Proto Pipe Wrenches?

[autoace]

Well, I needed a 3/4 inch drive, 21mm, impact socket...ordered that for a specific need. I also had a pipe wrench on my need list(I actually didn't own one)...I need it for strut body collars, etc...

So all I found at first was import stuff, then Westward?, then Ridgid- I think I remember Uncle Buck saying he wouldn't buy a Ridgid, so I bought a Proto.

I don't know anything about pipe wrench brand quality, etc... I always thought them to be boring, so I never even bought one, until now. I got tired or using large water pump pliers, when I could have used a pipe wrench.

I bought this one, in the following link, is there some better brand I could have bought, if so I'll keep it in mind, for the next size I buy. thanks

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/items/3R416

 

[autoace]

I made a vow, not to buy any tools I don't need, in another thread. I did ok, I only bought the Proto socket and the pipe wrench, no WANT IT buys. So I didn't do soo badly, even though I bought tools. Not soo bad for a tool nut.

 

[Merkava_4]

I've got some pipe wrenches that are slated for restoration when the temps go back up. I'm just gonna rattle can them. Haven't completely decided on the color yet. I wonder if Ridgid has official restoration spray cans.

 

[speed bump]

Ridgid and Reed both make damn good pipe wrenches. Hell, I have 5 Ridgid pipe wrenches at the moment (8", 10" 2x18"s and 36") and if I was buying a new pipe wrench I am 95% sure it would be a Ridgid as would 99% of the plumbers, pipefitters, roughneckers and other pipe tradesmen in this country. UB just doesn't buy them because they are expensive used (I disagree I bought my 8" for $4, my 10" for $5, an 18 for $4 an 18 for $15 (needed this one), and my 36 for $12.50).

I haven't ever used or even seen any Proto pipe wrenches but if they are anything like the rest of Protos tool line they are good quality tools that will last you forever.

I would suggest in the future that you buy your pipe tools used though. Its nothing to buy an almost brand new Ridgid 18" pipe wrench for $20 around here.

 

[autoace]

I saw Snap-on had some pipe wrenches, but they were more money, and I figured they were just re-labels. Proto has always given me great warranty service.........odd....because they have the same parent company that MAC does, and MAC tools and service have been horrible compared to Proto makes me wonder.

Merk.,I don't picture you with a rattle can, and a tool! I would imagine the tool would need bead blasting and a fresh powder coated finish, etc... to fulfill your quality expectations. I know there is an old pipe wrench in my basement(came with the house), I have no interest in messing with it. I don't even know what brand it is. I always buy new tools, and take care of them, except for the junkyard box(HF), they are all handpicked high quality.

 

[autoace]

Ridgid and Reed both make damn good pipe wrenches. Hell, I have 5 Ridgid pipe wrenches at the moment (8", 10" 2x18"s and 36") and if I was buying a new pipe wrench I am 95% sure it would be a Ridgid as would 99% of the plumbers, pipefitters, roughneckers and other pipe tradesmen in this country. UB just doesn't buy them because they are expensive used (I disagree I bought my 8" for $4, my 10" for $5, an 18 for $4 an 18 for $15 (needed this one), and my 36 for $12.50).

I haven't ever used or even seen any Proto pipe wrenches but if they are anything like the rest of Protos tool line they are good quality tools that will last you forever.

I would suggest in the future that you buy your pipe tools used though. Its nothing to buy an almost brand new Ridgid 18" pipe wrench for $20 around here.

I paid more for the Proto, than I could have bought the comparable Ridgid for Not much more, but more...oh well...I could see the USA stamp on the Proto one in the description, and I wasn't sure about the origin of the Ridgid one? I skipped the Harbor Freight (5 wrenches to 24" long for 30bucks), figured the adjustment mechanism would be junk, and I prefer quality over quantity.

 

[fatfillup]

I only buy Ridig pipe wrenches and use them a fair amount and haven't worn one out yet. The proto should be fine. Its not a tool you'll use everyday so you have it for life and your grandkids wil get to use it also.

 

[Bustawrench]

I have more ridgid pipe wrenches than I care to count, from 10" to 60", in steel and aluminum...................Love them, would never buy another brand.

Used a couple of Lennox wrenches that belong to the contractor I'm working for this week, got the job done...........but they are a PIA to work with.

Stay away from the Westward junk..............I've broken a few of them, never broken a ridgid yet.

 

[dxdexter]

A friend of mine runs a geo-tech drilling company and his crews use dozens of pipe wrenches from 24" to 48" and after trying nearly every brand on the market, he will now buy nothing but Rigid. His experience has shown that while they do wear out, it is at a slower rate than others and jaw replacements are readily available. These tools see major misuse with long pipes used as leverage enhancers and I have seen some of the handles on some 48" wrenches shaped like a banana afterward.

With that said; I have seen a broken Ridgid pipe wrench. I have a 24' that broke clean through at mid span after being misused. I welded it back together and it now is in use in my shop.

Here's the wrench. Notice that it is no longer straight.

 

[Tool Pants]

Never understood why the Ridge Tool Company makes tools called Ridgid....

Friend I went to high school with in the 1970s is a plumber, and they use Ridgid. Like electricians uses Klein. He told me in the old days when he was an apprentice they would send the wrenches out to have the teeth sharpened.

Now here is an interesting Little Giant.

 

[Bustawrench]

A friend of mine runs a geo-tech drilling company and his crews use dozens of pipe wrenches from 24" to 48" and after trying nearly every brand on the market, he will now buy nothing but Rigid. His experience has shown that while they do wear out, it is at a slower rate than others and jaw replacements are readily available. These tools see major misuse with long pipes used as leverage enhancers and I have seen some of the handles on some 48" wrenches shaped like a banana afterward.

With that said; I have seen a broken Ridgid pipe wrench. I have a 24' that broke clean through at mid span after being misused. I welded it back together and it now is in use in my shop.

Here's the wrench. Notice that it is no longer straight.

The bodies on Ridgid wrenches are gaurenteed for life.........................

The teethe and jaws are replaceable, as well.

 

[dxdexter]

The bodies on Ridgid wrenches are gaurenteed for life.........................

The teethe and jaws are replaceable, as well.

The local distributor wouldn't warranty the wrench because of the obvious abuse. Believe me I tried prior to welding it back together.

 

[fourfeathers]

Pipe wrench handles are designed to bend to the side, instead of break. You musta really worked that one over!

 

[bayou985]

RIDGID..RIDGID...RIDGID.......Ya Heard Me

 

[vssjim]

Ridgid Proto Martin and Reed pipe wrenches are all great quality and I know all these companies offer replacement parts jaws adjustment nuts etc. in their catalogs.