old Craftsman pipe threader & dies....use, collect, scrap or what?

[logical]

My idea of plumbing with black pipe is to find out what precut and threaded lengths are available and design my project around it. I have this old Craftsman set that I've never used. It was in the loft of my dad's garage but in the fifty or so years it was there I don't think he used it. I believe it was something he inherited but I honestly have no sentimental attachment to it. I have other tools that I have memories of my Dad using.

It looks and feels to me like it ratchets as it should, the dies are all there and look fairly "crisp" and sharp. My question is: Is this something someone would still use today...do people thread pipe manually any more?, or collectable to someone?, or just scrap metal?

 

[Cope]

My uncle had a set of Reed dies that looked just like those. They dated back to the late 1940s or early 1950s when he was drilling water wells. If you think you'll need to thread some pipe, hang on to them. Otherwise, see what they're worth and sell them.

 

[lbgradwell]

My uncle had a set of Reed dies that looked just like those.

There's a reason for that; Reed made the set for Craftsman. [emoji106]
It's a great set!

Sent from my Galaxy 4 using Tapatalk

 

[ArtDeco]

Sweet set for collecting or use.

 

[shanny19]

Collect, yes. Use, maybe, in a pinch. Scrap----NOOOO!

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I'd use it, I've bought tools from antique stores before and used them just because it says Craftsman on it and its old doesn't make it un-usable. A tool is a tool, use it.

 

[jakemac]

Within a month of getting rid of them, you find a use for them. It never fails.

 

[woody 73]

Yes you should scrap it ASAP...it just so happens that I know of a scrap yard just south of your city (well maybe 200 miles as the crow flies) it is called Woody's scrap yard!

If you need the money sell it on your local CL; but if you do not need the money that set is a saver.

Your Call.

 

[404]

Don't scrap. That is a beautiful set. The steel in those dies might well be better than a consumer grade set today. Ridgid dark thread cutting oil is a good choice of cutting oil. Use enough.

 

[404]

The pipe to be threaded goes through the hole in the tool first and into the die second.. The big end of the die goes toward the hole in the tool.

 

[gungatim]

I would use them. I used to buy pre-threaded sections for projects. then I picked up a cheap set of dies and handle. Once you use them, you'll never buy another pre-made piece of pipe again...

 

[torqueman2002]

That's a great vintage set.

I 'helped' my dad thread black pipe when he converted the furnace from oil to NG. That was the mid-50's; I was <10.

I have always liked hand tools and making/fixing things.

 

[NJ Marty]

Yes you should scrap it ASAP...it just so happens that I know of a scrap yard just south of your city (well maybe 200 miles as the crow flies) it is called Woody's scrap yard!

If you need the money sell it on your local CL; but if you do not need the money that set is a saver.

Your Call.

^^^^^^^^^^

 

[Joe B.]

I see sets like that all the time at Estate Sales around Chicago. Seems they are one of the last things to be purchased even though they don't have much more than shelf wear. Most plumbing around here seems to be copper so it makes sense a homeowner would not get much use from them.

 

[Outlawmws]

Definitely not scrap. FYI with the yellow underline logo it's at least early 40's possibly older, but still a keeper.

I loaned a guy my dad's "old" pipe threader about 25 years ago for a job. Someone else loaned him a "brand new set" and he though the new stuff would; be better. after struggling with the new set, he tried mine and was stunned how easy it cut. Old is NOT necessarily bad...

 

[CNGsaves]

KEEPERS for sure. As Outlaw says the Craftsman underline logo is screaming signal for you to KEEP those babies, as they are vintage quality !!

 

[Thumper68]

I would never consider getting rid of my 60's ridigid sets, yes I said sets I have 2 one that goes from 1/4 to 1 inch I think and the other that goes from 1/2 to 2 1/2.

And yes mine do get used not a lot but it sure is better to have them and not need them than not have them and need them.

 

[2oolhound]

Man, that set is just too cool. It looks like the actual cutters are carbide and interference fitted to the square dies. I like how the dies store the handle. I'd have that sitting on some skinny ledge in my shop where it would be in view but not take up valuable space. I wouldn't think twice about using it if the need arose. Nice set!

 

[ustzhenya]

The big end of the die goes toward the hole in the tool.

 

[DWise]

I used my Craftsman set to run NG to the garage for a hanging heater. They worked very well, and saved me a few dollars. I should also add that it was 35 years ago and I have not used them since.

 

[swartb]

Hello, I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I am an avid vintage "tool" person and just picked up a similar Craftsman set. It is later with crown logo. I have never used this particular set and was curious about the adapters in the set. Does anyone have instructions or information on how these adapters are used?

 

[Rileysan]

Hello, I am new to the forum and this is my first post. I am an avid vintage "tool" person and just picked up a similar Craftsman set. It is later with crown logo. I have never used this particular set and was curious about the adapters in the set. Does anyone have instructions or information on how these adapters are used?

There are many people here who can help you without any pix, but a picture is worth a thousand words. Can you take some quick photos and post the question in another thread? Starting your own thread will eliminate any confusion between your questions and those of the original poster.

Brian