Mash tun mess up

[MatRat]

Just started building my mash tun this weekend. Manifold construction went smoothly but then when playing around with my fittings, I got my ball valve stuck onto the nipple and cannot for the life of me get it off. I'm using brass fittings (treated for surface lead) since SS could not be found at the hardware stores I went to.

Does anyone know of a good way to remove? I'm worried that I will need to buy a new valve/nipple since I will likely need to add washers to the outside of the cooler in order to give the valve handle the ability to close.

 

[BargainFittings]

They sell a nipple extractor in the plumbing dept at home depot / lowes. You could use some needle nose vise grips to grab the middle of the nipple.

 

[FuzzeWuzze]

I have the same problem when mine was already constructed, i had a small leak and couldnt take it apart...

I think I read somewhere that you should heat them up in some hot water for a while, then try with some pliers.

Then again, not knowing exactly what you have stuck together, why do you need to take it apart? If you have the ball valve on the nipple, slide on any washers you need and shove it through the front?

 

[MatRat]

Thanks for the tips. My issue is that since I will likely need washers on the outside of the cooler, I'm worried that my washers will not fit over the middle of the nipple. Unfortunately I had to order the washers online (since neither home depot nor mendards had the correct size) so I have to wait a couple days to see whether I will actually need to take the pieces apart.

About the nipple extractor - does this render the nipple useless afterwards

 

[BargainFittings]

The nipple extractor will scar up the inside of the nipple. It grips the inner surface