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Galvanized pipe for clamps. Save some $$$

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Forum topic by Matt Schnurbusch posted 122 days ago 400 views 0 times favorited 10 replies Add to Favorites
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Matt Schnurbusch

31 posts in 149 days


122 days ago

Topic tags/keywords: clamp pipe

Went to Lowes the other day to pick up some pipe for my pipe clamps, and thought I should let you all in on it.

If you purchase short lengths (2’, 3’, 4’ etc) you are going to pay too much. Lowes sells 10’ lengths of 3/4” galv. for $1.28 per foot. They will cut it and thread it for free. Apparantly they are supposed to charge more if they cut it and thread it, which makes it seem like not so free. Well when I said that to the guy at the store, he said “yeah doesn’t make much sense to me either”. So, if you are looking for pipe for your clamps, don’t buy the short stuff… Buy a ten footer and have it cut down and threaded after you talk to the person at the store to ensure that you will be charged properly.

I got – 3 48” pipes (already had one) and 4 24” pipes for $27.33

Homedepot.com shows a single 3/4” ten footer as $21.49

Some times it pays to shop around a little, even if it’s at the BORGS. I’m sure you could do even better at a plumbing supply store.

Matt

-- - If you can't have fun doin' it, it aint worth doin' - Matt

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SteveKorz

1419 posts in 251 days


122 days ago

I’m kind of a cheap-skate… lol. I’ll shop around until I find the price that I want (or one that’s at least reasonable) before I just buy buy buy…

That’s good info… thanks!

-- As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)

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Chris

1259 posts in 528 days


122 days ago

I actually used the Black pipe they call for; not because I wanted to but because I happened to get it at cost so it ended up cheaper than galvanized at the big box store. Otherwise I would have been there too!

-- Chris

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Dusty56

1400 posts in 225 days


122 days ago

other than the paint or being galvanized, is there any difference in the two pipes quality wise ?

-- Dusty56@comcast.net

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bbqking

279 posts in 260 days


122 days ago

I bought a pipe clamp setup from Rockler and purchased a galvanized pipe (cheaper) to fit it up. The head screwed on just fine. The sliding/ locking mechanism would not fit the pipe. Got out the dial caliper, 1/64th or less too large. Went and bought black pipe, fit great. Go figure. It was a 4 foot galvanized pipe. I keep it handy in case I have to defend my refrigerator. bbqKing.

-- bbqKing, Lawrenceville

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FFURNITURE

5 posts in 123 days


122 days ago

Galvanized is softer than Black pipe. The sliding clamp part will dig in, and create a ridge in the pipe. Then to complicate things, glue will get in the ridge. Then the slider wont move up and down easily, creating lots of frustration during a glue up.

-- Clamps are like dollars in the bank, you NEVER can have too many!

View Matt Schnurbusch's profile

Matt Schnurbusch

31 posts in 149 days


121 days ago

So, I wasted my money on the galv? I thought I’d read where folks were using it quite successfully.

Matt

-- - If you can't have fun doin' it, it aint worth doin' - Matt

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FFURNITURE

5 posts in 123 days


121 days ago

Well, It CAN be used, but its just not as durable for the long haul.

I’ve offset the cost over the years. I just wait for the plumber to do gas lines in the houses I build, and then pay him to cut and thread a set.

I use them mostly for odd things now, and add extensions for the random long piece.

-- Clamps are like dollars in the bank, you NEVER can have too many!

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Chris_

7 posts in 123 days


121 days ago

I’ve got both black and galvanized and the black does work better. But saying that the galvanized pipe won’t react with your glue and make black spots….

Thanks for the tip about Lowe’s. I’ve unpacked most of the shop boxes and have four pipe clamps without pipes.

-- Chris

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motthunter

1234 posts in 336 days


121 days ago

great way to save a buck.. no more stealing pipes from the basements of houses in foreclosure… ha ha

-- making sawdust....

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USCJeff

815 posts in 605 days


121 days ago

I’ve done alright with both. I use the black ones more because they currently have nicer clamps attached to them. The galvanized pipes I have currently have knock off clamps. I should switch it around and give it a real test I suppose.

-- Jeff, South Carolina

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