Metal Bonding?

**molo** · 08-03-2007, 09:22 AM

Electric Hot Water Tank with Copper Nipple coming out of the tank.

THE COPPER NIPPLE WON'T MOVE!!!

2 guys holding the tank, 2 guys on a big wrench, it won't move!

I heated it, it won't move!

I banged on it and drilled it, it won't move!

I ruined the tank, it still won't move! (old tank, no big loss)

Why did this copper become part of the tank like this?

TIA,
Molo

**Gary Swart** · 08-03-2007, 09:37 AM

Try PB Blaster on it. Spray it, let it sit for 30 minutes, then try it. I suspect it was just put on mega tight without pipe dope and some corrosion on the threads. This would be a good test for the PB Blaster.

**GrumpyPlumber** · 08-03-2007, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Gary Swart

Try PB Blaster on it. Spray it, let it sit for 30 minutes, then try it. I suspect it was just put on mega tight without pipe dope and some corrosion on the threads. This would be a good test for the PB Blaster.

I'd bet even that wouldn't do it, not if 4 guys were tweaking it with a wrench....I bet the copper has corroded into a bond with the steele from years of galvanic action.
Molo...keep us apprized.

**molo** · 08-10-2007, 07:23 PM

here's a photo, it was bonded! I literally beat the copper with a hammer and also used a drill bit and a flathead screwdriver that i beat on with the hammer> the copper wouldnt seperate!!

**GrumpyPlumber** · 08-10-2007, 07:27 PM

Molo...sorry, but yer not gonna be using that heater again.

**molo** · 08-10-2007, 08:01 PM

Come on! isn"t there a tape product that would work to patch that hole?

tia<
molo

**Dunbar Plumbing** · 08-10-2007, 08:29 PM

Next time use your blue tip wrench (torch)

It will come out for sure, especially if you pull the flame away and pour water on the copper fitting so it will shrink while the tank port is cherry red......or white depending on how pissed off you are at getting it out.

I hate leaving MIP's in the tanks too......I like getting all the scrap I can before the junk man gets my tanks.