Restoring a Crusty Ridgid Pipe Cutter
I found this beefy pipe cutter at the bottom of a crate of rusty tools I bought for $10. It was the same crate of tools that contained the railroad lantern I restored earlier this year ( • Restoring a Junked 194... )!
This No. 1-2 pipe cutter was made by the Ridge Tool Company, otherwise known as the same Rigid toolmaker you commonly see today. Although the patent date for this pipe cutter dates to the 1920’s, Rigid relocated their operations to Elyria, OH in 1943. This probably puts the manufacture date of this pipe cutter in the 1940’s or 1950’s, especially considering that all the other tools in the crate with it were also made around that same time. The 2021 version of this would retail in the range of $100-$300.
Instagram: @catalyst_restorations
Have a cool item you’d love to see repaired? Did you recently complete a restoration project of your own? Send me some mail at catalystrestorations@gmail.com!
Video timestamps:
0:00 - 1:00 Overview
1:01 - 3:33 Disassembly
3:34 - 4:20 Sanding and polishing pins
4:21 - 5:28 Sanding and polishing rollers
5:29 - 6:40 Sanding and polishing cutting wheel
6:41 - 8:24 Electrolysis of jaws and main body
8:25 - 10:51 Wire wheeling and sanding of jaw and main body
10:52 - 12:43 Priming and painting jaw and main body
12:44 - 13:59 Wire wheeling, sanding, and polishing handle
14:00 - 14:25 Priming and painting handle
14:26 - 16:09 Reassembling
16:10 - 16:34 Before and After
16:35 - 17:29 Testing
17:30 - 17:44 Thanks for watching and please subscribe!
Project notes:
This is the first 4K UHD Catalyst Restorations video! Video was shot using a Samsung Galaxy S21+ in 4K UHD. Flagship phone cameras have come a long way!
Disassembly was straightforward. The rollers and cutting wheel must be removed first before the bottom jaw can be brought up enough to remove from the main body. This is a typical disassembly of most pipe cutters. Sanding and polishing the pins and rollers was straightforward as well - sanding only enough to remove the rust but not enough to change critical dimensions. Sanded to 2000 grit and then polished with white compound. The drill press helps make sanding go quickly. For the jaws and main body rust removal, a DIY electrolysis setup can be done like so: • Infinite Rust Removal?... . I use a modified laptop charger for all my electrolysis and it works perfectly. For casting/forging clean-up I decided to only remove the worst of it. I could’ve spent days grinding and polishing all surfaces perfectly smooth, but in my opinion that takes away most of the character it has left. For priming, I tried out Rustoleum’s 2 in 1 filler/sandable primer. Even with 3 coats and after some light sanding it didn’t smooth the surface noticeably; at least not for the time and effort it took. I went back to self-etching primer for the main body. For paint I originally chose Rustoleum’s metallic spray paint in dark cherry, because I wanted to capture Rigid’s traditional red pipe cutter color but with some flair….and also every store in a 30 mile radius and online was sold out of Rustoleum’s brighter ‘apple red’ metallic paint which was my first choice. The spray painting you see in this video is the dark cherry color, which when wet is a vibrant metallic. However, after drying it dulled considerably - very disappointing. I switched to Rustoleum’s hammered red, which was both more vibrant in color and also gave a hint of metallic texture. I sealed everything afterwards with clear coat. Assembly was also straightforward - no hang-ups there except for paint in a few spots that had to be removed where the rollers fit in. I tested the pipe cutter on a scrap piece of aluminum, which was like a hot knife through butter; totally overkill using this pipe cutter on it, but I didn’t have any scrap steel tubing lying around. Just watch the cutting demonstration portion at 0.25x and you’ll get the idea of what it would look like! Total project time was roughly 40 hours.
#restoration #pipecutter #toolrestoration
Пікірлер: 82
Looks nice. All my Ridgid tools are just cleaned and BLO'd. I purchased a pipe cutter in similar condition and it was a great investment. It probably paid for itself 10 fold the first time I put it to work.
@CatalystRestorations
5 ай бұрын
Thanks! Part of the beauty of restoring things is you can do as much or as little as you want to be happy with using it again!
Clearly you restored this tool to well beyond its condition when originally sold, and perfectly as always. Always a pleasure to watch you work.
@CatalystRestorations
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks Bryson!!
