Inexpensive 3/4-inch pipe at Lowe's

[themachine]

I noticed in the back aisle of my Lowe's in Cincinnati that they are clearancing extension pipes to drop ceiling fans. These are 3/4-inch in diameter and come with a pipe thread on one end. Good for pipe clamps. 24-inch lengths were $2.50 and 48 inchers were $4.74, about half the cost of black iron pipe. They also have holes on each end that would facilitate hanging on a hook or nail. Plus they have a coppertone finish which is very attractive in your shop. Of course the finish will scratch off with use, and the pipes do not seem to be quite as thick as black iron. They still seem plenty strong.

[chopnhack]

I would be careful, they probably wont hold up to heavy duty clamping. Test it out on a utility project or on scraps to see if the pipes don't buckle under severe clamping pressure.

[Pappy]

Another problem with some clamps could be the moveable jaw slipping on the smoother finish surface of the pipe.

[TheRic]

I seem to remember something a while back (years ago) that someone brought up some topic similar. The problem was the pipe bows too much as you put pressure on it.

Also as pappy said the slipping on a smooth surface.

Remember: Theory and Reality do not know each other exists!

[messmaker]

Somebody aroud here said they used them for all their pipe clamps. I remember the thread. Maybe more info will come.

[mineengineer]

Some of my clamps are

I picked up a bunch of 3/4-inch downrods that were 12 to 36 inches long at the HD years ago for the price of $0.01 each. I have used them for about 5 years now and they still work for most utility type clamping, but the longer ones might flex a bit if you really clamped down on a glue up, but for average work they do just fine. My 3 ft and longer clamps are all black iron pipe or steel bar stock I threaded on a lathe. For the price I paid for the downrods it was an easy decision to use them but your only saving about half the price for a weaker product, In your position I would probably go with the black iron as the cost over the time that you use them will be worth the extra bucks. Also not all downrods are created equal so YMMV. Also I have had no problems with the clamps slipping on the slightly smoother finish of the downrod.

[themachine]

Last night, I really cranked down tightly on a 48-inch bar with clamps on it and the bar did take on a little belly. About a 1/4-inch deflection over its length. This was higher pressure than is probably necessary for a glue joint. The end of the clamp grabbed nicely on the bar. So I agree with the comments that these bars are not as strong as black iron pipe. I don't know how relevant that is though.

[jgscott987]

And don't forget, if the joint is prepared properly, you shouldn't need to apply excessive clamping force. The more force required to close the joint, the more likely it will fail in the future.