Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock

[pollys1dad]

When I did the pipework I fitted the various fittings using high strength threadlock. I didn't know at the time could get a low strength version that could undo the fittings by hand tools.
Any ideas of how I get get the fittings off without having to use a hand held propane gas torch?
If I have to use torch, thought could attach mole grips to pipe work to act as a heatsink?
Thanks

[John Evans]

You only need 350-400 * F to break the bond ,try a electric heat gun .

[John Hasler]

Heat is the only way according to Henkel. Takes 550F. http://henkeladhesivesna.com/blog/how-t ... eadlocker/

What is a mole grip?

[liveaboard]

Americans might not know that 'mole grips' is English for 'Vise grips'.

There are several language that are referred to as 'English' by their speakers.

[NP317]

Mole Grips:

Mole Grips.jpeg (16.53 KiB) Viewed 5222 times

[spro]

I like that to pieces

[Glenn Brooks]

Spro,

Mole grips by Russ has to be the best thing ever posted here.

If you can’t find a mole digging around in your yard, next best might be the old plumbers trick of inserting a small patch of sheet metal behind the fittings and heat away. The sheet metal will deflect the heat away from the wall long enuf to break the thread locker loose.

Used to be one could buy small pencil tip nozzles to creat pin point flame. Not sure if such a thing can be bought these days.

Glenn

[pollys1dad]

OK If I can remove the regulator screws to get at the insides ( see my other thread if you havn't looked at it ) I have a paint removal hot air gun I'll try that first. I have some thin gauge aluminium sheet, that I was aware could use a heat deflection if use the propane torch. How long would I need to apply torch or hot air gun to release the bond. The ball valve and quick connect I think have rubber parts that could be damaged by excessive heat.
As I say I was thinking of attaching mole grips as heat sink any other ways?
Thanks for helpful advice,

[pollys1dad]

Spro,

Mole grips by Russ has to be the best thing ever posted here.

If you can’t find a mole digging around in your yard, next best might be the old plumbers trick of inserting a small patch of sheet metal behind the fittings and heat away. The sheet metal will deflect the heat away from the wall long enuf to break the thread locker loose.

Used to be one could buy small pencil tip nozzles to creat pin point flame. Not sure if such a thing can be bought these days.

Glenn

" could buy small pencil tip nozzles to creat pin point flame."
I think you mean mean something like this, butane cordless soldering iron Ebay UK item 372712693333 or 263960635824

[Russ Hanscom]

For heat control, use some wet rags wrapped around the pipe; very effective, and you can dribble water on them if you think they are drying out. Put one behind your metal flame shield to protect the wall paint. Drape a wet rag over the regulator body as soon as you finish heating.

Next time, do not use hardening joint sealers!

[John Hasler]

For heating use a source that will deliver a lot of heat to a small area quickly, such as acetylene, or at least propane. This seems counterintuitive, but the goal is to bring the area of interest to the desired temperature as quickly as possible so that nearby areas don't get too hot before you finish. To do this you need to develop a steep temperature gradient, which means pumping heat in really fast.

Use a weak, low-temperature source such as a heat gun and the entire assembly will be at 450F before the stuck fitting reaches 550F (it it ever gets there at all).

The drawback of acetylene is the risk of melting the thing. That *would* get it apart, though.

I've never seen any need to use threadlocker on pipe fittings.

[Bill Shields]

Mole Grips:
Mole Grips.jpeg

that not like any mole i have ever seen....other than general '4 legged fuzzy rodent' description.

city folk.....