Pipe wrench question


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Old 12-25-08, 06:30 AM
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Pipe wrench question

I want to buy some big pipe wrench's (probably a couple 24" and maybe a 36"), probably the Rigid brand, and see they make an aluminum one. Are they durable enough to withstand abuse over time?
 
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Old 12-25-08, 06:47 AM
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Well, the jaws have (replaceable?) steel inserts in them, but man do the wrenches cost a bunch! The aluminum ones were probably the highest loss items in plumbing before they locked them up.

As to how long they would last under repeated heavy usage, I really couldn't say. Not sure if any of the Pro's will be checking in today.
 
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Old 12-25-08, 07:58 AM
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thank you for your reply, could you please explain better what you mean when you say they were the highest loss and about what was locked up.
 
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Old 12-25-08, 08:08 AM
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Sorry, I meant they were stolen more than almost anything else in the department. Very easy to just slide down a pant leg or sleeve of a big jacket since they were so light. And since the security tags didn't stick well, they could be peeled right off.

We finally locked all the Rigid plumbing tools up in a mesh cage and had to escort customers to checkout when they bought something.

We carried the 3 sizes I think, and the 24's were something like $90.
 
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Old 12-30-08, 08:21 AM
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I've got 2 aluminum Rigids, one normal 36" and a 90deg. 36". Had the 90 deg. about 6 yrs now, have changed the jaws once. I rebuild rail locomotives and they are used lots. Even to the point of beating on them with a rubber sledge. Great tools, will last the do it yourselfer forever.
 
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Old 01-01-09, 09:47 AM
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man if you are wearing out a rigid pipe wr you are working way to hard LOL
those things are top quality. I have a steel 36-in that is over 40 years old and would say the jaws are only about 50% worn out.


Murphy was an optimist
 
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Old 01-29-09, 04:17 AM
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Scotty .. you didnt say if your in the business for the use of such wrenches or you just need them for a couple of bad projects. If your in the business of course you should buy the best and you should also get the aluminum ones as you will feel the difference over time. However if you just have a couple of bad projects that they are needed for I would buy the cheapest kind I could find. Most any of them would last thru a couple bad projects.
 
 

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