Ridgid Pipe Wrenches Do Not Have Forged Handles, Only Forged Jaws

The myth that all pipe wrenches have forged handles is from the Stillson era where the lower jaw was part of the handle and so the entire wrench was forged but modern style ones have a cast ductile iron handle and forged jaws.

[Papa-vqfv]

I never knew the handles are not forged. Good video as always thanks

[garbo]

Rigid pipe wrenches have always be best in class. Years ago one of our maintenance department plumbers replaced bottom teeth & top hook on a few worn old Rigid pipe wrenches.

[danr]

Apparently cast handles work just fine. I like the aluminum ones, but can't justify them as I don't carry one around in a tool box all day.

[gypsydildopunks]

I like the cat with spectacles logo. Bring it back, please. Thanks

[WoodMotorsports]

Aluminum handle ridgid all the way. If you're holding it above your head in a scissor lift all day, you know.

[patrickobrien]

Good Information ! In West Texas Eastern New Mexico oil fields, I’ve seen slightly bent handles, but never a broken one !

[Clarkson]

Best handles are aluminum. Used to have a bunch of 6’ pipes to open anything

[ryanwesley]

You don't collect any Craftsman? Those were good wrenches. And I found out ace hardware wrenches when they were made in the US were just as good as rigid. At least the jaws. I noticed the handles would slightly bend on them if you used a big enough cheater bar but at least the teeth are still biting. I hope rigid never goes to China for production. Every single China made pipe wrench I've had were pieces of crap and teeth dull and wrench slips after only a month of heavy use.

[dpt]

Nothing wrong with cast but not all cast is equal
Capewell manufacturing made a fine pipe wrench back in the day
Mine has has witness marks from our years together from striking mallets and black pipe extensions