Roll grooving cold-forms the groove and is the fast choice for standard-wall pipe within your groover’s rated range; cut grooving removes metal and is used for thick-wall, lined or coated pipe and materials like ductile iron. For roll grooving, the RIDGID 975 handles Schedule 10 and 40 steel up to 6 inches, while the RIDGID 915 reaches 12 inches on Schedule 10.
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This guide covers grooving pipe for mechanical grooved couplings in plumbing, fire protection and mechanical work.
Roll groove vs cut groove at a glance
| Roll groove | Cut groove | |
|---|---|---|
| How | Cold-forms the groove; no metal removed | Cuts the groove into the pipe wall |
| Inside the pipe | Leaves an inward dimple | No inward dimple |
| Speed | Fast, little cleanup | Slower, makes shavings |
| Use when | Standard-wall pipe within the groover’s rated range | Thick wall, lined or coated pipe, or materials that must be cut |
Victaulic explains (victaulic.com) that a roll groove cold-forms a dimple without removing material, while a cut groove removes metal from the pipe wall. It adds that cut grooving is an option when the wall is too thick, is recommended for internally lined or coated pipe to protect the lining, and that some materials, such as ductile iron, need to be cut grooved.
RIDGID 975: combo roll groover for Schedule 10 and 40
Choose the RIDGID 975 if you groove both Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 steel. RIDGID lists (ridgid.com) a capacity of 1-1/4 to 6-inch Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 steel, aluminum and PVC; 1-1/4 to 6-inch Schedule 10 and 1-1/4 to 2-inch Schedule 40 stainless; 1-1/2 to 3-inch Schedule 80 PVC; and, with a roll change, 2 to 8-inch copper tube in Types K, L, M and DWV.
It works by hand with a ratchet on the feed screw or mounted to a RIDGID 300 Power Drive, and RIDGID describes an auto-tracking gauge and depth-setting gauge.
On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer sold by Amazon.com showed stock with part 25638.
Check RIDGID 975 combo roll groover on Amazon →
RIDGID 915: manual groover up to 12-inch Schedule 10
Choose the RIDGID 915 for larger light-wall pipe in the field. RIDGID lists (ridgid.com) 1-1/4 to 12-inch Schedule 10 steel and stainless, 2 to 8-inch K, L, M and DWV copper, 1-1/4 to 6-inch Schedule 40 PVC and some Schedule 80 PVC sizes, at 23 pounds with the included ratchet.
Note what is missing: the 915’s listed steel capacity is Schedule 10 only. For Schedule 40 steel, the 975 is the RIDGID choice.
On October 15, 2026, the standard new offer sold by Amazon.com showed limited stock with part 88232.
Check RIDGID 915 manual roll groover on Amazon →
When a cut groover is the right tool
Use a cut groover when the pipe wall is heavier than your roll groover is rated for, when the pipe has an internal lining or coating, or when the pipe material calls for cut grooving, as Victaulic notes (victaulic.com) for ductile iron. Cut grooving removes metal, so the remaining wall thickness under the groove has to meet the coupling maker’s specification.
Cut groovers are mostly sold through pipe-tool and fire-protection suppliers; in our October 15, 2026 Amazon search we did not find a branded cut groover offer to link, so we do not recommend a specific model here.
Because a roll groove forms an inward dimple and a cut groove removes metal instead, check the coupling maker’s guidance if the inside diameter of the pipe matters for your system, such as with lined pipe or special services.
Whichever method you use, follow the coupling maker’s groove specification for the exact pipe size, schedule and material.
Pipe types plumbers groove
Grooved joints are common on fire sprinkler mains, larger domestic water and HVAC piping in commercial buildings, and some large copper systems. Residential plumbers rarely need a groover; commercial and mechanical shops use them daily.
For copper, both RIDGID groovers need a copper roll set and are listed for Types K, L, M and DWV in the 2 to 8-inch range. Do not use a steel roll set on copper.
For PVC, check the schedule and size against the groover’s list; Schedule 80 PVC is only listed in certain sizes.
Manual or power-drive grooving?
A manual groover turns with a ratchet on the feed screw while you rotate the groover around the pipe or the pipe in the groover. It is slower but goes anywhere, including pipe already hung in place, which RIDGID notes the 975 can also groove by hand.
Mounted on a power drive, the 975 turns the pipe for you, which is much faster for a shop full of nipples and spools. RIDGID lists the 975 for its 300 Power Drive, running in reverse only.
If you groove a few joints a month in the field, manual is fine. If you prefabricate grooved pipe regularly, plan around a power drive.
How a grooved joint goes together
A grooved coupling has a gasket that seals around both pipe ends and a two-piece housing whose keys drop into the grooves. Tightening the bolts closes the housing and locks the pipe ends together.
Inspect the pipe ends for burrs or damage that could cut the gasket, lubricate the gasket only with the lubricant the coupling maker specifies, and tighten the housing exactly as the coupling maker instructs. Use the coupling and gasket that match the pipe material and service.
Working safely around a groover
Keep fingers and gloves away from the rolls and the turning pipe; the rolls pinch hard. On a power drive, use the foot switch and stand where you can let go instantly. Support long pipe at both ends so it cannot whip or drop. Wear eye protection and keep loose sleeves clear of the rolls.
Getting a good roll groove
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Cut the pipe square and remove the burr. A crooked end makes the pipe walk off the rolls. Our pipe cutter guide covers cutters.
Set the groove depth with the gauge, then check the finished groove diameter with a tape or gauge against the coupling maker’s chart. A groove that is too shallow will not hold; too deep thins the wall.
Support long pipe on stands so it stays level while it turns. Our pipe vise and stand guide covers supports.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between roll grooving and cut grooving?
Roll grooving cold-forms the groove without removing metal and leaves an inward dimple; cut grooving removes metal from the pipe wall and leaves no dimple.
When should I use a cut groover?
When the wall is too thick for your roll groover, the pipe is lined or coated, or the material, like ductile iron, needs a cut groove.
Can the RIDGID 915 groove Schedule 40 steel?
RIDGID lists the 915 for Schedule 10 steel. The 975 is listed for Schedule 10 and Schedule 40 steel up to 6 inches.
Can I roll groove copper pipe?
Yes, with the correct copper roll set. RIDGID lists 2 to 8-inch Types K, L, M and DWV for both the 975 and 915.
Is roll grooving or cut grooving better?
Neither is better for every job. Roll grooving is faster on standard-wall pipe within the groover’s range; cut grooving suits thick-wall, lined or coated pipe. Follow the coupling maker’s specification.
How we chose
This document-based guide makes no hands-on testing claim. We read RIDGID’s 975 and 915 product pages and Victaulic’s article on roll versus cut grooving. On October 15, 2026, both linked standard new offers were sold by Amazon.com and showed stock. Read our selection method and about Plumbing Picks.
Primary sources
- RIDGID 975 Combo Roll Groover (ridgid.com): capacities by material and schedule, manual or 300 Power Drive mount.
- RIDGID 915 Roll Groover (ridgid.com): capacities, 23 lb, ratchet operation.
- Victaulic: How roll grooved and cut grooved pipe differ (victaulic.com): method differences; when cut grooving is used.