I just got one of these when my father in law passed and it was all gummed up and not working. You saved my cookies on the tear down! Although not a restore, just make it function again, I thank you for the how to! I was going to start wailing on it to see if there's a pin in it for the screw drive!
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
That's exactly why I make these videos! I'm sorry for your loss Aaron, but I'm so glad I was able to help and best of luck restoring your father-in-law's tools. His memory lives on through you taking care of his things. If you have any other questions, feel free to just add another comment on the video or send me an email (address is on my channel's 'About' page) and I'd love to see the finished product too (email me some pics)!
Very nice, I loved the view from inside the pipe.
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Every once in a while I'll get artsy with a shot!
Beautiful restoration. Nicely done !
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much Frank!!
Lovely color, I'm looking forward to more of your craft. Thanks for sharing 👍 😊
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
Love the video! Great work!
@CatalystRestorations
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks dude!
Brilliant job mate, looks great!
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks!!
Beautiful restoration, if this was a car it would be classed as concours.
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!! 🚙🚗
Very cool well done.
@CatalystRestorations
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks RA!
Magnífico trabajo lo felicito.
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
¡Gracias!
Beatiful 👍
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!!
beautiful job buddy, i like it 👍
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks man!
For once it's good to see a good design doesn't change I have the same pipe cutter but it was made in 2000
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Sometimes they do still make them like they used to!
Buen trabajo
Что может быть прекраснее полированного металла)) 👌✌
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
"What could be more beautiful than polished metal" Who doesn't love a nice shiny finish!!?
@user-dt1pn5lb2l
2 жыл бұрын
@@CatalystRestorations согласен)
I just had to sub "scribe" for that one. LOL. Nice work.
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Hahaha, thanks for the sub Keith!!
Sempre eccezionale
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much!
Nice
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
Used a filler primer but didn't sand it, I thought that this channel is good. Sorry. But I appreciate the effort.
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
I never said this channel was any good
It's rusty and dry, of course it's hard to move. A few drops of some lubricant helped a lot and prevented wear.
Great job on the restoration and awesome color choice. Was this pipe cutter was made pre-Home Depot owning them? Okay, my dumb self read the whole description (I always forget to do that)....I had no idea they had been around that long.
@CatalystRestorations
3 жыл бұрын
😂 Yeah, who knew right?!
@joshuaharlow4241
2 жыл бұрын
Ridgid is owned by Emerson Electric, not Home Depot. The orange color had me fooled for a while.
@American_Jeeper
2 жыл бұрын
@@joshuaharlow4241 You learn something new everyday, thanks, Josh!
One suggestion, spray the t-handle with a rubberized nonskid for better grip.
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Good suggestion! In the long run it would be a better choice than paint, which could rub or wipe off from oils or solvents.
Great work but its always good to paint the letters in white or black or grit the paint away so it becomes readable to the person without looking closer, but flawless restoration nonetheless.
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mohamed! I always go back and forth on painting the lettering, only because they aren't painted any different color than the main color from the factory. But if you check out my recent Lawson pipe wrench restoration you'll see I painted all the lettering in black and it turned out great!
@mohamedkilany6684
2 жыл бұрын
@@CatalystRestorations yes I noticed that hahaha I am watching from oldest to newst you painted the swivel vise letters also sand gritting the paint off of them if they are smooth clear under would look really neat
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
@@mohamedkilany6684 That's also a good idea, might have to try that out soon! Thanks for hanging around the channel, hope you've enjoyed!
Just curious , but wouldn’t a lube like Remington Remmoil be better to Han just no lube at all ? I’ve started using it on a couple of items . I’m cleans light grease and puts a Teflon coating on there by preventing rust . I use I on my firearms and a couple of tools . I have the tendency to go overboard sometimes when doing things . Forgot to mention, the Remmoil is clear Ann not messy like normal grease would be . Keep up the great restoration work, you are inspiring fir others to get out Tyler and do the same .
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
I'm not familiar with Remington Remmoil, but pretty much any grease works for this. Teflon would work too, sure. You really don't have to get super fancy with it for it to do its job.
Happy New Year!! I was wondering if you had some stickers of your channel that I could have? I try to get stickers of all my favorite restorers to slap on my toolbox.
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
Happy New Year James! Send me an email (catalystrestorations@gmail.com) with your mailing address and I'll get one over to you!
What are you using for voltage and current in that bath?
