The current RIDGID hand-held drive for professional plumbers. The quick-release die heads make it fast to work with on repetitive jobs.
Amazon $2,799.75The RIDGID 690-I Power Drive Kit 44923 is the better pipe threading machine overall, rated 3.6 to 3.1. The RIDGID 690-I Power Drive Kit 44923 leads on weight. The Steel Dragon 600 PRO MAX wins on value. The Steel Dragon 600 PRO MAX costs $2,370.75 less ($429 vs $2,799.75).
Prices were last checked November 4, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
A RIDGID-compatible 2 in drive at roughly a seventh of the RIDGID kit price. A good middle step between generics and RIDGID.
Amazon $429Which should you buy?
- Choose the RIDGID 690-I Power Drive Kit 44923 for weight (21.1 lb vs 54 lb).
- Choose the Steel Dragon 600 PRO MAX for value ($214.50 per inch of pipe ($429, up to 2 in) vs $1,399.88 per inch of pipe ($2,799.75, up to 2 in)).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every hand-held pipe threading machine; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | RIDGID 690-I Power Drive Kit 44923 | Steel Dragon 600 PRO MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6/5 | 3.1/5 |
| Value 30% | 22 $1,399.88 per inch of pipe ($2,799.75, up to 2 in) | 78 $214.50 per inch of pipe ($429, up to 2 in) |
| Capacity 20% | 33 threads pipe up to 2 in | 33 threads pipe up to 2 in |
| Dies 15% | 100 dies in the box cover the full range, up to 2 in | 100 dies in the box cover the full range, up to 2 in |
| Weight 10% | 63 21.1 lb | 0 54 lb |
| Warranty 25% | 100 lifetime warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| RIDGID 690-I Power Drive Kit 44923 | Steel Dragon 600 PRO MAX | |
|---|---|---|
| Threading | ||
| Pipe range | 1/8 to 2 in | 1/2 to 2 in |
| Dies in the box | Up to 2 in | Up to 2 in |
| Speed | 36 rpm | - |
| Power | 1,270 W | Corded |
| In the box | ||
| Cutter | No | No |
| Reamer | No | No |
| Oil system | No | No |
| Stand or support arm | Yes | Yes |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 21.1 lb | 54 lb |
| Warranty | Lifetime | - |
