Replies

1. 
   rdesigns | Apr 20, 2009 06:32pm | #1

   Since you probably can't get hold of a tap that big, buy a 3" steel  nipple and then file or grind two or three grooves that run perpendicular to the threads and use this as a chase to clean out the female threads. The depth of the grooves should be as deep as the root of the threads, or slightly deeper to create a recess to collect crud. Keep the edges of the grooves as square as you can to make them sharp.

1. 
   Malo | Apr 21, 2009 12:00am | #5

   Exactly, I have made taps from bolts like that many times, works really well for softer metals and hard woods.

2. 
   lumbermonkey | Apr 21, 2009 12:55am | #6

   This is my favorite idea so far. Believe me, if a fernco would half work it would be done already. Wire wheel brush will be the second option. Is there an option where I could skip the threads. Shave down a 3" pipe and stick it in there with some sort of sealent?

1. 
   Malo | Apr 21, 2009 12:58am | #7

   Heat the bejeezus outta it and thread in the PVC, it'll melt new threads. ( as a last resort)

1. 
   ponytl | Apr 21, 2009 04:09am | #12

   thats exactly what you need to do....  put the PVC fitting in boling water... coat the screwed up steel in pipe dope to seal and for lube...  with oven mits or a thick rag... grab the hot fitting and thread it on... it will go...

   p

1. 
   lumbermonkey | Apr 21, 2009 04:54pm | #13

   Once I get it threaded in there should I reach inside and smear some kind of hard drying plumbing stuff at the gap between the steel and PVC? Or maybe just smooth the pipe dope squeeze out around the inside, coating the left over steel threads?

2. 
   ponytl | Apr 22, 2009 02:56am | #14

   i've never had a gap to deal with...  so i never have

   P

2. 
   BoJangles | Apr 20, 2009 09:25pm | #2

    I would try a wire brush on a drill.  That works well in situations like that.  Some penetrating oil helps loosen the rust too.

3. 
   fengelman | Apr 20, 2009 09:31pm | #3

   cut the pipe, and use a no-hub coupling...faster cheeper easier

    

    

   I wish I didn't know now, what I didn't know then
4. 
   Shacko | Apr 20, 2009 11:50pm | #4

   It looks like fengelman has the best idea, you wouldn't believe what a 3in. nipple would cost and a tap you would need a small loan, luck.

    

    

   "If all else fails, read the directions"
5. 
   Dam_inspector | Apr 21, 2009 01:56am | #8

   Getcha a needle file and chase out the bad threads.

1. 
   Malo | Apr 21, 2009 02:13am | #9

   Female threads? You're a better man than I Gunga Din.

1. 
   Dam_inspector | Apr 21, 2009 02:21am | #10

   Oh, that would suck.

6. 
   Ted W. | Apr 21, 2009 02:34am | #11

   You could probably rent tap that big, if you have a good tool rental in your area. Also, I like the suggestion of grinding perpendicular slots in a 3" nipple, but I would make then about every 1/4" or 1/2", or about 10 of them.

   I'm not sure how well it would work, but you could try naval jelly and a wire brush. Any decent hardware store should carry it.

   ~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.net
   Meet me at House & Builder!