Do water heater elements normally thread in tight on the last few turns?
I have two 1 NPT half couplings that I plan to weld onto my kettles. Noticed by hand fitting I could barely get a turn of engagement between the 1 NPSM heating elements and the 1 NPT couplings. I managed to access a 1 NPSM plug tap so I chased the threads on the couplings. They fit much better now, but still tighten up before the seal makes contact. Im not sure if this is normal in order so that the element wont loosen up after being snugged up with a wrench. Or if I need to relieve the lead in on the couplings so that the element easily thread fully on.
I need to make sure the couplings are right before I they get welded to the kettles.
I have two 1 NPT half couplings that I plan to weld onto my kettles. Noticed by hand fitting I could barely get a turn of engagement between the 1 NPSM heating elements and the 1 NPT couplings. I managed to access a 1 NPSM plug tap so I chased the threads on the couplings. They fit much better now, but still tighten up before the seal makes contact. Im not sure if this is normal in order so that the element wont loosen up after being snugged up with a wrench. Or if I need to relieve the lead in on the couplings so that the element easily thread fully on.
I need to make sure the couplings are right before I they get welded to the kettles.