Description
Complete 120V Pipe Threading System with Universal Die Head, HSS Dies, and Flat Housing Workspace
Product Overview
The Reed 5301PDCOMP is a complete pipe threading machine that threads pipe from 1/8" to 2" and bolts from 1/4" to 2" at 38 RPM. This Reed power drive runs on 120V and ships with HSS universal dies, an R811 universal die head, carriage assembly, and an all-steel oiler with 60" hose.
Quick Specs
- Model: 5301PDCOMP (Base Unit Item Code: 05301)
- Type: Power Drive with Complete Threading Package
- Pipe Capacity: 1/8" to 2" nominal (3 to 50 mm OD)
- Bolt Capacity: 1/4" to 2" nominal (6 to 50 mm OD)
- Spindle Speed: 38 RPM
- Motor: 1/2 HP, 120V AC, Single Phase
- Weight: 93 lbs (43 kg)
- Dies: HSS Universal (1/2" to 2" NPT)
- Certifications: US and CSA Canada
- Shipping: Truck freight required
What's Included in the COMP Package
The 5301PDCOMP ships as a complete pipe threading system. Everything needed to start threading pipe is in the box:
- 5301PD Power Drive - 38 RPM, 120V motor with REV/OFF/FOR directional switch and foot-operated ON/OFF switch
- R811 Universal Die Head - accepts Reed universal dies for 1/2" to 2" NPT threads
- HSS Universal Dies - high-speed steel dies for 1/2" to 2" NPT. HSS lasts longer and cuts cleaner threads than alloy steel dies
- Carriage Assembly - guides the die head onto the pipe for straight, consistent threads
- All-Steel Oiler with 60" Hose - steel construction (not plastic) with a 60" hose (not the 54" length found on competitors)
The base 5301PD (sold separately) includes the power drive with foot switch only, without the threading accessories above.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Catalog Number | 5301PDCOMP |
| Base Unit Item Code | 05301 |
| Pipe Capacity | 1/8" to 2" nominal / 3 to 50 mm OD |
| Bolt Capacity | 1/4" to 2" nominal / 6 to 50 mm OD |
| Spindle Speed | 38 RPM |
| Voltage | 120V AC, Single Phase |
| Motor | 1/2 HP |
| Weight | 93 lbs / 43 kg |
| Direction Control | REV/OFF/FOR switch |
| Foot Switch | ON/OFF, foot-operated |
| Die Head | R811 Universal Die Head (included) |
| Dies | HSS Universal, 1/2" to 2" NPT (included) |
| Oiler | All-steel with 60" hose (included) |
| Chuck | Speed chuck with replaceable jaw inserts |
| Housing | Flat top workspace |
| Certifications | Approved to US and CSA Canada standards |
Key Features
- HSS pipe threading dies included. The COMP ships with high-speed steel universal dies, not alloy. HSS holds its edge longer under heat, cuts cleaner threads, and requires less frequent replacement. Included HSS pipe threading dies cover 1/2" to 2" NPT.
- Flat housing top as a built-in workspace. The flat top provides a surface for tools, fittings, pipe dope, and tape during threading, eliminating the need for a separate table next to the pipe threading equipment. Not commonly found on competing power drives.
- Forward and reverse operation. The REV/OFF/FOR switch controls spindle direction. This power drive pipe threader switches direction with a toggle, saving time between joints and reducing the risk of damaging fresh threads.
- Foot-operated ON/OFF switch. Hands-free start and stop. Both hands stay on the pipe or die head during threading. Step off the foot switch to stop the machine instantly.
- All-steel oiler with 60" hose. Steel construction, not plastic. Resists cracking from impacts and temperature swings. The 60" hose is 6" longer than the 54" hose on competing oilers, providing more positioning reach.
- Speed chuck with replaceable jaw inserts. The chuck grips the pipe while a rear centering cam keeps it aligned on center. Worn jaw inserts can be replaced individually without replacing the entire chuck.