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
Just a regular old laptop charger. I've got a video coming out soon going over my electrolysis setup!
@rockymt98
Жыл бұрын
@@CatalystRestorations Thanks I look forward to seeing it!
Great job! What color is on the handle?
@CatalystRestorations
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It's Rustoleum's black hammerite.
أحسنت 👍👍❤🇩🇿🌷 تابع
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
Thank you!! 😁👍
Well done!👍 Red is traditional color, but maybe instead use a blueing solution to protect the parts...🤔
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Then you're going to love the next video coming out soon!!
Oooh... I found spray filler is the best for rough surface and little pitting
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
In the time since finishing this restoration I've found that Rustoleum's regular filler primer (not the one labeled "2-in-one sandable primer") works very well! It's also still sandable. Check out my Chicago Pencil Sharpener restoration to see that filler in action!
How did you determine it was from the 40's?
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
Ridgid moved their world HQ to Elyria, OH and began putting it on their tools in 1943. It's not exactly clear when they stopped putting it on them, but 1940's was at least for sure a safe bet for this tool.
Do you know Jason from fireball tool? He’s a KZreadr plus a tool manufacturer. He recently did a video about filing and tested the theory that filing on both the forward and backward stroke if it causes damage to the teeth of the file and what the efficiency is. He was able to clearly prove that filing on both the forward and backward stroke is more effective and does not cause premature wear of the teeth of the file. I was very interested to follow his development along this test as I was always told the only file on the forward stroke or it would prematurely ruin the file.. Not the case.. Good job by they way. Also as I am inexperienced in this line of work as you are. Is electroless really better than wire Wheeling from the beginning?
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
I'm not familiar with Jason's channel, but I'll go check it out! KZread commenters absolutely lose it you ever show a forward and backward file stroke on camera! 😂 For electrolysis vs just wire wheeling right from the start, it's a bit of a personal preference. I prefer electrolysis first because it makes wire wheeling afterwards much, much faster (and less dirty!). Electrolysis does a great job of 'loosening' up stubborn rust and then subsequent wire wheeling usually only takes a single quick pass for all the black oxide left to just fall right off. There's much less dust/debris to clean up in the shop that way. Electrolysis is also great because it's an extremely gentle process and does not remove things such as paint, only iron oxide (Fe2O3) - helpful if you're trying to determine the original paint color of something but can't tell if there's original paint somewhere under all that rust!
@heyletsplaythis
2 жыл бұрын
@@CatalystRestorations yes Jason had said people in his comments lost it over him filing both directions. That’s why he created a good way to test if the old idea that’s it bad is true or not. It’s very surprising to know it’s okay and actually more effective. Thanks for the info on electrolysis.
looks good, except for that black handle. its silver for a reason. the paint will just rub off during use
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Etched primer + hammered finish enamel + clear coat is not going to rub off any appreciably noticeable mount with any moderate use. If this was used in service on an oil drilling rig, then sure, that paint may last a few weeks.
@jamesyarbrough4777
2 жыл бұрын
@@CatalystRestorations not would last a day on my plumbing truck. oily gloves will rub that stuff right off
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
That's fair. I'm no plumber, so this one will be fine, but that's good to keep in mind on future pipe cutter restos! Thanks!
Selamat malam..mau kah tuan memberikan alat itu kepada saya.saya tidak mampu untuk membeli
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry, my tools aren't for sale.
@feri-ys1480
2 жыл бұрын
@@CatalystRestorations iya tidak apa.
WHat is the point of doing a cosmetic restoration on a pipe cutter? If it's used for it's intended purpose, it's going to get banged up and the paint chipped, and it's not a show piece there is nothing particularly rare or old or unusual about that. I have an identical one, and you can still buy them. As far as when you're "testing" it, that vise has jaws for holding a pipe, they're the curved jaws underneath the straight jaws. You're putting way too much pressure on the cutter, the idea is to put a little pressure on it reach rotation. Cutting pipe like you did winds up crimping the pipe inward, (this can be seen in your video) and leaving a larger burr inside the pipe.
@CatalystRestorations
Жыл бұрын
What's the point of the manufacturer ever painting them either? I just do this for fun as a hobby and the KZread revenue pays for the whole hobby. Thanks for the tip on how to use it better!
It appears lay man skill, not technical competency.
@CatalystRestorations
2 жыл бұрын
Appearances can be deceiving.