HVAC523
Cutting and Threading Steel Pipe
Pipe threader types
Manual threading machine Electric threading machine
Personal Safety

Stay Alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a
threading machine.

Dress properly, no loose clothing.

Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the
switch is off before plugging in.
Personal Safety

Do not over-reach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times.

Use safety equipment. ALWAYS wear eye
protection.

Operate machines from the side with the
switch.
Specific Safety

Always consult the tool manufacturers
operating manual for specific safety
information.

Injuries from threading machines can be:




Loss of fingers.
Electric Shock
Broken bones
Eye injuries
Electric threading machines
Portable battery powered
Semi portable electric
powered
Electric threading machine
safety

These machines are made to cut and
thread pipe.

Always secure machine to a bench or
stand

Support long heavy pipe with pipe supports

Do not wear loose clothing or loose gloves.
Threading machine safety

Do not reach across the machine

Do not use machine if foot switch is
broken.

Tighten chuck hand wheel and engage
rear centering device on the pipe before
turning on the machine.
Threading machine safety

Lock foot switch when not in use.

The foot switch is for your safety. It lets
you control the motor with your foot. If
clothing should get caught in machine it
will continue to pull you in.

Because the machine has a high torque
the clothing itself can bind around your
arm with enough force to break it.
Foot safety switch
The foot safety switch allow for hands free operation
of the threader
Tools required

A holding device




Chain Vise
Yoke Vise
Motorized pipe vise
The chain and yoke vise are for hand cutting
and threading only.
Tripod

The pipe vise (also known as a
TRIPOD) is used to hold the pipe in
place.
Tools Required
Pipe cutter
Hack saw
Reciprocating saw
Reamer

Pipe reamer:


Removes burrs from the
inside of the pipe after it
has been cut.
The burrs must be
removed because they
restrict the flow of fluids or
gas.
Reamer
Tools required

Pipe Threader



Also known as a die.
Most threaders used in the field are fixed die threaders
Can be used to clean up existing threads.
Oiler

Used to supply cutting oil to
lubricate the pipe as threads
are being cut.

The oil cools the die which
extends the tools life.

The oil cools the pipe which
prevents jagged and
malformed threads.

Usually comes with an
attached tub to catch
shavings and also recycle
the oil
Pipe Stand



Used to support
long pipe lengths
extending out from
the vise.
Do be careful when
using the pipe
stand. They can
topple over easily if
not careful.
Best way to prevent
this? Foot it!
Pipe Wrenches



Can be used to
attach the fittings to
the pipe while in the
vise.
Used to assemble
piping systems after
threading.
Always use a
matched pair!
This burr must be removed
after cutting. Ream the pipe!
The ideal thread
Threading pipe using a manual
threading machine

After you have cut the piece of pipe you
want to thread, reamed the pipe to
remove any burrs from the inside, then
follow the next procedures carefully.
Step 1

Set the section of black pipe into the pipe
vise.

The end of the pipe to be threaded
should extend 8” – 12” inches past the
end of the pipe vise.
Step 2

Pull the chain of the pipe vise over the
pipe.

Insert the chain into the pipe vise clasp
and turn the vise handle to tighten the
chain.

Stop tightening when the pipe is held
securely.
Step 3

Select a die from the die set that matches
the diameter of the black pipe and inspect
the cutting threads of the die for broken or
worn teeth.

If the die is damaged, do not use it to
thread the black pipe.

A die that is damaged or dull will not
produce usable threads.
Step 4

Insert the inspected die into the socket of
the pipe threading ratchet.
Step 5

Liberally coat the inside of the die with
cutting and tapping fluid.
Hand held Oiler
Step 6

Align the die with the end of the black
pipe and turn the threading ratchet
clockwise (as if looking at the end of the
pipe) to thread the die onto the end of
the black pipe.

Stop turning the ratchet after you have
made one complete revolution with the
ratchet.
Step 7

Turn the ratchet in the opposite direction
½ of a turn to remove metal shavings
from the cutting threads of the die.
Step 8

Apply cutting and tapping fluid to the
surface of the black pipe and the die.

Continue turning the ratchet to thread
the black pipe.
Step 9

Remove the die from the threaded black
pipe by turning the ratchet in the reverse
direction until the die comes off the end
of the black pipe.
Step 10

Wipe the threads with a clean rag to
remove any metal shavings from the end
of the pipe.
Step 11

Release the threaded black pipe from the
vise by turning the pipe vise to loosen the
chain.
Step 12

Clean the top of the pipe vise with a rag
to ready the vise for the next piece of
pipe.