Remove valve handle before soldering

[Bob from accounting]

Is it fine if I remove the valve handle when I have the torch out and I am soldering the valve's joint.
Before I screwed the handle back on I gave the packing nut a firm tighten.
Is this all fine to do? Just seems like common sense but I question if my sense is common?
I did not want to melt the grip on the handle so just took it off super easy.
For whatever reason, I rarely see anyone do this, maybe just an extra step? Not sure, what do you think?

 

[James Henry]

Take the valve stem out. It has a rubber washer. If you're talking about a ball valve open it.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Bob from accounting]

Take the valve stem out. It has a rubber washer. If you're talking about a ball valve open it.

I can look into how to take the stem out, never tried that before? Apollo website shows this entire solder process and never once indicates you need to take the valve stem out in their recommended install when sweating the valve. Your suggestion makes since and I will look into this. Thank you. AS of now I just wrapped a wet rag around the valve stem but I can look into learning how to remove the stem. Thank you.

 

[Bannerman]

You previously mentioned about tightening down the packing nut. Removal of the stem typically involves loosening and removing the packing nut and then opening the valve until the stem unthreads from the valve body.

A full bore ball valve will restrict flow less than a globe valve. A ball valve will not utilize a packing nut and they will usually remain fully assembled during installation.