Top Cover Removal/Installation; Lubrication; Oil System Maintenance; Priming The Model A Oil Pump - RIDGID 535M Manual

535 Manual Chuck/535 Auto Chuck Threading Machines
If the jaw inserts do not grip and need to be cleaned, use
a wire brush to remove any build up of pipe scale, etc.

Top Cover Removal/Installation

The top cover is retained by fasteners at each corner. The
fasteners are secured to the cover to prevent loss. Do not
operate the threading machine with cover off.

Lubrication

On a monthly basis (or more often if needed) lubricate all
exposed moving parts (such as carriage rails, cutter wheels,
cutter feed screw, jaw inserts and pivot points) with a light
lubricating oil. Wipe off any excess oil from exposed sur-
faces.
Every 2-6 months, depending on usage, remove top cover
and use grease gun to apply Lithium based EP (Extreme
Pressure) grease to the shaft bearing grease fittings (Figure
29). Apply a small amount of grease to the exposed drive
gear teeth.
Grease
Fittings
Figure 29 – Lubrication Points
Do not operate the threading machine with cover off. Always
replace cover immediately after lubricating machine.

oil System Maintenance

Slide the chip tray out.
Keep oil filter screen clean for sufficient oil flow. Oil filter
screen is located in the bottom of oil reservoir. Loosen the
screw that secures filter to base, remove filter from oil line
and clean. Do not operate machine with oil filter screen
removed.
18
Figure 30 – Removing Chip Tray
Replace thread cutting oil when it becomes dirty or con-
taminated. To drain the oil, position a container under drain
plug at end of reservoir and remove plug. Clean build up
from the bottom of the reservoir. Use RIDGID Thread
Cutting Oil for high quality threads and maximum die life.
Drive
Gear
Reservoir in the base will hold approximately 7 qt (6,6 l) of
Teeth
thread cutting oil.
The oil pump should self-prime if the system is clean. If it
does not, this indicates that the pump is worn and should be
serviced. Do not attempt to prime the pump.

Priming the Model A oil Pump

Current 535 threading machines use self-priming pumps.
Machines made prior to June 1, 1996 have the Model A oil
pump and may require priming.
WARNING
Thread ing Machines equipped with a Model A oil pump
should have an oil pump priming port tube extension and
a top cover access hole to allow the oil pump to be primed
without removing the top cover of the machine. This
reduces the risk of injury from contacting the internal
gearing of the machine. If your pre-1996 machine does not
have a priming port tube extension and access hole in the
top cover, we strongly recommend that they be added.
Contact Ridge Tool Technical Service Department at
rtctechservices@emerson.com, or (800) 519-3456 regard-
ing a retrofit policy.
Oil Filter
Screen
Chip Tray
RIDGID Model 535, 500 and 500A
999-998-086.09_REV. C