Nipple extractor

[Warren]

I've tried two different nipple extractors (I know . . . I know . . . please keep the jokes and one liners to a minimum). What would be the next move, short of removing tile and plaster board to get a broken nipple out of a copper pipe in the shower? Is there another move?

[Otter]

Strap wrench, but it is the type made witha bicycle chain and a cheater bar.

it is never good to go "strapless"--ok i just could not let it go

[papadick]

boy you really know how to get your posts read

Dick

[Warren]

I knew I left something out. The pipe is broken off and the nipple is inside the female pipe. Can't get at it with a strap wrench. Need something to go inside and take a bite so I can turn it out. Neither of the extractors I've tried will get a decent bite on the remaining nipple. Also, this pipe has been place thirty years and the water is really hard. The nipple is most likely corroded in place.

[Warren]

Dick,

The girls at the HD and Ace both giggled when I asked for a nipple extractor. The girl at Lowe's wanted to know what it was stuck in and how it got stuck. Plumber's must have the most erotic of the professional jargons. Male and felmale fittings, nipples, and God knows what else. This is probably the only time you can use such language in the board.

And yes, I did purposely seek out female clerks when I went looking for the extractors.

[gary]

I did this once at an apartment I lived in right before I moved out. Broke it off while taking off an expensive shower head.

I'll never admit to it but the following might have happened (no laughing allowed)

1) broke off pipe
2) cursed
3) tried to get it out many ways
4) used a hacksaw blade to saw the nipple in half (from inside out)
5) took out the halves
6) admired the hacksaw groove cut in the remaining fitting
7) mixed up a bunch of 5 minute epoxy
8) spread epoxy on threads and in the grooves
9) rapidly inserted new pipe section
10) was grateful that it did not leak

[Warren]

That's the solution I've been mulling over. I don't like it that much but . . . if I must, I must.

[gary]

That's the solution I've been mulling over. I don't like it that much but . . . if I must, I must.

Let us know how it ... ummmm ..... comes out?

[Salty]

These sometimes work but I make no promises.
They are called internal pipe wrenches.

[Warren]

They're called "nipple extractors" in non PC hardware stores. I can't get enough purchase on the nipple to back it out with those. Darn, I'm having more fun writing this thread than I've had in a long time.

[TheRic]

Drill it out, slightly larger and larger drill bits. WD-40 if it’s rusted might loosen the crude, let it soak in. Lemon juice works really nice on hard water deposits, again let it soak in. Patience is the key word.

[Warren]

TheRic,

Thanks. I'm getting right on it.

[jbalders]

My grandfather used a file to extract one. He tapped the tapered end in with a hammer to bite into the nipple, and then used an adjustable wrench to twist the file while he was still pushing in. Not exactly the right tool for the job, but it worked.

Now, if I hadn't broken the tube off in the first place, none of that would have been necessary.

[Warren]

I'm working with a mini hacksaw at this point. I can't use the file idea because I've got a 90 degree angle right behind it, like a quarter of an inch. Little strokes with the saw . . . lotsa little friggin' strokes.

[gary]

I suggest your new pipe have threads on both ends. Don't get the one with the ball built onto the end of the pipe. You'll not be able to undo the wall end after you epoxy it.