To perform the thread, masters use different tools, the choice of which depends on the requirements of a particular task. It can be both manual devices and equipment for machine tools. A separate group of such tools are screwdrivers for cutting threads on pipes, differing in structural and ergonomic data.
Design Features
If the majority of manual thread-cutting tools are directly involved in the process of creating technological screw ditches, then screwdrivers can be considered as a machine frame for cutters, first of all. Machining as such is performed by nozzles similar to dies, which are fixed in a special shutter. The movements of the handle transmit torque to the cutter, which contributes to the formation of thread on the pipe. The basic structural elements include faceplates, housing, clamping devices and a fixing bolt. The main material for making an electric die for threading pipes is high-speed steel or carbide alloys. At least working equipment is made of high-strength metal, but the body is also made of reliable wear-resistant material. Unless plastic alloys can be used for external elements in the form of overlays on the handle and holders.
Consumables for the screwdriver
Auxiliary materials and accessories for the electroclub can be divided into two categories - adjusting and lubricating. Both groups are indispensable and ensure the quality of the tool. Adjusting devices include adjustable wrenches and metric fasteners to adjust the parameters of the pipe clamp. There are universal devices of this type, as well as strictly oriented to a specific standard size - as a rule, they are supplied as standard.
For smooth running and minimizing the friction of the screwdriver mechanisms for threading, special oil and grease of the WD-40 type are used. Professionals additionally use oil pumps, which increase the performance of threading tools. Such devices are equipped with a trigger switch that allows you to precisely control the flow of technical fluid.
Characteristics of a pipe threading screwdriver
The tool is characterized by the diameter of the cylindrical workpiece available for processing and power. It must be emphasized right away that there are universal-purpose tool models with interchangeable nozzles, and devices with a fixed slicing format. So, a set of screwdrivers for threading pipes can include cutters for diameters of 1, 1/2 and 1/4 of an inch. Tooling in the form of dies also allows you to process cylindrical studs, eyes and bolts with a thickness of 4 to 20 mm.
The power process potential of the electric motor will affect the working process. The standard manual screwdriver for threading is equipped with an engine with a power of 800-1200 watts. Professional universal models provide up to 1700 watts. This value will affect the processing intensity. In particular, the average characteristics of the engine provide a thread formation rate of the order of 20 rpm. It will not be superfluous to take into account the nominal value of the voltage in the network. Typically, such a tool is powered by single-phase 220 V networks with deviations in the range of 15-20 V.
Additional functionality kluppa
High-tech models of electrocloops are equipped with electronic filling with the ability to start the reverse stroke. This feature is especially useful in processing workpieces made of solid alloys, as it prevents damage to the cut due to a shift in the direction of processing. It is possible to significantly improve the quality of the thread by maintaining a uniform speed.
The stability of the cutter in reverse and forward modes eliminates the risk of defects on the edges. Some models of modern screwdrivers for cutting threads on pipes are also provided with a five-axis gearbox with beveled teeth. The presence of this mechanism increases the transmission of force, which increases the life of the tool and positively affects the accuracy of rotation of the cutters.
If the emphasis is on the ergonomics of physical handling, then it is worth giving preference to hoops with the possibility of placing snap-ins on different sides (left and right). This solution will save time during in-line processing of multi-format pipes.
Thread Cutter Manufacturers
In choosing a tool, a lot depends on the manufacturer. Experienced craftsmen know that the origin of the electrocloop determines not only its quality and performance, but also the scope. For example, for sanitary pipes it is recommended to use COMPA products or the MATRIX SPARTA line. The price of screwdrivers for threading COMPA CTFE1700WVAL with diameters 1 and 1/2 is 20-25 thousand rubles. The manufacturer offers a plastic case and all the necessary equipment for adjustment.
Universal tools include models by manufacturers Gerat, Rotorica Twistor, REMS and ROTHENBERG. Together with interchangeable heads, the user receives wear-resistant cases and can count on high quality element base. As for the cost, for example, the price of a screwdriver for cutting threads on Rotorica Twistor pipes with nozzles of the BSPT R 1/2 format also reaches 25 thousand rubles.
The use of electrocloop
The presence of an electric drive makes relatives a screwdriver with machine tools, but retains the ergonomics of manual equipment. To create a thread with such a tool, it is necessary to fix the die of the desired format in a special holder, align and cut. From the user of an electric screwdriver for threading, it is only necessary to properly adjust the mechanism for a pipe of an appropriate size and start the engine. Next, die cutters that will remove excess metal in rows will come into play. The first line of cutters will produce a rough cut, and the subsequent ones will make the thread geometry more accurate and accurate. The number of rotational actions is equivalent to the step of the formed turns.
Tool Tips
The following recommendations from experts will allow you to get the expected result when creating a thread on a pipe and not spoil its shape:
- Proper pipe preparation. The cleaner the surface with which the tool and especially the cutting elements will come in contact, the higher the likelihood of obtaining a smooth and accurate thread. The same plumbers, in addition to standard cleaning and degreasing, are advised to remove the chamfer at the end of the pipe.
- Reliable fixation. Confident fastening requires not only the workpiece, but also a screwdriver for threading, which must also be pre-lubricated with the aforementioned oil. It tracks not only the rigidity of fixation, but also the correct alignment. This will prevent scuffing when creating threads.
- Removing excess metal as you work. The chips produced by themselves adversely affect the accuracy of the machining. Cutting small turns is a very sensitive operation, the quality of which even a grain of sand can reduce. Therefore, it is worth periodically doing several reverse rotations, freeing the work surface from technological waste. Again, this will be possible only if there is a reverse stroke at the electrocup.
Reviews on the use of an electric screwdriver
This equipment for creating carvings is used by both professionals and home craftsmen, who often have to deal with metal processing. In both cases, the owners note a high cutting speed and ease of handling the tool, since the operator does not need to exert physical force at all. But the most important thing that experts emphasize relates to the quality of work, which is incomparable with the results from the use of traditional carvers and dies. Moreover, thread cutting plugs are, in principle, capable of machining with large tolerances in length and thickness. But there are also disadvantages to electrocloops. Among them, users single out the binding to the power grid and the massiveness of the unit. Both of these disadvantages limit the scope. For example, in hard-to-reach places where you can handle compact manual equipment without an electric drive, it is impossible to use a screwdriver.
Conclusion
The need for threading arises in a wide variety of fields, which is why tools like an electroclub are becoming more widespread and are actively moving from a professional niche to a household one. Another thing is that infrequent one-time operations to create threads can be performed with models without an electric motor. They are cheaper. For example, if the average prices for a screwdriver for threading pipes exceed 20 thousand rubles, then a simple mechanical analog with a ratchet can be purchased for 3-4 thousand rubles. However, savings also entail operational restrictions on the use of the cutter, not to mention the low quality of the thread itself with the risks of damage to the workpiece. It should also be borne in mind that in all types and modifications of the kluppa can only be used to perform external processing. The internal threads in the pipes are made with taps of a suitable format.