Ratchet arms provide easy and precise clamp pressure

for pipe welding applications. 

            Worcester, MA  February 8, 2011 . . . Lowell Corporation's ratchet arms can make pipe welding easier and more precise in oil and gas pipeline construction and maintenance. Used to drive the screw mechanism of ratchet-type, outside line-up pipe welding clamps, the arms can make it faster and easier to secure the two pieces of pipe that are being welded together.

            There are two fabricated models and two cast iron models in the line.

            The fabricated handle models are the Models 104 and 105. The Model 104 is 16" long, weighs 2-3/4 lbs., and has gear openings of 1/2–1-1/8". The Model 105 is 19" long, weighs 3 lbs. and has gear openings of 1/2–1-1/8". Although relatively lightweight, the tools can generate up to 300 lb-ft of torque.       

            Each ratchet mechanism is open to facilitate cleaning and can be easily reversed by simply flipping a lever in the tool head to make it easy to back off pressure when welding is finished. The slim profile gears are pre-assembled at the factory and are not replaceable. The Model 104 costs $75 and the Model 105 is $80.

For heavier jobs, the cast iron Models 16 and 17 can deliver up to 400 lb-ft of torque. The tools are 16" and 19" long and weigh 4-3/4 lbs. and 5-1/2 lbs. respectively.  Factory-lubricated ratcheting mechanisms are fully enclosed within the head and can be repaired in the field.  Prices are $136 for the Model 16 and $170 for the Model 17.

            All the tools carry Lowell's standard one year warranty and are available through any authorized Lowell distributor.

            For more information about Lowell ratchet arms, or for a full-line catalog, call 800/456-9355 or 508/835-2900, or email customerservice@lowellcorp.com.