Overtightned compression fittings - copper tails damaged

bananas and custard · 19 Sep 2006

I'm replacing all radiator valves and the tails seem to be squashed and slightly bent as though overtightened by a previous bod. I've had to cut most of the olives off, not a chance of sliding off and the old TRV's had a male thread backnut into a female valve body so can't be reused.

Can I straighten them up with a drift or do I need to cut back and replace a few inches?

The pipes all come out of a concrete floor and I'm not a solderer, at least not where it's on show! Tectite sprint fittings look the neatest way of doing this besides soldering.

Any advice appreciated.

http://www.yorkshirefittings.co.uk/fittings.cfm?brand=05&defsub=31

JohnD · 19 Sep 2006

If you were able to nip off the old olive without damaging the pipe, you will probably be able to fit a new nut and olive and make a successful joint.

The olives usually do squash down into the pipe a bit as the nut is tightened.

Sometimes you can re-use the old nut and olive, as long as the tail length and thread is exactly the same.

ChrisR · 19 Sep 2006

With the old valves having the olive right at the end of the pipe (which I think is the type you mean), once removed, your new valves' olives would be on an unused piece - though that might be right where they're bent.
I would expect that if you use some Fernox LS-X on the new olives , you'll be OK.

chrishutt · 19 Sep 2006

If the old TRVs are the old Danfoss pattern you may find that the pipe, if set in the floor, is not long enough anyway.

bananas and custard · 21 Sep 2006

The pipes are long enough. If anything need about 1-2mm taking off for a perfect non strained fit.

Only the TRV's are this style, the lockshields have standard backnuts and olives. As they're really old, grubby and 'orrid they're going out.

Will Fernox LS-X seal any waisted pipe where an olive has been overtightened?

ChrisR · 21 Sep 2006

Pretty much. If you use copper olives they'll distort onto an uneven pipe more easily.

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Overtightned compression fittings - copper tails damaged

bananas and custard

JohnD

ChrisR

chrishutt

bananas and custard

ChrisR

DIYnot Local

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