The outstanding DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader showcases the company’s solid sense of design and attention to detail. This tool category is quite new, but it really seems like DeWalt thought of everything. Electricians, plumbers, mechanical technicians, sprinkler installers, and other Pros can rejoice that the days of manual threading or running miles of extension cord are over.
Our crew over at G&G Electric used the DeWalt pipe threader for rigid conduit. Threading pipe takes time. Making a tool like this cordless solves a unique problem and raised our productivity drastically.
Pros
- Makes threading a one-person job
- Patented Diearm Clamp assumes the torque load and protects hands from the spinning die
- Remarkably fast and easy threading compared to traditional tools
- Unique oil-resistant glass-filled nylon FlexVolt battery is housed in a latched compartment that protects it and its connection from oil
- E-clutch protects the user from bind-up
- Low voltage indicator illuminates when the battery doesn’t have enough power to finish a thread
- Reverse speed twice as fast a thread speed to save time
- Tool-Connect ready
Cons
- Caveat, not a con: die can be a little tricky to insert and catch detents
Recommendation
The DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader is through-and-through an impressive piece of machinery. Although this is the first generation, it really seems like DeWalt thought of everything. A patented Diearm Clamp flawlessly holds the pipe and the threader while keeping your hand out of harm’s way. The specially-made FlexVolt battery resists oil on its own, but also comes housed in a latched compartment. E-Clutch—which we’ve seen before—shuts the tool off in a bind-up. DeWalt’s attention to details on this tool helps you do a lot of work—safely—for miles of conduit to come.Die…Hard for a Second
We think the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader is exceedingly great. So we’ll get the one hiccup we experienced out of the way. Inserting one of the 1/2- to 2-inch dies into the threader can be tricky at first. It needs to fit snugly into place where the detents hold it. It can, however, feel like something isn’t right.
The trick? Once the oil gets everywhere during threading—which it invariably does—dies become much easier to insert and remove.
From there on out, using the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader is a huge advantage over both manual and even 120V threaders. The reasons begin with the patented Diearm Clamp—that funny-looking contraption attached to the pipe.
The clamp portion sports a vice grip-like design with a depth gauge that lets you quickly dial in the pipe diameter and attach the clamp. Then you mount the threader on the pipe and the clamp’s chrome stabilization bar (more on that in a moment).
Lending a Hand & Arm
Finally, the clamp’s swinging arm drops over the threader’s head and contacts the die to start the thread. Anyone who’s threaded pipe the traditional way knows you have to push on the spinning die to begin. It isn’t ideal. Not only is contacting a moving piece unwise but also the die’s teeth can cut metal (and your hand) much more easily. Moreover, the threading produces sharp metal shards. The Diearm Clamp removes this danger by performing the action for you.
The clamp also bears all the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader’s torque so you don’t have to. It’s possible to thread without it, but you won’t want to since you’ll have to fight the rotational force and push on the spinning die. Fortunately, DeWalt included its excellent E-Clutch which shuts the tool down in a bind-up as an added safety feature. You may notice the speed in Reverse (unthreading) operates faster than Forward (threading) which saves you a bit of time.
One of the threader’s buying options includes DeWalt’s high-speed steel dies from 1/2 to 2 inches. DeWalt also made its cordless pipe threader compatible with Ridgid 12R style die heads. That makes a ton of sense and saves Pros from having to carry around dual sets—which would be cost-prohibitive.
Compartment Department
It goes without saying that you must lubricate the pipe as you thread it. The friction generates so much heat that the pipe could break at the threads or worse, create a near-permanent bind-up in the die. Aim to apply oil upon every revolution. We love that the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader makes the threading and oiling process a one-man job!
The FlexVolt battery (model DCB609G) that runs the tool’s brushless motor is unlike any other FlexVolt pack. It features an oil-resistant, glass-filled housing. Combined with the latch-sealed compartment, this might be the threader’s most brilliant feature. It’s inevitable that corrosive cutting oil will find its way everywhere on the tool body, but this combo ensures the battery and its connection remain oil-free.
A low voltage indicator alerts you if the battery pack doesn’t have the juice to complete the thread. And the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader is Tool Connect ready for inventory management and tracking. Like we mentioned, it seems like DeWalt thought of everything with this one.
Price
Milwaukee was first to market with its version which we reviewed here. It currently remains the DeWalt’s only real competition in the space so far. The Milwaukee 2874-20 will set you back $1,399 for the bare tool. The kit with one battery (2874-22HD) which does not include dies costs $1,699.
DeWalt means business as it matches the $1,699 price for its kit with two batteries (DCE700X2) and the Diearm clamp. Additionally, you can pick up the kit with six dies from 1/2- to 2-inches for $2,299 (DCE700X2K).
Tool Connect and Variations
This tool works with DeWalt Tool Connect if you add the optional Tag. Once added, users can monitor and track the pipe threader using the Tool Connect app. The full list of kits and die head options include:
- DeWalt DCE700X2 FlexVolt 60V Cordless Pipe Threader kit and two 3Ah 60V batteries – $1,699
- DeWalt DCE700X2K FlexVolt 60V Cordless Pipe Threader kit, two 3Ah 60V batteries, and die heads – $2,299
- DCE700012 1/2″ high-speed steel die head – $99
- DCE700034 3/4″ high-speed steel die head – $99
- DCE700100 1″ high-speed steel die head – $119
- DCE700114 1-1/4″ high-speed steel die head – $119
- DCE700112 1-1/2″ high-speed steel die head – $129
- DCE700200 2″ high-speed steel die head – $129
DeWalt Cordless Pipe Threader Conclusion
We couldn’t find a flaw in the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader. For electricians, plumbers, and a host of other tradespeople, it makes quick, clean pipe threading a one-man job. Its outstanding Diearm Clamp, E-Clutch, specialized FlexVolt battery and compartment, and low voltage indicator make this typically arduous and messy job much easier.
For anyone threading pipe or rigid conduit regularly, this tool can only make you money in the end. Given the average hourly rates for this type of work, the $1,699 price tag shouldn’t scare away from picking up this tool
DeWalt 60V FlexVolt Cordless Pipe Threader Specifications
- Models: DCE700X2 kit with Diearm clamp, two batteries, charger; and DCE700X2K kit with Diearm clamp, two batteries, charger, six dies (1/2- to 2-inches)
- Capacity: 1/2 – 2 inches
- Speed: (forward/reverse): 30 RPM/ 40 RPM
- Dimensions (HxWxL): 9.4 x 20 x 26.4 in.
- Peak horsepower: MOW 1400W
- Warranty: 3-year limited, 1-year service agreement, 90-day money-back
