[@robertlevine2152]

@@mrbenmall A single piece of plywood say 40"x12" would provide the needed stability. The problem with nsils and small pieces of wood is stability. That's why painter's pyramids work. Bob

[@mrbenmall]

@@robertlevine2152 Noted. Thanks Bob!

[@patrickomalley7460]

That’s a big wrench.you did a great job keep up the great work

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Patrick!

[@109jase]

Great job Ben it came out looking just great!

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you!

[@ihrescue]

Nice work Ben. I have one that needs to be restored like that.

[@mrbenmall]

Go for it! Thanks Michael!

[@allangman18]

Super job Ben. Love your videos .... Allan

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Allan! I'm so glad you do!

[@tomdale1313]

get into the gym ...right me too, but you get alot of grinding practice in doing a large project, txs for sharing

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Tom!

[@chrishudgins3683]

That looks really good I have a few I need to restore

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Chris!

[@tooladdict7463]

Fantastic job Ben well done buddy

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks 👍

[@TheSuperwrenchGarage]

Man that was a big job! Well done.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks. Saw your post on Instagram. Hope you feel better soon.

[@tobiasbook1879]

Wow! Now that’s what I call a pipe wrench

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Tobias!

[@uktony1525]

Really nice restoration Ben. In the UK the best big pipe wrenches were made by Record (taken over by Irwin) and I have a 36inch version which is a real wrist breaker.

[@mrbenmall]

Doesn't it seem crazy to you that anyone would use something that big? Thanks Tony!

[@larryborkstrom3580]

Nice work Ben I thought my plastic wheels did last long as well but like them also

[@mrbenmall]

Yes, they're very effective but probably not the best choice for a 36" wrench. Thanks Larry

[@juanbetancourt2802]

Excellent job Ben......

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Juan!

[@johnfix1]

Now that was a major job. I'm used to seeing you restore very small tool;s so I am sure this was a shock tom your system.But you were up to the task and it came out great.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks John!

[@jeffreywolf5235]

Looks like a 2-footer maybe even a 3-footer you got there. And that is probably a good $120 pipe wrench new. Definitely worth saving.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Jeffrey

[@Resto-Rob]

Great restoration! That is a big one forsure! You should weigh it and let us know.

[@mrbenmall]

I don't have a scale that big. (all I have is a kitchen scale) Thanks Rob!

[@mrbenmall]

Just found a bathroom scale. It's exactly 20 pounds.

[@jeffreywolf5235]

I like to give him a nice long vinegar bath before bringing the wire wheel to them. Of course they start resting very quickly as soon as you take them out of that bath so you need to do the work and get them sealed and painted pretty quickly

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Jeffrey!

[@ianjones7394]

A great job, well done. Have you considered painting the end of the handle a contrasting colour? You could stand the wrench upside down to do this.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Ian. Hadn't considered that. I already repainted the damaged paint but I'll keep that in mind.

[@timeflysintheshop]

I noticed you were sweating at the beginning. It must be pretty hot there already. We had what I hope was out last snow of the season on Saturday! Though the garlic does not seem to mind, it is growing well.

[@mrbenmall]

We're at that strange time of year (for South Texas) when we have a couple of Spring days followed by 5 or 6 days of 90+. I absolutely must buy an AC for the garage. Soon. I would like to grow tomatoes but they just fry down here.

[@donscottvansandt4139]

Great job man!

[@mrbenmall]

Thank you Donscott!

[@toolrestoration]

Lovely !! That the same color as Mr fix uses ? It is brilliant . ! Great job Ben

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks. It's not quite Ridgid orange, but it was as close as I could find.

[@toolrestoration]

@@mrbenmallgood enough , came out fantastic Ben .

[@rodneyharris2763]

Looks good. Thanks

[@mrbenmall]

You're welcome. You'll have it back soon.

[@robertparkhurst4783]

Hi Ben Nice job on that beast of a wrench. I have one not that big I'm going to do what color was the paint you used

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Robert. Rustoleum Orange.

[@ap45sontoolworks11]

I want one. I don’t need one but I want one.

[@mrbenmall]

LOL. Thanks! Good luck!

[@corygriffiths4394]

I just found a 48 inch pipe wrench on Amazon recently called Ironton it was only $60.00 I picked it up I definitely wasn’t going to pass on that because big pipe wrenches like that are usually hundreds of dollars especially a Ridged pipe wrench because their high quality.

[@mrbenmall]

That's great Cory! I used this one on my latest project!

[@garyjones2582]

Turned out very nice Ben.. Did you weigh it, by chance.. looks heavy... Take care my friend...

[@mrbenmall]

Just found a bathroom scale. It's exactly 20 pounds. Thanks Gary!

[@davidcoats1037]

Nicely done Ben! That’s a big honkin’ pipe wrench and it looks great now. How are you liking that Bauer angle grinder?

[@mrbenmall]

I like it a lot. The pistol grip is great. And it's slightly quieter than my old one. Thanks David!

[@offroad6309]

That turned out very nice. I thought you weren't supposed to use vinegar on cast iron??? Nice soaking container.

[@mrbenmall]

I have never heard that. I wonder why. I'll look that up. Thanks off road!

[@offroad6309]

@@mrbenmall please let me know what you find. My understanding is it keeps eating the cast, even with a thorough flush with water and baking soda to neutralize the acid. Vinegar is acidic.

[@geraldwilliams8425]

Nice job.. I develop a twitch when I see a pair of 36's,, if ever their needed I know its not going to be a good day

[@mrbenmall]

That is probably very true! Thanks Gerald!

[@lewisavinash1]

24" Ridged pipe wrench is the one i have, here in Mumbai

[@mrbenmall]

That sounds slightly more managable. Thanks Avinash!

[@lennykelly9952]

Great job how many hours and what did it cost you.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Lenny. It's been a while so I don't remember how long. Couple of days maybe? (paint needs to dry, wire brush takes a bit of time) Can of spraypaint.

[@Rusty_ok]

When I worked in the oilfield we called that wrench a 36. As in “get the 36”. Not for wrist watch or computer repair.

[@mrbenmall]

Yes, I could see this being useful in the oilfield. Thanks Rusty Guy

[@billdavis3957]

Consider spraying WD-40 on the unpainted parts to prevent them from rusting again. WD-40 was invented during WW2 to prevent unpainted metal from rusting. There are several different versions of WD-40, such as one being a light oil lubricant, so be careful.

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks Bill! Noted.

[@DavidPlass]

Great job. But, no detailing on the letters? LOL

[@mrbenmall]

I considered it. But I know my brother in law. This thing is going to be thrown around and used. I was tired. (excuses excuses)

[@DavidPlass]

@@mrbenmall I hear ya

[@ot9180]

What’ up with the wrist. Looks like frost bite to me. I know it only too well. Not many fingers and toes left, using a tube to feed myself, fish compost. Life looks dandy at North.

[@mrbenmall]

Not sure what it is. Carpal Tunnel (sp?) Thanks o t99, stay warm.

[@upstateplumbing9995]

36...

[@mrbenmall]

Thanks. Do you use wrenches that big in your business?