Pipe drill jig recommendations

TomM

yo-

.

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?

.

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. 

.

Thanks-

MikeyB

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

Jig

You don't really need a jig.  Just drill and tap the top of the pipe.

TomM

ok

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

TomM

wax?

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

MikeyB

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

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