Goplus Ratchet Pipe Threader Kit, Ratcheting Pipe Threading Tool Set w/ 6 Dies- 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1", 1-1/4" and Storage Case

If you need a reliable and economically priced thread cutter, look no further. This little set is ideal for the home user who needs to cut NPT threads on steel pipe. I used this unit to cut threads for 3/4 inch galvanized steel conduit and it worked perfectly. Use PLENTY of good quality thread cutting oil NOT just lube oil. Take your time and reverse your cutting action every couple of threads to clear the chips and prevent binding. If you bind, STOP and reverse to clear the path. I would recommend this set for its small size, durability, and quality.

I'm not sure what all the negative hubbub is about, but the kit I received worked perfectly for a couple dozen rigid conduits of assorted size -- all the way up to the maximum 1-1/4 inch size in the set -- that had to be run for a detached 3-car garage's main electrical feed, as well as interior and exterior outlet boxes. If normal pipe-threading best-practice dictum is followed, i.e. frequent and liberal use of a good quality cutting oil (e.g. Tap Magic), this kit works great. The ratchet is easy to operate and works in both directions, both to thread and to back-off. I did find that small conduits/pipes (e.g. up to 3/4-inch) could be threaded in one pass without having to back-off slightly to cut the chips; the larger 1-1/4 inch size, however, needs to be periodically backed-off to cut the chips. (Come to think of it, this is threading best-practice *anyway*.) Inspecting the dies' teeth after threading several pipes/conduits revealed still-perfect teeth for the smaller and larger sizes. The threads were also good NPT quality, i.e. tapered. I don't know; either I got a really good set of dies in this kit, or else the folks experiencing tooth breakage either didn't follow pipe threading best practices (did I mention liberal/frequent use of cutting oil?), or else didn't know what they were doing and were expecting Ridgid contractor quality that would weather any misuse. In my humble opinion, this kit (at least the one I received) is well-worth the price.

The product had some rust on the metal pieces. Had to clean it up with a scotch brite pad and lubricate. The handle for the ratchet mechanism is not long enough to provide enough leverage for large diameter thread cutting above 1".

Very satisfied with this thing. Need to rethread 1-1/4" pipes, it was easy enough to do, but the hardest thing it making sure the pipe won't move while you cut the threads. I'm not sure how you would do that alone, but with another person it was easy. It does take quite a lot of force, but you don't need to be a bodybuilder to do it. The one thing I wish was included was some instructions on how to use it.

I suspect the other reviewers complaining of broken teeth weren't using any (or at least enough) cutting oil. This helped me complete several projects in the last few weeks, and already paid itself off just by saving me several drives to the store and buying new pipe. This performs nearly as well as the expensive sets I've used and seems like it will hold up well for periodic or even semi-regular use. Anyone needing to thread lots of pipe regularly should be buying an automatic cutter, this is amazing for the very low price.Only complaint is the flimsy case. Inside fitted slots for the dies is thin, and inside top was crushed during shipping and cracked when I closed the lid (not hard) with a handle out of position. That's just cosmetic though, outside seems like it will hold up okay but I wouldn't trust it to bounce around in a work vehicle.

So the first thing I noticed upon attempting to use. The threader heads fall out of the ratcheting assembly so when threading you need to hold the 2 pieces together. The tool did successfully thread 1/2" brass water lines. I would be concerned how well it would thread steel pipe. For the price, and how seldom it will be used, it got the job done.

Hats off to everyone who got a tool that actually worked for them, because I was really rooting for this tool to do the job. Alas, the tool was not able to cut usable 1/2 NPT threads both in terms of proper diameter and proper taper. I tried TWO tools, the original and the replacement before giving up. The first tool cut a thread that only allowed 1/2 turn of thread engagement. The second tool improved, but still only cut a taper that allowed 1 and a quarter threads which is way off of the NPT spec, and not enough to crate a water tight seal to a mating fitting.The problem is that the die body is cast, NOT post machined, and then painted. Combine that with a die cover that is stamped, and you just don't have the dimensional precision you need to set the 4 internal dies to cut proper threads.In picture 1, you can see a store bought pipe with a tapering thread next to the pipe I threaded with this tool. The threaded pipe has a diameter that is too big, and almost no taper at all.Because the dimensions of the internals of this tool are imprecise, you also can't adjust the 4 die pieces to a thread gauge and expect them to stay in the adjusted position. After multiple attempts, I disassembled the die, and folded over some aluminum foil to create a shim between the die cover and the back of the 4 piece dies to just to see if I could create a usable thread. (Picture 2) After two attempts at shimming the die, I did manage a passable 1/2 NPT thread, but come on, should you really need to shim a brand new tool with aluminum foil to get it to work?On the plus side, the ratchet mechanism actually works really well, and the two piece handle makes it great to get into tight spaces. If they post machined the OD of each die holder, and then improved the fit of the die cap, this could be a great bargain tool. Sigh.Be sure to use plenty of cutting fluid.