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Rookie Mistake Tightening a Fitting

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EricPeterson
EricPeterson Member Posts: 308
in THE MAIN WALL

Q: can I distort a malleable black iron fitting by tightening with a wrench on one side without a pipe in it

A: Yes, you can distort or crush a malleable black iron fitting if you clamp a heavy wrench tightly onto one side of an unsupported or hollow fitting without a pipe threaded into it.

In a tight spot, I got lazy, then could not figure out why there was a leak on that side after I put in the next section.

Funny thing is, the pipe threaded in fine. After pressurizing there was a slow drip. I tightened it a bit and the drip got worse! That's when I figured I had messed up.

Doh!

Eric Peterson

Comments

  • Mad Dog_2
    Mad Dog_2 Member Posts: 8,736
    edited 12:05AM

    That's why we keep all different sized pipe plugs on hand when putting in screw pipe so we don't egg fittings...especially Brass. Screw em in hand tight until joint is fully engaged.

    S—happens...like dropping a brand new 2" Copper elbow and egging the socket...Gorton #2 on the basement floor...no fixing that! Mad Dog

    Consulting by Mad Dog & Matt Jr.
    EricPetersonHydronicMikeDJD775
  • Big Ed_4
    Big Ed_4 Member Posts: 3,581

    "Any doubt , throw it out " … its never worth the chance of failure….

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

    Mad Dog_2

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