- Power grooving capability. The base 5301PD (without carriage assembly) fits Reed RG6S and RGCOMBO2 roll groovers. One Reed power drive serves both threading and grooving jobs.
- Threads pipe and bolts. Pipe from 1/8" to 2" nominal, bolts from 1/4" to 2" nominal. When selecting a pipe threader, a 2-inch capacity covers the majority of commercial plumbing, HVAC, and mechanical work.
How to Thread Pipe with a Power Drive
These steps apply to the Reed 5301PDCOMP and all Reed power drive models used with universal dies. A tripod pipe vise or bench vise is required to hold the pipe during threading.
- Cut the pipe to length with a pipe cutter. The cut must be square. Ream the inside burr with a pipe reamer to ensure full flow diameter.
- Secure the pipe in a tripod pipe vise (such as the Reed R450PAL) or a bench-mounted vise. The pipe must not move during threading.
- Position the power drive so the pipe passes through the chuck. Tighten the chuck jaws to grip the pipe firmly. The rear centering cam aligns the pipe on center.
- Install the correct size HSS universal dies in the R811 die head. Adjust the die head for the pipe size per the markings on the die head body.
- Fill the oiler with cutting oil and position the hose to deliver oil to the die and pipe junction. Cutting oil is essential: it cools the dies, flushes chips, and produces clean threads.
- Set the directional switch to FOR (forward). Press the foot switch to start rotation.
- Advance the die head onto the rotating pipe. Apply cutting oil continuously throughout the threading operation.
- Thread until the pipe end is approximately flush with the face of the die head. This produces the correct NPT thread length for each pipe size.
- Release the foot switch to stop rotation. Set the switch to REV (reverse) and press the foot switch to back the die head off the pipe.
- Remove the die head and check the thread quality. Test the thread with a pipe fitting or NPT thread gauge. A properly threaded pipe should start into the fitting by hand and tighten with a wrench to the correct engagement depth.
Always apply cutting oil during threading. Dry threading generates excessive heat, dulls the dies prematurely, and produces rough threads. See the Reed 5301PD Operator's Manual for complete safety and operation instructions.
Applications
The Reed 5301PDCOMP is a portable pipe threading machine used in plumbing, mechanical, and industrial trades for threading pipe and bolts on site.
- Commercial and residential plumbing pipe threading (1/2" to 2" NPT)
- HVAC and mechanical piping installations
- Gas pipe threading and fabrication
- Municipal water and sewer pipe work
- Fire sprinkler pipe installations
- Electrical conduit threading
- Maintenance, repair, and service calls requiring field threading
- Bolt threading for structural and piping connections (1/4" to 2")
What You Need
Pair your Reed power drive with these companion tools from Cleanflow:
- Reed R450PAL Tripod Pipe Vise - holds pipe securely during threading, cutting, and reaming. Aluminum legs weigh 27.4 lbs. Required for field use with the 5301PD.
- Reed Universal Pipe Threading Dies - replacement HSS dies when the included set wears out. Compatible with the R811 die head and Ridgid machines.
- Reed TC4Q Quick Release Pipe Cutter - cuts pipe to length before threading. Quick release for fast repositioning on the next cut.
- Reed JHV V-Head Pipe Jack - supports long pipe runs during threading to prevent pipe sag and vibration. Adjustable height.
See our complete selection of Reed pipe tools and pipe tools.
Care and Maintenance
- Dies: Clean the HSS dies after each use and apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust. Store dies in the die case. Replace dies when threads no longer pass gauge inspection.
- Chuck jaw inserts: Inspect the jaw inserts for wear. When the inserts no longer grip the pipe firmly, replace them individually. The rear centering cam should rotate freely with the chuck.
- Motor brushes: Inspect the motor brushes periodically. Replace brushes when they are worn short. Operating with worn brushes can damage the motor commutator.
- Oiler: Keep the oiler clean and filled with cutting oil. Inspect the 60" hose for cracks or leaks. Replace the hose if oil flow is restricted.
