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Posted by Clark on June 29, 2007, 3:11 pm
> Clark wrote:
>> @m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com:
>>
>>>> Hi,
>>>> I have an old Rainbird Sprinkler head on a galvanized pipe. Both
>>>> the
>>>> are 50 years old. Cannot determine model number. Sprinkler still
>>>> works but may have weak springs.
>>>>
>>>> My question is about removing the sprinkler head from the galvanized
>>>> pipe. Does the rainbird unscrew counter clockwise or clockwise?
>>>> I've been spraying chainsaw penetrating oil in the copper galvanized
>>>> joint for days and it won't loosen.
>>>>
>>>> What else can I do to remove that sprinkler without damaging the
>>>> rainbird or pipe and threads? Is there a better penetrating product?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks, Dave_s
>>> Chainsaw penetrating oil is not a product I have ever heard of.
>>> Chainsaws use oil to lubricate the chain but this oil is not intended
>>> for any other purpose. Ordinary penetrating oil, available at any
>>> auto parts store, is what you want. If you are patient enough and
>>> soak the assembly over several days yu may have a shot. Sometime a
>>> propane torch is use to heat up a joint. This may allow you to get it
>>> apart.
>>>
>>> After 50 years both pipe and sprinker have given sufficient service.
>>> Do not be afraid to damage either. Nothing else may be possible after
>>> 50 years. Both pipe and sprinkler may need replacement after such a
>>> long time.
>>>
>>> Another strategy would be to cut the pipe below the sprinkler. Use a
>>> low clearance pipe cutter. Cut new threads in place then add a
>>> coupler and another length of threaded pipe to reach the desired
>>> height. Yu may require another pipe wrench to hold the pipe while you
>>> thread it.
>>>
>>> It does requires a special tool to thread steel pipe. It has a long
>>> handle so a bit of digging will be needed to give room to operate the
>>> tool. Maybe you can rent that tool. I don't know since I own one I
>>> never checked on rentals. In any case, it is possible to thread the
>>> steel in place since I have done it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> With "50 years old" galvanized the OP won't have anything but rust to
>> work with. That stuff will be severely corroded on the inside and
>> brittle. Best bet would be to plan on replacement.
>
> It actually will probably be far more _corroded_ on the outside than in
> although the inside may have quite a lot of sediment and stuff built
> up...
>
> It really isn't any more "brittle" than when new, but as I commented
> when this thread was first posted, OP had best be prepared to go back
> quite some distance (like maybe the whole thing) if he breaks into it.
>
> Minor quibbles, but...
>
> --
Haven't seen much old galvanized pipe in fresh water service have you? The
zinc might look fine but the iron inside will be severely rusted. The
corroded iron is much more brittle than the original pipe.
--
---
there should be a "sig" here
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