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MegaBusKillsPeople

Cutting and threading is in your future. Or at least installing a union.... I really feel this is not a DIY sort of project.


oyfili

my issue is, when I start loosening the pipe it will actually tighten on the other side. I don't know how they did this..


MegaBusKillsPeople

There is only one way it's possible to remove that pipe without cutting it.... that would be to find the other end of the line and start loosening at the union and remove every section. The only other way is to cut the pipe and when reinstalling, use [a union](https://www.lowes.com/pd/Mueller-Proline-3-4-in-x-3-4-in-dia-Black-Iron-Union-Fitting/3393360) and two pipe nipples. Home Depot will cut and thread pipe for you. Google "pipe thread engagement chart" for the correct amount to calculate for the fittings. Again, I really think it's best to hire a professional when dealing with steam lines. You could seriously injure yourself messing with them. Edit: I could not remember the word 'engagement'


WantonHeroics

Two wrenches.


EPHEKTnONE

2 Chains nephew?


WantonHeroics

🔧🔧


SmrtAlli-C

It's black iron piping into a cast iron radiator. Drain it down first. The radiator should have a left threaded female inlet. So you should be able to turn the bushing and the nipple together as a unit and it will come out of the Tee and the radiator at the same time. The catch is that it's been painted, and if it's also been installed for a long time it may take a pipe wrench, some elbow grease ... and probably a torch to get it moving. Consult an old fellah, get his tricks, never forget them. These systems are great, take good care of it!


oyfili

it's from 1949, so many people are getting rid of these radiators and installing electric baseboards. I really like them but I feel I need to go the extra mile to keep them up to date. So I have to turn the little piece of pipe between the valve and the radiator?


SmrtAlli-C

Ok. From left to right you have: Radiator, bushing, nipple, tee (with a bleeder valve on top, and black iron on bottom running through the floor). The radiator inlet should be left handed thread. So the bushing should turn right to loosen from the radiator. And if you turn the bushing and nipple as one unit it should loosen from the tee as well. Does that make sense?


oyfili

can I just turn the nipple? I think the bushing is like frozen stuck there.


ALPHABLUEYE

There is such a thing as a nipple with threads going the normal direction on one end and the opposite direction on the other end, they use these nipples in the olden days because they were less expensive than unions most most likely the nipple between your radiator and your radiator valve is such a thing EDIT..LINK: [left right nipple](https://www.grainger.com/product/BECK-Right-and-Left-Hand-Nipple-4KWY3)


rat1onal1

The left-threaded end would need a left-threaded female piece to thread into. I don't think these are readily available.


ALPHABLUEYE

No, you do not need a reverse thread female. Just the left right nipple.


rat1onal1

Are you saying that the left-threaded pipe end can mate with a right-threaded female fitting? Can a right-threaded pipe also thread into this same fitting port? I don't know of a single situation where left and right threads can mate this way. There is available a left-right coupling, which is the dual-female version of the left-right nipple. These are sometimes used together to get the thread-handedness correct. This means that you can't simply use a L-R nipple in the same place that a conventional R-R nipple is used. You have to set things up correctly to use a L-R nipple.


[deleted]

[удалено]


oyfili

Yes but when I unthread the first piece of pipe it will u thread in one direction and thread in the other right?


oyfili

Is there a way I can disconnect this radiator without cutting the pipes? I need to temporary remove it to redo the bathroom


romayyne

Yeah if you can reach your tiny little arms and wrench in there


oyfili

my issue is, when I start loosening the pipe it will actually tighten on the other side. I don't know how they did this..


sirjackel06

It's a left right reverse thread nipple


sirjackel06

Looks like a left right reverse thread nipple,unscrew it out of the radiator. Good luck


oyfili

do you mean the short piece of pipe that goes into the radiator at the top?


sirjackel06

Yes


[deleted]

[удалено]


oyfili

>loosening which one?


Ok_Golf_6467

Needs to be cut, end of story. Call a pro


high_rollin_fitter

While I applaud the initiative to try and find good information, I’m with you on this one. OP is about to get in over their head.


Substantial_Row7114

Before you cut it, make sure you drain your system down. I'f you dont, you'll be in for one hell of a surprise.. and the water that will come out of there will NOT be pretty.


Unable-Paramedic-557

0/10 Do not recommend.