How to Thread Pipe; A Beginner's Tutorial

Summary

In this tutorial, Leah demonstrates how easy it is to thread a plumbing pipe at home using a ratcheting pipe threader. She explains the process, from choosing the right dye based on pipe size to applying cutting oil for lubrication. Leah shows how to securely attach the pipe, ratchet the tool to create threads, and highlights the importance of backing up the tool to break metal chips. With step-by-step guidance, she emphasizes that anyone can learn this valuable DIY skill, saving time and effort when making custom pipe repairs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learning how to thread a plumbing pipe is a useful skill for DIY repairs around the house.
• 😀 Threading a pipe yourself can save time and money, as you don’t need to buy custom lengths from the hardware store.
• 😀 A ratcheting pipe threader is used to create threads on the outside of the pipe, similar to how a ratchet and socket set works.
• 😀 The size of the dye used for threading depends on the outer diameter of the pipe.
• 😀 The dye and tap sets are essential for creating threads on the outside and inside of the pipe, respectively.
• 😀 Cutting oil (lubricant) is important to keep the dye cool, extend its life, and help the tool function smoothly.
• 😀 Proper lubrication of the pipe and dye prevents wear and tear, ensuring long-term use of the tools.
• 😀 When threading the pipe, it’s crucial to apply force to start the cutting process, making sure the dye grips the pipe.
• 😀 Breaking the chips (metal shavings) is an important step to avoid tool damage and ensure clean threads.
• 😀 Regularly re-oiling the tool and keeping a bucket to collect oil and shavings helps keep the workspace clean.
• 😀 After threading, checking the final product ensures that the threads are clean and correctly formed, allowing fittings to be attached easily.

Q & A

Why is learning how to thread pipes considered an important skill?

Learning how to thread pipes is important because it allows you to make custom pipe repairs at home, saving you time and effort by not needing to visit the hardware store for custom lengths. It’s an easy skill to learn that can make life much easier when working on household plumbing projects.

What tool is used to thread pipes in the video, and how does it function?

The tool used is a ratcheting pipe threader, which functions similarly to a ratchet and socket set. It has a series of dyes that cut threads onto the outside of the pipe when rotated, and you can change the direction of the ratchet to control the threading process.

What is the purpose of the dyes in the pipe threading process?

Dyes are used to create threads on the outside of the pipe. They come in various sizes, and the size of the dye needed is determined by the outer diameter of the pipe.

What is the difference between dyes and taps in pipe threading?

Dyes are used to cut threads on the outside of pipes, while taps are used to create threads inside pipes or fittings. Both use different sizes depending on the dimensions they are designed for.

What is the purpose of cutting oil in the pipe threading process?

Cutting oil serves to lubricate the pipe and the dye, ensuring smooth cutting and reducing wear on the dye. It also helps to keep the dye cool and prolongs its life.

How does the ratcheting pipe threader work, and what is its mechanism?

The ratcheting pipe threader works by applying force to the dye to start cutting threads on the pipe. It has a ratchet mechanism that allows it to rotate in both directions, making the threading process easier and more efficient. The direction can be adjusted to back up and break off any metal shavings.

Why is it important to back up the tool during the threading process?

Backing up the tool is crucial for breaking off metal shavings (chips) that accumulate during the threading process. If not done, these shavings can build up on the tool and damage the freshly cut threads.

What is the ideal amount of threads to expose on the pipe after threading?

After threading the pipe, you want to expose about two to three threads beyond the teeth of the dye to ensure a proper fit for a coupling or fitting.

What is the purpose of deburring the pipe, and how is it done?

Deburring the pipe removes any sharp edges or burrs from the inside of the pipe, which could affect the fit of a fitting. It can be done with a deburring tool or a pipe cutter that you likely already have.

What does the final result look like when threading a pipe correctly?

The final result should be smooth, clean threads that fit perfectly into a coupling or fitting. The threads should be neat, with no damage or burrs, ensuring a secure connection.