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hard set thread dope/ disassembly

rtv
rtv Member Posts: 73
in THE MAIN WALL
I've run into some pipes that someone used some kind of white very hard pipe dope.
will it let loose with heat or is together for ever? Thanks!

Comments

  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,019
    Hard set should never be used on cast iron ...

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • Larry Weingarten
    Larry Weingarten Member Posts: 3,591
    Hi, Can you chip some of it off and see what happens to the chips when heated? Maybe put the chips on a piece of sheet metal and heat from underneath?? If the chips soften, there is a likelihood that heating will let you unscrew the joint.

    Yours, Larry
  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 7,518
    Nothing is together forever unless it's welded. Don't expect to reuse the fittings..but you CAN get anything apart. Mad Dog 
    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
    Intplm.
  • rtv
    rtv Member Posts: 73
    Hard set should never be used on cast iron ...

    yeah...there are a lot of things they did that you should never do! i'm just trying to fix them one by one
  • rtv
    rtv Member Posts: 73
    larry,
    i'll give it a try! thanks
  • hot_rod
    hot_rod Member Posts: 23,379
    How old is this connection? Lead based paint was used as a pipe dope in some cases.
    Bob "hot rod" Rohr
    trainer for Caleffi NA
    Living the hydronic dream
  • rtv
    rtv Member Posts: 73
    Not very old at all...15yrs-20?
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,019
    You couldn't get it apart , educated guess cast iron was involved and hard set dope ..

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,315

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 16,315
    Only that's greyish black, so it wasn't that.

    Single pipe 392sqft system with an EG-40 rated for 325sqft and it's silent and balanced at all times.

  • retiredguy
    retiredguy Member Posts: 976
    edited April 15
    First, try to tighten that fitting just to move it. Sometimes, since all the torque on the fitting was in the tightening direction, you may be able to get it to move ever so slightly, enough to break the hold of the dope. If this works, you have accomplished your task. Also, you can try tapping the fitting with a 4# hammer with a backup. If this doesn't work, get bigger wrenches.
    Mad Dog_2
  • Mustangman
    Mustangman Member Posts: 113
    Great advice retireguy. People think you are nuts tightening a joint you can't get apart. It works. If the fittings are cast iron, don't go crazy with the hammer. Cast fittings will break if you swat them too hard.
  • HomerJSmith
    HomerJSmith Member Posts: 2,635
    @retiredguy sez,
    If this doesn't work, get bigger wrenches.
    "Give me a lever and a place to stand and I can move the world."

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