Loosening Rusted Threads
Use ratchet straps any time it is hard to get a pipe joint turning.
While working on a galvanized-steel waste pipe, my helper and I couldn’t budge the rusted old threads. Faced with cutting the pipe, I sent my helper to the truck for a small nylon ratchet strap. With two pipe wrenches hanging on the pipe at about 90° to one another, I slipped the hooks on the strap into the eyes on the ends of the pipewrench handles and tensioned the strap with the ratchet. The tension generated by the ratchet slowly pulled the wrenches together and got the old joint loose enough that we could turn it the rest of the way by hand. Since then, the guys who work for me have started using ratchet straps any time it is hard to get a pipe joint turning.
— Randall Thomas, Salmon, Idaho
Edited and illustrated by Charles Miller
From Fine Homebuilding #265
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GENIUS idea!
For really stuck connections, a few whacks with a hammer on the joint, with tension applied to the wrenches will give enough vibration to free things up.
Spray a little carburetor cleaner on the threads. give it a minute to soak into them. Be ready for it to spin freely. One person I told went to put their weight into it and nearly flung themselves into the 'next state'. Stock up on carb cleaner though since cars don't have them anymore. And its ten times better than WD40. But it does stink!
Most plumbers would just use a big hammer on the wrench
Skip the complex strap machines and Neanderthal choice to just beat it with a hammer. Just keep two 3 foot lengths of black or galvanized pipe on the truck, large enough in diameter to fit over the handles of the pipe wrenches. The setup will give you more torque than the ratchet straps ever will. It will also keep you from getting frustrated and beating/breaking the pipe! Been there, done that.
The bigger hammer method works but this way is cooler and more clever.
I'm going to try it. Thanks for sharing.
You gotta be kidding. Hit the cap with a hammer backed by another hammer, across from each other, several places around the threads. Get a couple 24" pipe wrenches with a couple 36" swedes (2" pipe), if you can't break it with the pipe wrenches alone.
If you can't get it done that way, then you really otta call a Plumber before you hurt yourself. Cause I guarantee ya, those pictures are an accident waitin' to happen.