Galvanized pipe for clamps. Save some $$$

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) †

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!

-- "Everything that is great and inspiring is created by the individual who labors in freedom" -- Albert Einstein

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

-- When did quiet and quite become the same word ? I'm guessing about the same time as your and you're did.

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

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!

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

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!

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

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

-- making sawdust....

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

Updated Prices: $1.75 per foot for 3/4 galv pipe at Lowes in Massachusetts, when you buy 10 feet, and cutting/threading is free.

Thanks for your post a few years ago, Matt. I did exactly as you prescribed a few years ago when you posted, its just incrementally more expensive now. Also of note- their machine wont cut shorter than 3 feet (At this Lowes anyway.). Weird how precut short lengths are so much more expensive, when theyll cut the long ones for free. I made a couple 6ft and a couple 4ft.

-Mitch

I do suggest using a degreaser such as mean grean or greased lightening on the pipes before you get the clamps anywhere near them. They are lubricated with oils and sometimes graphite which will basically ruin the clamping apparatus.

-- The mark of a good carpenter is not how few mistakes he makes, but rather how well he fixes them.

I drive by a recycled materials shop on my way home. I stop in at least once a week just to browse through the junk. When I needed pipe for clamps a couple months ago I went there first and got about 40 ft. of 3/4 pipe for 10 bucks. Some galvanized, some black iron. They weren’t pretty but a half hour with a wire wheel and a drill motor made them presentable. Cut and threaded them into 2, 4, and 6 ft lengths. I just happen to have a hand threader at home but I think stopping by a plumbing shop could get it done for very little cost.

My point, I guess, is that the recycle stores are a cheap alternative if they have what you want. Habitat for Humanity runs one around here in addition to a couple of other salvagers. Worth visiting from time to time.

-- Visualize whirled peas

I bought a stick of pipe at ACE hardware. Pipe generally comes in 21 ft lengths. They had 21 Ft lengths. I had them but it into 36” pieces and thread one end. On the pieces already threaded I had them thread the cut end because I wanted to be able to use a collar on it if needed to make a longer pipe. I paid about $31 for the 7 pieces (21 ft) and threaded. I am not sure the black pipe is harder and if it is how much harder. The galvanize is the soft surface on the water pipe. The clamps can and will dig into the surface and make burrs as mentioned above. I have both blk and galvanized because I constantly look for old pipe that will work for me. If I get pipe I have an excuse to get more clamps. a few strokes with an old sanding belt will take care of glue build up.

I use only galvanized pipe on my clamps because the black pipe would react with the glue and leave a deep stain on the wood. If it gets too buggered up I just sand or file down the bad spots, but this rarely happens. I have oodles of black pipe but I no longer use it.

Another good place to locate pipe is scrap yards, plumbing companies and posting ads on craig’s list. I’ve gotten pipe by all three.

Rick