The threaded pipe is an integral part of any installation. Whether you’re a homeowner, a small business, or a professional installer, the last thing you want to do is waste time making mistakes during the process. When you need to thread a pipe, you want it to be done quickly and easily.
It’s also important that the job is done right, because the integrity of your plumbing system depends on it. One small leak and you’ll have to redo everything.
To help you avoid these mishaps, here’s a guide on how to successfully thread your pipes.
Why do you need threaded pipes?
A threaded pipe is a type of pipe that has been threaded at one end to allow it to screw into a fitting or other piece of threaded pipe. This allows more flexibility in how you can connect pipes, which is especially useful when connecting pipes that are not the same size.
The threads on threaded pipes are usually made of brass or stainless steel, which allows them to be durable enough for long-term use, but also easy to cut with basic tools such as wrenches or pliers.
Pipe threading is a necessary step in the plumbing process. It allows you to connect one end of a pipe to another and helps keep the connection tight. When you thread a pipe, you screw the threads into each other and create an area where water cannot escape. This means that the threads will be protected from erosion and rust, so they will last longer.
This is especially important if you have a large and complex plumbing system that needs to be connected in several places. If your pipes are not threaded correctly, leaks or other problems could occur that could cause serious damage to your home.
Usually types of pipe threads:
-NPS or NPT thread (American National Standard)
-MIP or FIP (internal thread or internal thread):
-NPT BSP(T) or BSP(S) (British Standard Pipe Tapered or Straight)
The tools you need
- A pipe wrench (or pipe socket)
- A pipe cutter
- Pipe thread
- The right size wrench
- A mallet or mallet
- Gloves
- Protective eyewear
How to thread the pipe?
1. Prepare your pipes
First, what kind of pipe are you working with? You will want to choose between steel pipes and copper pipes. Steel pipes are stronger than copper pipes, but can be more difficult to work with because they are less malleable than copper. On the other hand, copper pipes are easier to bend into shape, but are not as strong as steel pipes.
Remove all debris from around the pipes and any other obstructions. It’s always a good idea to wear protective gear when working with pipes, as they can be sharp and break easily if not handled properly.
2. Secure your pipes
First things first: secure the pipe in a vise. If it is not an inch wide or longer, you can use the jaws of the vise as a clamp. You can also use clamps if they are long enough to reach around the side of the pipe without hitting anything else.
If your vise has two jaws instead of one, place both jaws on either side of the pipe and simultaneously tighten them until they are tight enough to hold the pipe securely without wiggle room.
3. Cut and ream the pipe if necessary
If you are making different lengths of pipe, then you will want to cut some metal or PVC that is not needed for your project so that it fits properly in your existing piece of pipe. If you are going shorter than what is already there, then simply ream the metal until it fits snugly into the existing pipe in a tight seal.
Then secure it with a few wraps of bungee cord or rope around both sides of each end of the pipe so they don’t move too much when you tighten them later during installation.
4. Find the correct pipe thread size
Choose a die head according to the diameter of the pipe. The size is usually written on the die head. If you are not sure what size die head will be needed, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or your supplier for help. Many companies sell accessories that will help you determine the correct die head size for your application.
For example, if your threading equipment has a ½» (13mm) opening on one end and a ¾» (19mm) opening on the other end, then any ¾» (19mm) or larger bit will work well for this purpose.
5. Place the pipes
First, coat the end of the pipe with thread oil before starting. This will help prevent any unwanted friction while turning the key or die. Place the die head on the end of the pipe and then position it so that it is as close to centered on its axis as possible (in other words, not tilted).
Press down on the handle of your die to tear off small pieces from both ends of the pipe until they are long enough to fit through a hole at least an inch in diameter.
6. Start cutting
Press down on the handle of your die to tear off small pieces from both ends of the pipe until they are long enough to fit through a hole at least an inch in diameter. Once this happens, start the machine and then press the handle while applying clockwise pressure to start cutting the pipe wall itself.
When you’re ready to start pipe threading, make sure the die is lubricated with oil, and then press the handle until all the teeth are completely cut into the workpiece. Place a drop of oil in the center of each tooth with a cloth or cloth. This will help reduce friction between the mold and the pipe as it passes through it.
Continue to press the handle until the pipe threader has cut. This will ensure that every surface of your die head is covered so that no part of it is left undamaged when you try to thread the pipe later down the line!
7. Click it clockwise
You should continue to turn the handle until the entire set of die head teeth contact the pipe. When the handle is about 3/4 of the way back, press it clockwise. Rotate it clockwise while using your body weight to do so. When all the teeth of the die head have wrapped around the pipe, all the threads have been cut.
If the exposed teeth of the die head show more cutting resistance, add more thread oil or lubricants to the area.
8. Switch rotation
Remove the handle from the threads by turning it in the opposite direction. To disengage the teeth of the die head, press it counter-clockwise until it will go, then turn it back.
The die head can be easily removed from the end of the pipe after it has been completely unscrewed.
9. Seal the pipes
The most important part of the fillet it seals your connections. This prevents leaks and ensures that your pipes are properly protected against corrosion over time. For this, you can use either teflon tape or pipe sealant, or if you want to make a more reliable seal, you can also use a liquid pipe thread compound instead of teflon tape.
Remove burrs around the outside of the pipe by sanding them with sandpaper or scraping them off with duct tape (if small enough). This will ensure that nothing gets stuck in between when you insert it into another piece of tubing later.
Conclusion
If you’re trying to thread a pipe and you’re frustrated or confused, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Standard threads can be tricky, but they don’t have to be! That’s why we’ve come up with this step-by-step guide and some tips and tricks that will make the process easier.
Once you’ve chosen the tool for your needs, make sure the pipe is free of rust or other debris before you start so it threads smoothly. Use a good lube oil and remember to use protection at all times. And if you have any more questions, let us know in the comments.
