Monument 2069 Compression Fitting Spanner, 24 x 32 mm

Product Information

These are far better suited, are long enough to get good leverage and are comfortable to use. The design of the end wraps around more of the nut giving better support and greatly reducing the risk of damaging a nut: The partially "open" end allows the spanner to slip over a pipe, and then slid onto the nut. Sometimes an olive can be removed by tightening an adjustable spanner closely around the pipe, and then using it as a slide hammer to strike the nut or the olive itself and drive it toward the pipe end. Available in three sizes, 16mm – 40mm, 40mm – 75mm and 63mm – 125mm. This compact tool is a necessity for all your compression installations and repairs.

One of the difficulties with compression fittings is that while the nuts are usually a nominal size, there is not agreed standard tolerance between manufacturers. This can make selecting a single universal spanner difficult. Also not all spanner types can be used in all situations. Hence most plumbing kits will have a number of spanners, including at least one adjustable one. There is no significant difference. Compression fittings designed for liquid will work fine with gas but if you use optional PTFE tape, make sure it is gas grade. In addition, ensure the fittings are accessible and not hidden behind walls or under floors. Are Compression Fittings Reliable?The process of soldering copper pipes together is referred to as ‘sweating’. Soldering offers certain advantages: it’s a straightforward process for experienced plumbers and engineers and it creates a lasting join (in theory). However, soldering is not always a practical option - in confined spaces for example. By contrast, fittings are easy to apply even without special training, do not need the application of heat, and in most cases, they can be removed and repositioned if required. How Many PSI Can a Compression Fitting Hold? We are currently using Royal Mail Parcelforce and DPD as our delivery providers, all small items will be delivered by Royal Mail, these can take up to three working days to reach you. The vice grip spanner is a combination of an adjustable spanner and a set of vice grip pliers (aka "mole grips"). Very handy for working at arms length in awkward spaces, and also for not marking polished chrome fittings like nuts on taps or service valves.

Note that any sealants used on drinking water must have WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval for this use. Compression fittings should be tight enough to create a watertight seal but not so tight that the pipe warps or the thread is damaged as this could encourage leaks and make the fittings much harder to remove later. Proceed with caution. What Should I Do if I Find a Compression Fitting Leaking? They are very skinny which makes them uncomfortable to use as well, but sometimes this slimness is an advantage where there is not much space. Most tool kits will include a set of these. While not the perfect tool, they can be very useful since they will adapt to make a good fit on any nut. If you use them with the correct orientation they also grip harder the more force you apply to them:On the downside, the extra leverage can make it too easy for a untrained gorilla to overdo it! Sometimes the length can also be a problem in confined spaces.

An olive splitter takes a different approach by tighenting a sharp edge onto the side of the olive while supporting the pipe from the inside. They cut through one side of the olive without damaging the pipe, allowing it to expand a bit in diameter and slide off the pipe. These are cheap and light, and readily available. However they are usually a poor choice since they are often too short to get adequate leverage, they are also usually a somewhat sloppy fit which risks damaging the nut and also injuring yourself should the spanner slip:Plastic pipe can be joined with compression fittings, however it is important to use the correct brand of pipe insert to support the end of the pipe, or else the joint may start to leak over time. Copper pipe works well with compression fittings. Chrome plated copper pipe also works well. Some advocate stripping the chrome from the area of the pipe in the fitting as this allows the olive to get a better grip on the pipe. There is no actual need to do this, but if not doing so, it is advisable to torque the nuts a little higher than with normal copper pipe since its harder for the olive to "bite" the chromed pipe. Again, a clean square cut is important, and any burrs removed. Take great care to protect pipe ends when pulling them under floors etc, since its very easy to scratch plastic pipe and this makes it hard to get a good compression (or pushfit for that matter) seal. Use of PTFE tape on both olive and threads can be of course be combined to both lubricate and seal.

Slide the compression fitting olive (brass ring) over the first length of pipe, and then lay the nut over that

Navigation menu

The other way is to use a few turns of PTFE tape to the threads. Note that used this way the PTFE will not aid the sealing of the joint, but it will make the nuts easier to torque up. Note that this may not cure a leak that is caused by a scratch on the pipe under the olive. You may be able to wind a couple of turns under the olive - but this is less easy.