Thread: Pipe clamps- the hunt and more

I've beeen doing a little research & ther do seem to be some differences.
I picked up one of the cheap clamp heads and compared it to my sample.
The castings on the cheaper heads were certainly lighter, not dogs balls obvious but certainly there to see.
The threads on the cheaper heads seemed to be somewhat rougher.
The threads also were much shorter on he cheaper like 90mm v's 130mm odd.
How long are the clamping threads on on the heads you fellas own. ( measure from where the thread emerges from the foot to the end of the thread)
The cheap one also had a plain steel pin to retain the thread in the foot my sample has a rolled pin. The foot of my sample seems to be firmer on the thread.
All the examples i have seen recently have a cast clamping handle with a twiddleng knob. Some of the earlier ones I remamber just had a sliding t bar.

All the recent ones I have seen have the multi plate clutch.

The earlier excentric cam types can be improved by sharpening the teeth on the cam.

I am thinking that the heads I'm looking at are looking quite good, hope to have a deal sorted out early next week.

Would anybody be interested in pre threaded pipes?

cheers

Had a look at the supercheap ones, they are Medalist brand, "suits 3/4" Galvanised Dipe" NOW I know why I haven't used 'em, due to the scarcity in these parts of decent gal dipe.

The thread length is about 90 mm overall, but effectively only about 55-60mm, have CHINA cast in the threaded head part thingy, and have 4 clutch plates.

Your samples sound the goods. Re the pre threaded pipe, thanks anyway but given the freight it would prob be cheaper to source locally, besides I bet you have trouble sussing out some decent dipe.


Cheers..............Sean, releasing my clutch

If your only after a few bits of 3/4" threaded pipe try a irragation or water supply shop or some hardware shops, they should stock risers from 6" to 4' in gal or plastic (not that plastic would be much good but they would be light). Be cheeper than $65 for a threader unless you have another use for it. If you want longer 6.5m gal pipe threaded both ends from a steel murchant should be about $20-$30.

I bought a 6.5M lenght & had it cut in 3.

I took it to a machine shop & they cut a BSP thread on all 3 for about $15.

Originally Posted by scooter

Your samples sound the goods. Re the pre threaded pipe, thanks anyway but given the freight it would prob be cheaper to source locally, besides I bet you have trouble sussing out some decent dipe.


Cheers..............Sean, releasing my clutch

Sean,

Any plumbing store can get the a 6m lenght of gal pipe in for you, just cut it to the sizes you want and come over and cut the thread with my machine.


Peter.

Freight is going to be a real damper on this whole exercise.
The deal will probably be good for locals here or for those who have to buy mail order anyway.
These clamp heads are relatively low value items and relativly heavy.
I have never had any serious problems getting steel round here. My usual steel shop will do 20nb in 3 different wall thicknesses in both imported and aussie.
The threading gear is only a goer for those who want to do a number of pipes or who would find it handy anyway. There is nothing like having the right tool on hand.

I have two sets of sash clamps from Bunnings. The first set was black and although it was advertised as 1.2 meters you could only clamp about 800mm, didn't bother to return them as they are quite good. The second set is red, again advetised as 1.2meters, but usable clamping length is about 1.1mtr- the thread is not as smooth as the black ones and doesn't feel as heavy as the black ones. Both were $29.95 for a set of two. I've stopped using pipe clamps as the galvanised pipes are ridiculously expensive about $10 a meter. If I've to clamp long stuff, I just borrow the pipe clamps from my neighbour. I've seen some really long sash recently at Mitre 10, and if I could remember it's quite reasonably priced.

Soundman

I have always had an interest in all the products your entreprenuership throws up. The problem (that I'm sure I share with the majority of members here) is the freight. Whilst the items seem to represent both quality and value, add the freight and we're getting close to a Festool concept of value.

May I suggest you both cut a deal with a National freight company and consider weight and dimensions when next scouting for items?

Originally Posted by Sturdee

Sean,

Any plumbing store can get the a 6m lenght of gal pipe in for you, just cut it to the sizes you want and come over and cut the thread with my machine.


Peter.

Thanks Peter for your kind offer. Just to clarify though, does your machine do dipe, or just the more common pipe ?

Mate, could well take you up on the offer when my ship's next sailing over yoiur way.


Cheers..................Sean, galvanised into action (well, one day anyway... )

Originally Posted by scooter

Thanks Peter for your kind offer. Just to clarify though, does your machine do dipe, or just the more common pipe ?

If I only knew the difference I would be able to give a witty reply. My machine is one old fashioned pipe threading machine that plumbers used to use with a number of dies being 1/2 ", 3'4" and more.

My clamps, being cheapies but goodies, came from Kmart and were about $ 2 a set. They are 1/2 " and I got my pipe at the same time from the wreckers for a $ 1 a lenght.

Made rectangular chipboard clamp supports that hold the clamps square on the workbench and are held against both ends with magnets. Makes clamping a breeze.

Just let me know when you want to use them.

Peter.

Thanks mate.


Cheers..............Sean, lost my thread (a long time ago... )

I have several of these & used them for 7-8 years with no problem. I got my 3/4" pipe used & recycled & keep pipe joint couplers handy. I cut my pipe 4' & wish after a few years that I had cut it 4'6".

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=31255

Yeh, I'm well aware of the freight problem. But most of the stuff "we" are interested in is a bugger to freight.
Local chaps up here get a better end of the deal as my supplier is local. A lot of us up here are well used to getting the rough end of a freight deal most of the time because many of our suppliers are in the south.
I have looked at a variety of road freight options , but unless you are shipping out vast volumes of boxes each day your options are not good.

Under 20kg australia post is still pretty competitive.
Generaly If I am to bother with a item it must have suficient merit to overcome the freight barrier.
My machine base for instance is a freight intensive item bit it is so much stronger than others on the market.
I have had several southern members drop in to pick up while holidaying up here and a number of the locals pick up or meet me somewhere.

your input is valued and I am on the look out for juicy items that arent well covered by others.

new catalogue arrived today still processing
cheers

FWIW, the tax man bought me some 3/4" Pony pipe clamp fittings from LV, to my door for thirty odd bucks each. Neither here nor there, I s'pose, but I had a little trouble finding gal pipe- local Bowen's suggested the Plumber's co-op on Warrigal Rd (Moorabbin/Cheltenham), they sent me to Davey pumps (Redwood Dve, Braeside) who sent me next door, who suggested over the road....

Finally got what I wanted from Regent Pumps (or was it Regency?) in Braeside. Paid $83.00 for four lengths:eek:, 2/1675, 2/2575. Invoice is in the mail so I can't break it down, but it was about 4-odd dollars a metre for gal pipe, plus eight bucks per length "cut and screw". Fitted to clamp heads fine. Alot more than I expected to pay, but...

They have heaps of gear, just go up the driveway to the store at the end and ask for Bill, who is a top bloke. Then head for reception to fix up payment.

I still need a few more short lengths, so if anyone knows a cheaper source in Melbourne, I'd be glad to hear about it.

Regards,
Rusty.