161 Geared Threader

[Frank from Philly]

Believe it or not, I'm lookin' to buy a 161. Why I would wanna thread pipe that big at my age is beyond me... Nevertheless,I sometimes need to do it.
I can get a reconditioned 161 from a tool repair shop that I use, OR a new one from a new tool supplier in the city. The diffrince is about a thousand bucks between the recon and the newski. ($1200 for recon and $2342 for newski. Both come with new dies.
Some questions I have are:
1) Do you think a recon will be as good as a new one? I mean after all, Ridgid tools are made to last a lifetime, now ain't they?
2) Is there a report of cost comparison between fittin' up welded pipe against screwed pipe? Where can I find this info if it exists?
---------------FfP

[ridgidservicetech]

HI Frank,
I believe you will find that a recon one is as good as a new one. I am in the UK and have been reconditioning RIDGID equipment now for 22 years and i have never in all those years had any complaints with my recons. Hope you manage to find one
Regards
Paul

FRANK, WHO IS GOING TO CARRY THIS AROUND FOR YOU. A 141 IS HEAVY ENOUGH. ARE YOU USING IT ON A 300, OR A VISE? I WOULD GO WITH THE RECONDITIONED UNIT. THE MONEY SAVED CAN BUY YOU A NEW 700 TO RUN IT WITH.
THE COST DIFFERENCE IN MY OPINION WOULD BE LESS TO WELD THAN THREAD AND WRENCH. EVER TRY TO CATCH A 6'' THREAD ON A 21' SECTION 10' UP IN THE AIR.
THATS MY POINT.