User Guide

999-888-101.10 _REV B
2
Description
RIDGID
®
Pipe Wrenches are hand tools designed to turn
pipe and tighten and loosen threaded pipe connections with
round threaded fittings. RIDGID Pipe wrenches are available
in a variety of configurations, including ductile iron or alumi-
num handle versions. Consult the RIDGID catalog for more
information on available units.
Heavy-Duty Straight Pipe
Wrenches: suitable for all
forms of pipe work
RapidGrip
®
Pipe
Wrenches
End Pipe Wrenches: easy
grip for close to wall and
parallel work
Offset Pipe Wrenches:
easy entry to tight spots
and awkward angles
Raprench
®
Wrenches:
ideal for occasional use as
a hammer
Compound Leverage
Wrenches: multiplies
leverage, used for seized
joints
See the product markings for specifications or consult the
RIDGID catalog.
Figure 2 – Wrench Parts
Inspection/Maintenance
Daily before use, clean the wrench to aid inspection and
improve control. Handles and gripping surfaces should be
clean, dry and free of oil and grease. Inspect the wrench for:
999-888-101.10_REV B
2
Pipe Wrench Use Guide
• Proper assembly and completeness.
• Wear. Clean the jaws with a wire brush. Teeth should be
clean and sharp. Replace jaws if teeth are worn to reduce
the risk of slippage.
• Damage such as cracks, cuts, nicks, deformation.
• Bent or twisted handles. Do not straighten handles. Wrenches
with bent handles have been overloaded. Remove bent
wrenches from service.
• Modification of any kind, including grinding or welding.
Modification can weaken a wrench.
• Discoloration or other indications of heat damage.
• Proper operation. Hook jaw should move smoothly when
the nut is turned. Springs in housing should allow hook jaw
to pivot slightly. This allows proper gripping and ratcheting
action of the wrench.
• Other issues that could affect safe use.
If any problems are found, do not use until corrected. Remove
worn, bent or otherwise damaged wrenches from service.
Only use genuine RIDGID
®
Service Parts.
Inspect chains for any separation of links or other damage.
Link separation indicates the chain has been overloaded
and must be replaced.
Lubricate all moving parts/joints as needed with light lubri-
cating oil. Wipe off excess oil. Keep non painted parts well
lubricated with oil and store in a dry place.
Set-Up
Inspect the material to be worked with. Pipe wrenches are
designed for use on round pipe and threaded fittings, or
soft round stock. Do not use on hard (325 BHN maximum),
square, hexagonal or other non-round material. The jaw
teeth penetrate the stock to properly grip. Wrench may slip
on hardened material or the teeth may chip when used on
hex or square stock.
Pipe wrenches can apply high forces to pipe that can crush
or oval the pipe, especially thinner wall pipe. Pipe wrench
jaw teeth grip by digging into the material of the pipe. This
will mar the surface finish of the pipe and could create sharp
edges and cut hazards.
Choose a proper size and type of pipe wrench for the job.
Do not use on pipe larger than the pipe wrench is rated for.
(See Chart 1)
Hook Jaw
Housing
(springs in housing)
Handle
Adjustment Nut
Hanging
Hole
Heel Jaw
Figure 1 – RIDGID Pipe Wrenches