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Chasemmc
05-27-2018, 03:50 PM
And it's not even January. 3/8" original flare nut on copper water line frozen to 3 way "T" and to the copper pipe. Any way to free this up or am I better off cutting it out and rebuilding? Hit with pb blaster - no joy. Any issue using compression fitting instead of flare if replaced?Mark

Boatsb
05-27-2018, 03:58 PM
heat it if you can if not cut and re flare.

I dont even own compression fittings.

Flare is far better

SEVEN
05-27-2018, 06:47 PM
Call a doctor you have something really wrong. 😂

Reefgeorge
05-27-2018, 07:52 PM
Hot cocoa and a hot water bottle might help?

Pascal
05-27-2018, 08:58 PM
Try sharkbyte fittings. easy to use, forgiving and pretty much bullet proof.

Briankinley2004
05-27-2018, 10:18 PM
If they are frozen to the porch spray Pam on them next time. Otherwise I would solder new copper with silver solder. It will be there til the cows come home

Chasemmc
05-28-2018, 08:30 AM
Does shark bite have a translation from 3/8 copper refer line to their system?Can you U solder a rigid fitting to the 3/8" refer copper water line?

Briankinley2004
05-28-2018, 09:02 AM
You should be able to solder refrigeration tubing to pipe. There are also adapters available to solder on as well. You can also take a swedging tool and open one end of the 3/8" tubing and go tubing to tubing if you stay with copper. Remember where you go to find the fittings will determine size. Refrigeration guys use the OD of the tubing while plumbers use ID. So a 3/4" water pipe may be crossed with 7/8" hvac if memory serves me right. Sharkbyte offers pipe to thread so you could connect two sizes with threaded if you go this route. I have seen the gaskets in shark bytes give problems over time but may be poor install

Pascal
05-28-2018, 05:29 PM
They worked fine woth the copper lines hattera used

Chasemmc
05-28-2018, 05:42 PM
When I heat the existing flare nut, do u let it cool before trying to free up (using expansion only to break corrosion bond) or do you apply torque while hot?

Boatsb
05-28-2018, 05:56 PM
Yes.


I'd get a flare nut wrench on and see if it breaks free with reasonable heat. Don't start a fire

. If not heat it up and cool with a little blaster when not hot enough to start a fire.


Or just cut and re flare.

Chasemmc
05-28-2018, 06:12 PM
Who makes a good flaring tool?

Boatsb
05-28-2018, 06:20 PM
Last one I got was in a emergency as I left mine at home. Ace has cheap ones, napa and most other stores too. Go to a good plumbing supply or a tool truck that sells higher end tools.

Don't get caught up with fancy. Just a basic flare tool.

Reefgeorge
05-28-2018, 06:57 PM
This may be more than you need but it is a good set, it's what I use:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ANRLHO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

George

Chasemmc
05-28-2018, 07:38 PM
Thanks guys. I'll go get one