Reed R450PAL Tripod Pipe Vise with Aluminum Legs, 1/8" to 6" Capacity

SKU: 04456

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Description

Lightweight Chain-Style Tripod Pipe Vise with Reversible Bowtie Jaws

Product Overview

The Reed R450PAL is a chain-style tripod pipe vise with aluminum legs. At 27.4 lbs, it is about 30% lighter than steel-leg models in the same capacity class. Patented reversible bowtie jaws grip plastic pipe on the neoprene side and metal pipe on the steel side. Holds plastic pipe from 1/8" to 6" and conduit from 1/8" to 2". This Reed tripod pipe vise folds to 44" for transport.

Quick Specs

  • Model: R450PAL (Item Code 04456)
  • Vise Style: Chain with neoprene-coated jaws
  • Pipe Capacity (Plastic): 1/8" to 6" nominal (10 to 178 mm OD)
  • Pipe Capacity (Conduit): 1/8" to 2" nominal (10 to 51 mm OD)
  • Folded Length: 44" (1118 mm)
  • Weight: 27.4 lbs (12.5 kg)
  • Legs: Aluminum (exclusive to R450PAL)

Specifications

Specification Value
Catalog Number R450PAL
Item Code 04456
Vise Style Chain with Neoprene Coated Jaws
Pipe Capacity (Plastic) 1/8" to 6" nominal / 10 to 178 mm OD
Pipe Capacity (Conduit) 1/8" to 2" nominal / 10 to 51 mm OD
Folded Length 44" / 1118 mm
Weight 27.4 lbs / 12.5 kg
Jaw Type Patented reversible double-sided bowtie (neoprene + steel)
Handle Straight cranking handle with balance-point grip
Tray Folding with raised sides
Additional Features Built-in bending grooves, jack screw, 6" pipe rest

Key Features

  • Aluminum legs for reduced weight. The R450PAL weighs 27.4 lbs, about 30% less than steel-leg tripod pipe vises in the same capacity class. Aluminum legs are exclusive to this model and make the R450PAL a lightweight pipe vise that crews can carry between job sites. Folds to 44" for transport.
  • Patented reversible bowtie jaws. Each jaw has two working surfaces. The neoprene-coated side grips plastic pipe without scratching or crushing. The hardened steel side grips metal pipe, conduit, and irregular shapes. To switch from neoprene to steel or vice versa, remove the jaw screws and flip the jaws over. To renew worn teeth on either side, rotate the jaws to expose a fresh cutting edge. This aluminum tripod vise handles both plastic and metal pipe with one set of jaws.
  • Chain vise style for irregular workpieces. The chain wraps around the pipe and tightens with the vise screw, conforming to the shape of the workpiece. This chain pipe vise accommodates round pipe, square tubing, and other odd-shaped materials that a yoke-style vise cannot grip.
  • Built-in bending grooves. The base has grooves for bending pipe, conduit, and tubing. Place the material into the holes on the base and pull down into the grooves. This eliminates the need for a separate bender on small-diameter work.
  • Jack screw for ceiling brace anchoring. The jack screw accepts a length of 1" pipe as an adjustable ceiling brace to anchor the tripod during heavy work. For large, heavy pipe, fasten the tripod feet to the floor for additional stability.
  • Folding tool tray with raised sides. The tray folds with the tripod and has raised sides to keep tools, fittings, and parts from falling or rolling off during work.
  • Balance-point carry handle. The handle grip sits at the balance point, so this portable pipe vise can be picked up and carried one-handed when folded.

How to Set Up a Tripod Pipe Vise

  1. Place the base upside down on a flat surface for easier assembly.
  2. Insert the rear leg into the base with the foot pointing outward. Secure to the base with the bolt, nut, and washer. The tray support clamp is pre-set at an approximate position and is adjustable.
  3. Insert both front legs with feet pointing outward and secure to the base with bolts, washers, and nuts.
  4. Open the folding tray so the flanged sides face the bottom of the base. Attach the rear leg first with the tray pin, then attach the front legs.
  5. Push the "X" washers into the pin grooves and pinch the long ends together with pliers.
  6. Stand the Reed tripod pipe vise on its legs. If the folding tray does not snap into position and hold the legs rigid, loosen the clamp screw on the rear leg tray support, slide the support clamp upward, and tighten the clamp screw securely.

