Operation Guide | How to Use the RG-3M Manual Roll Groover
The RG-3M is a compact manual roll groover designed for on-site work, small-batch grooving, and applications where operating space is limited.
It is available in 1-1/4"–6" and 2"–6" versions. During operation, the machine is driven around the pipe with a ratchet handle, while the groove is formed gradually through repeated small feed adjustments.
The following guide explains the basic operating process of the RG-3M.
1. Install the RG-3M on the Pipe
Place the RG-3M onto the pipe to be grooved.
Tighten the feed screw so that the rollers gradually clamp onto the pipe and the machine is held securely in position.
For the final few turns, a ratchet wrench can be used to tighten the feed screw further.
At this stage, there is no need to apply too much feed at once. The first step is simply to make sure the machine is properly secured on the pipe.
2. Start Grooving with the Ratchet Handle
Install the ratchet handle onto the drive position and begin moving the RG-3M around the pipe.
At the start of the grooving process, allow the machine to make about 1–2 full turns around the pipe.
This helps the rollers establish a stable running path before the next feed adjustment.
3. Increase the Feed Gradually
After the machine has completed 1–2 turns, tighten the feed screw again so that the groove roller moves further into the pipe wall.
Then continue driving the machine with the ratchet handle.
The basic operating sequence is:
Groove → Feed → Groove again
Repeat this process several times, increasing the groove depth gradually.
Compared with applying a large amount of feed at once, small repeated adjustments help keep the grooving process more stable and make the final groove depth easier to control.
4. Full Rotation or Back-and-Forth Ratchet Operation
When there is enough working space, the ratchet handle can be moved continuously to drive the machine around the pipe.
In tighter spaces, the handle can also be operated with a back-and-forth ratcheting motion.
This means the handle does not need to complete a full rotation every time, making the RG-3M more flexible for confined jobsite conditions.
5. Repeat Grooving and Feeding
Continue using the same sequence:
Groove → Feed → Groove again
As the process continues, the groove gradually reaches the required depth.
When the groove is close to the target depth, it is better to reduce the amount of feed for each adjustment.
The final groove depth should be checked according to the pipe size, wall thickness, and applicable groove specification.
6. Finish Grooving and Remove the Machine
Once the required groove depth has been reached, stop increasing the feed.
Change the working direction of the ratchet handle and move it back and forth to gradually release the rollers from the pipe.
Then loosen the feed mechanism and remove the RG-3M from the pipe.
Finally, inspect the finished groove and confirm that the groove depth and profile meet the required specification.
RG-3M Operation Video
The video below shows the complete RG-3M operating process, including installation, clamping, grooving, repeated feeding, and machine removal.
What Should You Pay Attention to When Using the RG-3M?
The RG-3M is simple to operate, but a few points are important:
· Avoid applying too much feed at one time.
· Let the machine run for about 1–2 turns before increasing the feed again.
· Keep the machine running steadily during grooving.
· Use the back-and-forth ratchet motion when working space is limited.
· Check the groove depth and profile after grooving.
The complete RG-3M operating process can be summarized as:
Install → Clamp → Groove → Feed → Repeat → Reach the required depth → Remove the machine
For this type of compact manual roll groover, the key is not complicated operation, but maintaining a steady rhythm of small feed adjustments and repeated grooving. This makes the process easier to control and helps produce a more consistent finished groove.