Figure 10 – Pipe Even with Edge of Dies
7. Actuate the switch button in reverse direction to
remove die head from the threaded pipe. Hold onto
the power drive handle firmly to resist the handle
forces developed while breaking the thread chip and
backing off the die head.
8. Release the switch and remove the power drive and
die head from the pipe.
9. With dry hands, unplug the power drive.
10. Wipe oil and debris off the threads and out of the die
head, taking care not to cut yourself on sharp debris
or edges. Clean up any oil spills in the work area.
Inspecting Threads
1. Remove any oil, chips or debris from the thread.
2. Visually inspect thread. Threads should be smooth
and complete, with good form. If issues such as
thread tearing, thin threads, or pipe out-of-round-
ness are observed, the thread may not seal when
made up. Refer to the "Troubleshooting" chart for
help in diagnosing these issues.
3. Inspect the size of the thread. The preferred method of
checking thread size is with a ring gauge. There are
various styles of ring gauges, and their usage may dif-
fer from that shown in Figure 11.
• Screw ring gauge onto the thread hand tight.
• Look at how far the pipe end extends through the
ring gage. The end of the pipe should be flush with
the side of the gauge plus or minus one turn. If
thread does not gauge properly, cut off the thread,
adjust the die head and cut another thread. Using a
thread that does not gauge properly can cause
leaks.
940-707-010.09_REV. F
700 Power Drive
Thin Ring
Gauge
D
Flush
One Turn Large
(Basic Size)
(Maximum Size)
Checking Threads With Ring Gauge
Figure 11 – Checking Thread Size
• If a ring gauge is not available to inspect thread
size, it is possible to use a new clean fitting repre-
sentative of those used on the job to gauge thread
size. For 2" and under NPT threads, the threads
should be cut to obtain 4 to 5 turns to hand tight
engagement with the fitting and for 2" and under
BSPT threads it should be 3 turns.
700 Power drive – other uses
This manual contains specific instructions for the use of the
700 Power Drive to thread with various RIDGID die heads.
When used with other RIDGID equipment (such as the
RIDGID 258/258XL Power Pipe Cutter) follow the instruc-
tions and warnings supplied with that RIDGID equipment
on proper set up and use.
Ridge Tool cannot provide specific instructions for every
possible use for the 700 Power Drive. The user must
evaluate the specific work scenario and use good work
practices and methods. If there is any doubt about the use
of the 700 Power Drive for these other purposes, do not
use it.
If using the 700 Power Drive for other purposes, careful-
ly evaluate and prepare for the work using the general
guidelines below. The 700 Power Drive will supply high
torque and correspondingly high handle forces which
can cause striking and crushing injuries.
• The RIDGID 774 Square Drive Adapter can be used to
adapt the 700 Power Drive to turn a male 15/16" square.
Securely attach the adapter to prevent it from detaching
in use.
• An appropriate method to withstand all handle forces
must be developed (See "Resisting Handle Forces"
section). Forces could exceed 1000 lbs (455 kg). Sup -
port devices can be placed against the motor housing or
fan housing of the 700 Power Drive (Figure 1).
• Always keep the power drive against the support
device – do not place body parts between the power
drive and the support device.
• There should be no relative movement between the
power drive and the support device during use.
D
D
One Turn Small
(Minimum Size)
9