These assembly steps apply to all Reed R450 and R470 tripod pipe vise models.

Applications

The Reed R450PAL is a tripod pipe vise and pipe vise stand used across plumbing, mechanical, and utility trades for holding pipe during cutting, threading, reaming, and assembly.

  • Pipe threading with manual or power-driven threading machines
  • Pipe cutting and reaming on the job site
  • PVC, CPVC, and ABS plastic pipe assembly (neoprene jaw side)
  • Conduit bending and cutting for electrical installations
  • Municipal water and sewer pipe work
  • HVAC piping and mechanical installations
  • Gas pipe fabrication and assembly
  • Field service and repair work where portability is required

What You Need

Pair your Reed tripod pipe vise with these companion tools from Cleanflow:

Care and Maintenance

  • Jaws: To renew worn teeth, remove the jaw screws and nuts, rotate the jaws in either direction for a fresh surface, then replace the screws and tighten. Both the neoprene and steel sides are renewable.
  • Tray adjustment: If the folding tray does not snap into position and hold the legs rigid, loosen the clamp screw on the rear leg tray support, slide the support clamp upward, and tighten the clamp screw securely.
  • Lubrication: Periodically lubricate the tray hinge, vise screw, jack screw, and chain with oil or spray silicone.
  • Handle grip: To install a new handle grip over the top of the rear leg, insert a compressed air hose nozzle under the bottom edge and pull down while expanding with air flow.

Buy the Reed R450PAL Tripod Pipe Vise 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 R450PAL is in stock and ready to ship.

Browse the full Reed vises collection for related products. See our complete selection of Reed pipe tools and pipe tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tripod pipe vise used for?

A tripod pipe vise holds pipe securely during cutting, threading, reaming, and assembly. The three-leg design provides a stable, freestanding work platform at a comfortable working height without requiring a workbench. As a chain pipe vise, the R450PAL wraps around the pipe and tightens to grip round, square, and irregular shapes from 1/8" to 6".

How do you set up a tripod pipe vise?

Place the base upside down, attach the rear leg with a bolt, nut, and washer, then attach both front legs. Open the folding tray and secure it to all three legs with tray pins and "X" washers. Stand the tripod upright. If the tray does not snap rigid, adjust the support clamp on the rear leg upward. Assembly requires only a wrench and pliers. See the assembly section above for how to set up a tripod pipe vise step by step.

What is the difference between a tripod pipe vise and a bench vise?

In a tripod pipe vise vs bench vise comparison, the key difference is portability. A tripod pipe vise is freestanding, built for field use where no workbench is available. A bench vise mounts permanently to a workbench and is used in shops. This Reed tripod pipe vise folds to 44" and weighs 27.4 lbs, making it practical to carry between job sites. A bench vise offers more rigidity but cannot be moved. Use a tripod for field work, a bench vise for shop work.

How much does a tripod pipe vise weigh?

Steel-leg tripod pipe vises in the 1/8" to 6" capacity class typically weigh 40 to 43 lbs. The Reed R450PAL weighs 27.4 lbs because it uses aluminum legs instead of steel, making it about 30% lighter. This matters when crews carry a tripod pipe vise up ladders, across trenches, or between multiple job sites in a day. The weight reduction is in the legs only; the vise head, chain, and clamping mechanism are the same as the steel-leg R450+.

What is the best portable pipe vise for field work?

The best portable pipe vise for field work needs low weight for carrying, wide pipe capacity, and a secure grip on multiple materials. The Reed R450PAL weighs 27.4 lbs with aluminum legs, holds pipe from 1/8" to 6", and uses patented reversible bowtie jaws for both plastic and metal pipe. The chain vise style also grips irregular shapes that yoke-style vises cannot hold.

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