Is it possible to crack a black iron elbow by tightening a pipe too far?

[Jadziedzic]

Is it possible to apply so much turning force to a black iron pipe (tapered threads) that it would split the black iron elbow into which it threads? I'm not referring to cases where you go crazy and use 2-foot extensions on a massive pipe wrench and jump off the roof, but just regular old 10-inch pipe wrenches wielded by a guy who would never be confused with Arnold Schwarzenegger. Would the threads strip out before that happens? It's good 'ol Made in USA pipe and fittings if it matters.

Probably a silly question, but as I was tightening that gas line I got to wondering ...

 

[hj]

It could ONLY happen, if you were using cast iron elbows, and even then it would verge on the impossible. But, since it is a gas line, you SHOULD be using malleable fittings, which, if they did anything, they would "stretch", and, again, it is highly unlikely using a 10" wrench.

 

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[Jadziedzic]

Thanks HJ, appreciate the explanation - always interesting to learn the details!