- Lubrication: Lubricate all moving parts, including the carriage rails, chuck mechanism, and die head threads, per the schedule in the operator's manual.
- Power cord: Inspect the power cord and plug before each use. Do not operate with a damaged cord. Use a GFCI-protected outlet or the optional PDGFI Power Drive GFI accessory.
Buy the Reed 5301PDCOMP Power Drive Online from Cleanflow
Cleanflow Utility Supply Company is an authorized Reed dealer serving customers across Canada and the United States. Free shipping on orders over $199, with a 30-day return policy. The Reed power drive 5301PDCOMP ships as a complete pipe threading machine with HSS dies, universal die head, carriage assembly, and all-steel oiler included. Pair it with a Reed R450PAL tripod pipe vise for a field-ready threading station under 120 lbs total.
Browse the full Reed pipe threading collection for related products.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a power drive for pipe threading?
A power drive for pipe threading is a motorized machine that rotates the pipe while a die head cuts NPT threads onto the end. The Reed 5301PDCOMP is a stationary power drive that mounts above a tripod pipe vise or bench vise. It rotates the pipe at 38 RPM while the operator advances a die head onto the pipe. A power drive pipe threader eliminates the manual effort of hand-threading, which is impractical on pipe sizes above 1" and on production jobs with many joints to thread.
How do you thread pipe with a power drive?
To thread pipe with a power drive, first cut the pipe square and ream the inside burr. Secure the pipe in a tripod vise, then pass it through the power drive chuck and tighten the jaws. Install the correct dies in the die head, fill the oiler with cutting oil, and start the machine with the foot switch. Advance the die head onto the rotating pipe while applying oil continuously. Thread until the pipe end is flush with the die head face, then reverse the machine to remove the die head. See the how to thread pipe with a power drive section above for detailed steps.
What is the difference between a power drive and a handheld pipe threader?
In a power drive vs handheld pipe threader comparison, the main differences are capacity, consistency, and fatigue. A power drive like the Reed 5301PDCOMP is stationary and rotates the pipe in a vise, allowing precise die control on pipe up to 2". A handheld pipe threader (such as the Ridgid 700) rotates the die head around a fixed pipe, which becomes physically demanding on larger pipe sizes. Power drives produce more consistent threads because the pipe rotates on a fixed center. Handheld threaders are lighter and do not require a vise, making them better for tight spaces and small pipe. For production threading on 1" to 2" pipe, a stationary power drive is faster and produces fewer rejected threads.
What is the best pipe threading machine for plumbers?
The best pipe threading machine for plumbers depends on how much pipe is threaded per day and where the work happens. For shop-based crews that thread large volumes, a self-contained bench station like the Ridgid 300 Compact (161 lbs) provides integrated oiling and a dedicated stand. For field crews that need to thread pipe on site, a power drive paired with a tripod vise is more practical. The Reed 5301PDCOMP weighs 93 lbs, threads 1/8" to 2" pipe and bolts, and ships with HSS dies, a die head, and an oiler. Paired with a Reed R450PAL tripod vise (27.4 lbs), the total system weight is about 120 lbs and can be transported in a truck and set up at the job site. The best pipe threading machine for plumbers who work in the field is one that balances capacity, portability, and thread quality.
How do you set up a pipe threading machine?
To set up a pipe threading machine like the 5301PDCOMP, first assemble and level a tripod pipe vise on firm, flat ground. Place the power drive on the vise or on a stable bench at working height. Connect the power cord to a 120V, 15-amp circuit (GFCI-protected recommended). Attach the foot switch. Install the R811 universal die head with the correct size HSS dies. Position the oiler and fill it with cutting oil. Run the machine briefly without a pipe to confirm forward and reverse operation. This pipe threading equipment is ready to use once the oiler is flowing and the chuck jaws grip firmly. For detailed threading steps, see the how to thread pipe with a power drive section above. See the Reed 5301PD Operator's Manual for complete setup and safety instructions.
















