What is a push nipple (to connect water radiator sections?). How is it installed?

dronic123

What does a push nipple look like? How is it installed to get a waterproof seal? What are the manufacturing steps in putting together the sections of a sectional radiator? Are they ever welded?

EBEBRATT-Ed

A push nipple is like a close pipe nipple except thicker and made from Cast Iron It's like a piece of pipe tapered on both ends with no threads. The radiator section are also tapered so the push nipple can be started in the opening by hand and a few taps with a wooden or rubber mallett. Usually some lubricant like pipe dope is put on the nipple. As the sections are pulled together with draw rods the push nipple makes a watertight metal to metal seal. Radiators are made from relatively low-grade cast iron. Welding is not the best way to join cast iron

dronic123

@EBEBRATT-Ed ---Perfect: many thanks!