How to clean iron pipe fitting threads on old plumbing work

[tominboise]

I have to replace a 3/4" valve in a cold water supply line. I am going to do most of it in PEX but the existing work is galvanized. What's the hot ticket to clean the internal pipe threads on the existing work? Some sort of wire brush? Use a ****** as a thread chaser? Don't worry about it? I will be assembling with tape and pipe sealer over the tape.

 

[mike93lx]

Wire brush chucked in a drill will make quick work of it

 

[driftpin]

Wire brush chucked in a drill will make quick work of it

Isn't he referring to a female fitting? The OP? Even a Dremel radial brush is probably too-big, maybe a cup-brush. I think I'd just use a decent male pipe piece, and cut 2 or 3 cut-off disc channels perpendicular to the threads, and use that to chase the female coupling's threads. Blow out or shop vac to remove any particles, best as you can.

 

[mike93lx]

Isn't he referring to a female fitting? The OP? Even a Dremel radial brush is probably too-big, maybe a cup-brush. I think I'd just use a decent male pipe piece, and cut 2 or 3 cut-off disc channels perpendicular to the threads, and use that to chase the female coupling's threads. Blow out or shop vac to remove any particles, best as you can.

 

[housewolf]

Just use a fitting brush same as you would copper fittings

 

[Norcal]

I have 1/2", 3/4", 1 1/2", 2", 2 1/2", pipe taps that work pretty decent for cleaning up threads, the 2 1/2" is not something that would use much but ended up with it, took me a while to realize what it was, but the 1 1/2" saved my bacon a couple of times.

 

[tominboise]

I bought a fitting brush last night and will use that. I also have a new pipe ****** that I can use to chase the junk out of the threads if needed.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I'd use a wire brush. Years ago I started use wire brushes on new fittings and pipe. It really bumped my success rate on having 0 leaks especially with big box store fittings.

 

[lolaetype]

I bought several different sizes of gun cleaning brass brushes that work well for cleaning female threads. Just chuck the threaded end of the brush into a drill.

 

[DGersic]

I found some small wire wheels at Farm & Fleet that were just the right size for 1 1/2” pipe. Chucked in drill, ran it in and out to clean up the threads.

These were cheap, with the wheel just crimped to the arbor. They needed a tack to be solid, otherwise they started to spin on the arbor.

 

[tominboise]

Well, project is done. Took about an hour and no leaks, so cleaning with a wire brush worked.

Old valve:


New valve:

 

[cannuck]

, the 2 1/2" is not something that would use much but ended up with it,

The ONLY thing I have ever encountered with 2 1/2 NPT threads are the rapid pressure rise detecting devices on oil filled power transformers....so I also have the tap to fit (and clean up crud in threads). I think we should form the 2 1/2 pipe tap club - very exclusive.

 

[rustyzman]

Best I can do for a hand tap is 2". Not quite gonna make it into the club I'm afraid...

 

[nadogail]

Wire Brushes have been under appreciated for years.

 

[Jim greengo]

It's usually not a problem,if it's that bad replace the fitting.
Other wise id say slop some rector seal Tplus 2 on the new fitting and run it in.

 

[Norcal]

Best I can do for a hand tap is 2". Not quite gonna make it into the club I'm afraid...

Ever looked at the prices online vendors want for those? I did after getting some at a yard sale & was shocked.

 

[rustyzman]

Yeah, even a Hertel USA HSS one is over $300 and that's not even for an interrupted thread one. This is why I love estate sales...
Still have not used it, but for nearly free I will keep it at the ready in case!