Replies

1. 
   McDesign | Feb 11, 2007 02:52am | #1

   As I recall, "Big Boss Man" was a pro wrestler, so I'm guessing you're figuring you can swing the lumnimum one harder?

   Not sure how they differ as defensive weapons.

   For wrenching, the jaws and knob are gonna' be steel, so aluminum might be easier to use.

   Forrest

1. 
   brownbagg | Feb 11, 2007 03:38am | #2

   pittsburg is harbor freight brand, aint no way I'm touching it..

1. 
   MisterT | Feb 14, 2007 04:14am | #6

   I'm with you...

   Pittsburgh is lowgrade crap...Welcome to Breaktime

   Home of

   The Aristocrats

1. 
   brownbagg | Feb 14, 2007 04:18am | #7

   we use a lot of pipe wrench on our drill rigs, we will bend a 48 inch ridig about once a month. No way I'm letting a pittsburg near the tool box.

1. 
   VAVince | Feb 14, 2007 04:38am | #8

   you do geotech drilling?

2. 
   brownbagg | Feb 14, 2007 05:34am | #9

   yes

3. 
   MisterT | Feb 14, 2007 03:34pm | #11

   bending is not good...

   but if one BROKE that could be very bad!!Welcome to Breaktime

   Home of

   The Aristocrats

2. 
   RedfordHenry | Feb 11, 2007 03:54am | #3

   I used to swing a pair of Ridgid 36s back in my well drilling days.  They finally came out with an aluminum model.  Much faster to pick up for sure.  Never used any brand other than Ridgid.  The key thing in pipewrenches is the quality of the jaws.  If they dull and are not replaceable, then the wrench isn't worth squat.  Everything else about the wrench is leverage.  If it's leverage you need, cast steel, aluminum or even wood will deliver the same effect.

3. 
   zak | Feb 11, 2007 04:01am | #4

   I guess I've used the same 36" ridgid that RedfordHenry has.  What can I say?  It's a lot lighter than the steel ones, it's got replaceable steel jaws, it does the job.

   zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"

    

4. 
   caseyr | Feb 11, 2007 04:41am | #5

   I bought one of the larger Pittsburgh aluminum pipe wrenches. It seemed to work fine. Considerably cheaper than the steel one of the same size. The teeth were sharp and able to bite into steel pipe so that nothing slipped when I gave it my all. Seemed to do all that was asked. I don't use a pipe wrench that much any more and my old Ridgids have the teeth worn down to the point where their grip is problematic. The Pittsburgh seems quite adequate for my current needs.

5. 
   BruceT999 | Feb 14, 2007 08:18am | #10

   I have never heard of Pittsburgh brand.

   For quality, you can't beat Ridgid. I have 14" and 18" Ridgid aluminum as well as a MaxPower 14" offset jaw model - great for a fitting that is too close to a wall or other obstacle to get a regular wrench's jaws around.

   View Image

   BruceT
6. 
   cfw3 | Feb 14, 2007 06:22pm | #12

   I bought a 36" pittsburg aluminum pipe wrench for the occassional jobs. Worked fine until we put a 4 foot cheater pipe on it and snapped it in half! FWIW...

1. 
   bigbossman | Feb 14, 2007 10:21pm | #13

   I take it that DIB Tools is another winner like Pittsburgh?  Anyone ever use this brand?

1. 
   gb93433 | Feb 14, 2007 11:34pm | #14

   Years ago I bought a tired Ridgid pipe wrench at a swap meet and replaced the jaws. It was just like new again with a much cheaper price.

1. 
   renosteinke | Feb 15, 2007 03:58am | #15

   First of all, I have to differ with the 'tool snobs' on this one. Pittsburg, and other 'no-name' pipe wrenches have worked just fine for me. I use them side-by-side with name-brand ones, and am hard pressed to identify them by touch. Nobody's wrenches are warrantied if you modify them, or add a pipe for leverage. Yet, I often see this done. Might as well use a cheap one... Now, sorry to say it, but losing tools is a fact of life. I'd rather lose a cheap one than an expensive one.
   It's also a fact that sometimes you have 'help' in losing your stuff. I find that Pittsburg tools are far more likely to remain in your possession; perhaps the lack of demand for them at the local pawn shop has something to do with that! Finally, whatever brand you chose, remember that aluminum is at a premium these days. I suggest painting your aluminum tools "cast iron" orange .... you'll be amazed how rarely someone asks to borrow them.