kcrucible Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 I have an old gauge on an acetylene regulator that I'd like to reuse on my propane setup. It seems to be sealed in pretty tightly. I suspect that you need to apply a little heat to get it to loosen, but figured I'd ask before either heating or wrenching it. Suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWHII Posted August 20, 2010 Share Posted August 20, 2010 You should not have to use heat, it could be dangerous! If needed use a cheater bar on the end of your wrench for more leverage. Remember too it has left hand threads. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcrucible Posted August 20, 2010 Author Share Posted August 20, 2010 Oh, does it? I didn't even think to look! So, spin the gauge clockwise to unscrew it? Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fosterob Posted August 21, 2010 Share Posted August 21, 2010 The gauge is standard threads, not left handed, and probably has some kind of hardening pipe dope on them. Hoses and regulator to bottle (POL) are the ones with left hand threads. Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcrucible Posted August 21, 2010 Author Share Posted August 21, 2010 The gauge is standard threads, not left handed, and probably has some kind of hardening pipe dope on them. Hoses and regulator to bottle (POL) are the ones with left hand threads. Rob So, is there any particular trick to losening the pipe dope, or is it just a matter of applying more pressure to break the seal? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arftist Posted August 21, 2010 Share Posted August 21, 2010 So, is there any particular trick to losening the pipe dope, or is it just a matter of applying more pressure to break the seal? The secret is to be able to hold the gauge securely enough, while you apply sufficient force. Use absolutely no heat! Use tight fitting wrenchs, and if no other way, mount gauge on an empty tank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fciron Posted August 21, 2010 Share Posted August 21, 2010 I have an old gauge on an acetylene regulator that I'd like to reuse on my propane setup. It seems to be sealed in pretty tightly. I suspect that you need to apply a little heat to get it to loosen, but figured I'd ask before either heating or wrenching it. Suggestions? There is a square stem at the base of the gauge, that is intended to be turned with a wrench, so definitely try using one before getting tricky. It was put in with a wrench, so it shouldn't come out without a wrench. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HWHII Posted August 22, 2010 Share Posted August 22, 2010 Oh, does it? I didn't even think to look! So, spin the gauge clockwise to unscrew it? Thanks. Sorry I did not read it carefully. I was thinking regulator not the pressure gage. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peacock Posted August 23, 2010 Share Posted August 23, 2010 All the left handed fittings will have a groove around the hex where the wrench goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dodge Posted August 25, 2010 Share Posted August 25, 2010 A proper fitting wrench or even crescent wrench (if the square fitting isn't too rounded yet) and a couple taps on the wrench end with a rubber mallet should break the initial bond with any old hard sealer. Use a long enough wrench so you can hold it in a loosening direction while hitting it with the mallet. This produces a "dead blow" affect and also keeps the wrench from bouncing back and causing possible damage to the fitting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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