Any tricks other than 'bigger wrench' for removing brass fitting (NPT) from stainless valve?

[Rossn]

I have a stainless uponor heating manifold 1" valve with a uponor pex adapter installed, which I need to remove. At first go, with two 12" adjustable wrenches, it didn't give; however, I also didn't max out torque for fear of damage. Those threads have both megalock and blue monster teflon tape.

Any tricks here, other than bigger wrench?

Any issues with putting one of those valves in a freezer? I assume not, if it's been drained.

 

[Sylvan]

Normally, if you try to make up the fitting, then try to lose it works or heat it as a last resort

 

[Sponsor]

 

[bigb56]

Can you arrange the wrenches so you are squeezing them together?

 

[Fitter30]

If you adjust the wrenches like post 3 to squeeze them with one hand. If possable with the manifold side put a board on the wall to brace the wench handle with the fitting side and a heavy hammer put pressure on the wench and hit it just where the handle starts to jolt the fitting.

 

[Rossn]

@Sylvan, @bigb56 and @Fitter30 - thanks so much for the speedy suggestion and info. You all are always so helpful! The 'more force' worked, so now I can install the thermostatic valve. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't some chemical bond between stainless and brass or that the stainless wasn't known to fail when tight like that.

I'm curious if I need to ease off on torque with stainless? Right or wrong, I usually tighten until I can feel the force starts to jump up, then just a smidge more.

Also, when you all pull apart a threaded gooped up fitting, how careful do you need to be on cleanup before putting on more sealant and re-assembling? And, are there any tricks on cleanup, other than using a pick and an old brass bristle brush?

 

[Sylvan]

@Sylvan, @bigb56 and @Fitter30 - thanks so much for the speedy suggestion and info. You all are always so helpful! The 'more force' worked, so now I can install the thermostatic valve. I just wanted to make sure there wasn't some chemical bond between stainless and brass or that the stainless wasn't known to fail when tight like that.

I'm curious if I need to ease off on torque with stainless? Right or wrong, I usually tighten until I can feel the force starts to jump up, then just a smidge more.

Also, when you all pull apart a threaded gooped up fitting, how careful do you need to be on cleanup before putting on more sealant and re-assembling? And, are there any tricks on cleanup, other than using a pick and an old brass bristle brush?

I was taught to tighten 3-5 turns by hand, 2-3 by wrench

 

[Jeff H Young]

I was taught to tighten 3-5 turns by hand, 2-3 by wrench

just go 7 by hand and call it good Sylvan who needs wrenches ?