National Homebrew Club Ireland

Brewing Discussions => Equipment & Chemicals => Topic started by: Endatheworld on July 25, 2015, 11:03:06 AM

Title: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: Endatheworld on July 25, 2015, 11:03:06 AM
Has anybody any tips to help me remove the outlet fitting on a Regulator. The fitting just wont move with regular force applied by a spanner, the main issue is tyring to grip the reg properly. (I don't have a Bench Vice).
Any ideas?

The regulator is from HBC which has a 1/4" to 7/16 Unf fitting to connect you gas line to. It came with a John Guest fittings you can connect 3/8 rigid tubing but I find this type of tubing very hard to work with and want to replace it with something more flexible. After tyring unsuccessfully to find a fitting  that would convert the 7/16 UNF to a 1/4 barb. I went ahead and bought a 1/4 BSP to 1/4 barb to replace the current one on the reg but I cant get the old fitting off the Regulator. 
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: LordEoin on July 25, 2015, 12:02:45 PM
If it's a plastic JG fitting, try run some hot water over it.
This might loosen it a little and add a little lubrication.

post a photo of the fitting
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: Endatheworld on July 25, 2015, 12:13:05 PM
Quote from: LordEoin on July 25, 2015, 12:02:45 PM
If it's a plastic JG fitting, try run some hot water over it.
This might loosen it a little and add a little lubrication.

post a photo of the fitting

Hi, Its the actual fitting on the reg I want to remove. I want to replace it Hose tail fitting.









Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: LordEoin on July 25, 2015, 12:28:14 PM
Try some WD40 and let it sit a while.
Although there could be loctite or something on the threads.
Use a closed spanner if you have it to get some extra grip
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: iBrau on July 26, 2015, 01:33:24 AM
To help loosen up any stuck threads -
Spray lots of Wd40 in to the threads and place a ring spanner or socket over the hex section. Then take a hammer and tap around the edge of the spanner / socket so as to loosen up the threads and help break down any thread locking compound. Spray more WD40 and let it sit for a while.
Secure the regulator in something, or just stand on it to hold it steady. Place the ring spanner over the hex section and hold it in place with one hand. Use your hammer to tap the other end of the spanner and it should come undone for you.
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: Endatheworld on July 26, 2015, 06:47:29 PM
Thanks for the tips but its not for moving. The problem when i put a lot of force on the 14mm spanner is that is starting to move on the nut. I assume that because they are cheap spanner or that the fitting is maybe imperial and its slightly less that 14mm.
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: johnrm on July 27, 2015, 08:44:08 AM
Vise grip?
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: molc on July 27, 2015, 08:57:12 AM
Vice grip is the job alright. Handy tip that ciderhead gave me is to put some tape on the nut before you squeeze it in to stop it being damaged as well.
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: Leann ull on July 27, 2015, 10:30:27 AM
Plan B would be to cover the thread in small volume of silicon sealant, slide your new flexible hose over it and tighten with a jubilee clip.
Coming back to the original problem, you can get 90 elbows if you are struggling with how unflexible the proper gas line is
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: mcgrath on July 27, 2015, 12:33:31 PM
Is there still CO2 pressure on it? Probably won't budge if it's not released..
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: Endatheworld on July 27, 2015, 02:57:19 PM
Quote from: johnrm on July 27, 2015, 08:44:08 AM
Vise grip?

Yes!
Quote from: molc on July 27, 2015, 08:57:12 AM
Vice grip is the job alright. Handy tip that ciderhead gave me is to put some tape on the nut before you squeeze it in to stop it being damaged as well.


Vice Grip and tape and its out!

Thanks as always.  :D ;D
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: Leann ull on July 27, 2015, 05:53:49 PM
Phew! was getting like the story about the turnip :D
Title: Re: Removing a fitting on regualtor
Post by: Endatheworld on July 27, 2015, 07:14:26 PM
Quote from: Ciderhead on July 27, 2015, 05:53:49 PM
Phew! was getting like the story about the turnip :D

Had to look that one up! My 3 year old will have a new bedtime story tonight! :P

http://www.storiestogrowby.com/stories/turnip_russia.html