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Pipe drill jig recommendations

TomM
TomM Posts: 233
in Strictly Steam
yo-

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Yesterday, I tried to remove the 3/4" pipe plugs that the previous owner had put in the location of the main vents.  I soaked them with PBblaster for a few days, tried to get them off with a 12 point hex socket, a breaker bar, and a 3 foot pipe, and ended up rounding them off pretty good.  I heated them up, banged on them with a ball-pein, and still couldn't get them off.  I got out the impact gun, found a 4 point impact socket, and got nothing with 80psi.  Cranked it up to 100psi.  Still nothing.  Cranked it up to 120psi and sheared the mofo head off.  Same stuff, different day.  What a job it is working with 120+ year old pipe!  What the heck is the secret?

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So, would it be ok to drill and tap right into the top of the 3" main to install new main vents?  If so, where can I get a good jig for that?  I can only find cheezy woodworking ones at Woodcraft and Rockler for drilling into the sides of dowels. 

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Thanks-

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Comments

  • MikeyB
    MikeyB Member Posts: 696
    Plugs

    Try heating them up again and stick a candle in teh threads, if you dont have a candle use a wax ring, I have used this trick plenty of time w/good luck
  • Alan (California Radiant) Forbes
    Alan (California Radiant) Forbes Member Posts: 4,206
    Jig

    You don't really need a jig.  Just drill and tap the top of the pipe.
    8.33 lbs./gal. x 60 min./hr. x 20°ΔT = 10,000 BTU's/hour

    Two btu per sq ft for degree difference for a slab
  • TomM
    TomM Posts: 233
    ok

    Ok cool.  I just wanted to make sure its been done before, and there is probably enough pipe sidewall to tap enough threads. 

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  • TomM
    TomM Posts: 233
    wax?

    you are saying to use wax on whatever threads are left protruding to get a good grip with a pipe wrench? 

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  • MikeyB
    MikeyB Member Posts: 696
    Wax

    Heat up the pipe/fitting and then add the wax/candle to the threads, the wax will wick into female threads, then get a bite on what ever is left of the plug and it should unscrew. give it a shot
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Tapping a Hole for a Main Vent

    Like Alan said, just drill and tap the pipe.  Use a small drill first to get a pilot hole and then drill whatever size hole you need for the tap size you are using. Steam is very low pressure so all you need is enough thread to hold the vent in place. If you blow it or feel you need more support, you can always use JB Weld to reinforce the fitting you thread into the hole.

    - Rod
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