Vintage Ridgid 48" pipe wrench

[3855]

I am in charge of an estate. Been gathering up stuff and pricing for a yard/garage/farm sale. In a pile of junk I found this 48" Ridgid pipe wrench. Other than needing a cleanup, it functions fine. No demerits I can see. Does a wrench of this size have any extra value? What is 48 incher worth? Am trying to figure how to price it. Also, any estimates of age?

 

[Marsim]

The problem with vintage pipe wrenches is that so many of them are still around. I don't think anyone would pay a premium for one. Anyone looking for a 48" is looking to use it, not as a wall hanger. I intentionally buy the older crescent and monkey/Ford wrenches for work because they're cool looking and fairly inexpensive compared to new ones. Look up completed eBay auctions for pricing.

 

[d42jeep]

My guess would be 1943. I like it but don’t know if I could lift it. You could ask $40.00 and take half that if someone makes an offer.
-Don

 

[Mick56]

The aluminum wrenches seem to sell pretty good. The old, heavy iron ones, not so much.

 

[Death Row Dave]

I used those and chain tongs in the pipeline industry for 35 years . Anybody purchasing that with a need is a BMFer , and not to be messed with . That is what we called the “ widow maker “ . It’s no wonder my back and body are in the shape they are in from abuse from this type of tool . I would of paid you , just to carry it into the right of way and back to the truck for me ! Great tool , but a killer to use daily .

 

[humber2]

My collecting had me buy an aluminium 48”.

Even it is no lightweight.

 

[Farmer J.]

I never did get to buy a pipe wrench bigger than 18". But can make it any length I like with anything up to 10' of pipe over the handle!

 

[Provincial]

I have an aluminum 48" Rigid that I use. I'd hate to have to handle a steel one! I paid $35.00 for it, and was in no hurry to get out my wallet.

 

[Zrxrunner]

One of those tools that most dont use much, but when you need it, its priceless! Can always start high and go down on price. I wouldnt be surprised to se someone pay $75-$80 in this area. Saw people fighting to spend over $100 on a 24in aluminum ridgid at a few auctions.

 

[cannuck]

When I first got involved in the oil industry we bought an insulating fluid processor when the client couldn't pay the decontamination bill. Decided to remove water instead of chlorine was the logic I used to convince my 70 YO business partner. He asked what I might need to make best use of this thing and I told him a good set of Rigid aluminum pipe wrenches. He answered: NO partner of mine is going to be seen carrying a bunch of sissy wrenches and stuffed 14,18,24,36and48 steel ones in my trailer. You haven't lived until you have dragged a pair of steel 48s up a ladder onto a place full of ceramic bushings that could cost as much as a quarter million each if you chip them. First thing I did years later when I bought him out was replace everything with aluminum.