Threading Pipe

[markn]

I need to rent or buy a pipe threader to thread 1-1/2" conduit. I'll probably only use the threader a few times on variuous jobs on my fixer upper house. Should I rent something or ebay one of these ratchet manual tools. I'm looking for the right tool for the job that won't break the bank. Any reccomendations?

[tplank]

1 1/2" threader is probably a once in a life time use for a fixer upper unless you have galvanized drain lines. I regularly use 1/2 and 3/4 threaders for my own work and some side work. My suggestion is to rent. A Ridgid pipe cutter 1/2" to 2" is $107 at HD. Threader and ratchet probably more. $17/day for die, ratchet and cutter at Rental Max. I have my own tristand so figure extra for it. I use my threader for gas drier, water heater, and furnace. I've used my threader twice in 3 years, but then again they were given to me by a retiring maintenance man. Watch for auctions or yard sales if you are intent on owning your own. I've picked up a lot of used tools that I don't use very often for reasonable prices, but be careful I've seen used stuff go for more than new prices. Go to a farm auction when it's snowing out, things go cheap.

[tplank]

Addendum,
Don't buy any bargain items that are foreign made. Ive seen pipes wrenches with bent handles, broken handles (don't ask me how), jaws that slip on pipe that want to bust your arm, broken die jaws on threaders, loose ratcheting and slipping ratcheting on manual threaders. Stick with Rigdid, they are what they claim, the best!