Simple Solutions

Problem: Stubborn pipe unions occasionally leak or cannot be taken apart. Using oversized pipe wrenches or a saw and cutting torch to disassemble the pieces can be strenuous and time consuming. How can I loosen the union nut?

Solution: First, ensure that the system pressure is turned off and put on your safety glasses. Use a one-hand sledgehammer as an anvil, and a ballpeen hammer to pound away on the flat side of the union nut, opposite the "anvil." Go around, if there is room, to repeat this action on each of the four flat sides of the union nut. Make sure the "anvil" is always in contact with, and opposite, the hammered area.

The resulting shock waves loosen the union nut and allows its removal or retightening.

Contributor: Luc Raeckelboom, Curing Engineer, Michelin Tire Corp., Easley, SC

Problem: It is often difficult to tell if a tubular sight glass is completely full or completely empty of clear liquid. Is there a quick and easy way to make this determination?

Solution: Place a long object, such as a finger or pencil, behind the sight glass. If the object looks normal, there is no liquid in the glass. If there is a distortion, the sight glass is full.

Contributor: Joe Ivie, Maintenance Manager, Dynamic Foods, Lubbock, TX

Problem: Pushing a standard steel fish tape through aluminum conduit is almost impossible if there are more than two 90-deg bends to negotiate. Is there a way to get "through" this problem?

Solution: Tie a string onto a1/4-in. nut and blow the assembly through the conduit with an air hose. Then use the string to pull the wire through the conduit. If the wire is too big to pull, use the string to move a pulling rope through the conduit.

Contributor: Dave White, Titan Wheel Corp. of Illinois, Quincy, IL