Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
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Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
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
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
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
You only need 350-400 * F to break the bond ,try a electric heat gun .
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
Heat is the only way according to Henkel. Takes 550F. http://henkeladhesivesna.com/blog/how-t ... eadlocker/
What is a mole grip?
What is a mole grip?
- liveaboard
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
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.
There are several language that are referred to as 'English' by their speakers.
Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
I like that to pieces
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
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
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
Moderator - Grand Scale Forum
Motive power : 1902 A.S.Campbell 4-4-0 American - 12 5/8" gauge, 1955 Ottaway 4-4-0 American 12" gauge
Ahaha, Retirement: the good life - drifting endlessly on a Sea of projects....
Motive power : 1902 A.S.Campbell 4-4-0 American - 12 5/8" gauge, 1955 Ottaway 4-4-0 American 12" gauge
Ahaha, Retirement: the good life - drifting endlessly on a Sea of projects....
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
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,
As I say I was thinking of attaching mole grips as heat sink any other ways?
Thanks for helpful advice,
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
" could buy small pencil tip nozzles to creat pin point flame."Glenn Brooks wrote: ↑Thu Dec 12, 2019 10:13 pm 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
I think you mean mean something like this, butane cordless soldering iron Ebay UK item 372712693333 or 263960635824
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
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!
Next time, do not use hardening joint sealers!
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
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.
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.
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Re: Undoing Pipe Fittings That Used High Strength Threadlock
that not like any mole i have ever seen....other than general '4 legged fuzzy rodent' description.
city folk.....
Too many things going on to bother listing them.