How and how much to tighten this pipe?

[Jechow]

I'm going to install this 1/2 pipe to provide water service to a hand held shower. If I hand tight th pipe to the faucet makers specifications then only the threads will show. How do I tighten the pipe without damaging the threads? Should I hand tight the pipe and then give it another 1/4 turn? Thanks.

 

[Dj2]

One option is to use a BRASS HEX NIPPLE, where you can use a wrench without touching the thread. Available at plumbing stores.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Cacher_Chick]

I would wrap the threads with a bunch of turns of electrical tape and wrench on. Don't go crazy or you will make the pipe oval shaped.

 

[Erico]

I'm going to install this 1/2 pipe to provide water service to a hand held shower. If I hand tight th pipe to the faucet makers specifications then only the threads will show. How do I tighten the pipe without damaging the threads? Should I hand tight the pipe and then give it another 1/4 turn? Thanks.

You can put the elbo on and tighten both at the same time. The elbo will be covered so it shouldn't matter if you nick it. Use Teflon tape and thread compound.

 

[CountryBumkin]

Lastly, you can buy an internal pipe wrench, like this: https://www.zoro.com/general-intern...gclid=COfIv4ru-s4CFY1Zhgod9O0NXg&gclsrc=aw.ds
or this: http://www.jcwhitlam.com/Product/6/442/215#

 

[Jechow]

Thanks for your recommendations! How tight would you screw on the pipe?

 

[CountryBumkin]

I would say screw it in as tight as possible by hand then give it 1 more full turn.

Are you sure the nipple is long enough? You need enough thread sticking out to get the hand-held shower hose wall fitting tight and leak free. If you have about 3/4 inch of threads sticking out when the other end is tight, then you should be in good shape. IMO.

Edit: I'm updating my tightening recommendation to "1 full turn after hand tight" - but really, no one can say with any accuracy - there are too many factors to give a solid answer.

 

[Reach4]

There is a good range between not tight enough and too tight. If you went between 2 and 3 turns after strong hand tight for a single thread using teflon tape and pipe dope both, I think you would be good. That lets you point the pipe the way you want. More is probably OK too if your wrench is not more than about 13 inches. I am not a plumber, and I have limited experience.