[quote=flu]
So dumb question…..What makes a good MAPP torch versus a crappy one? I am assuming the coupon special at harbor freight would be in the crap category?[/quote]
I didn’t see a MAPP torch at harbor freight, only propane. You have to be careful just switch gasses on the same torch. It doesn’t always work. MAPP gas requires more oxygen per molecule. It is a carbon heavy fuel (because of the acetylene in it). The torch needs to be one that creates a ‘swirling’ flame – sometimes called a ‘turbo torch’.
When removing the connection at the regulator, make sure you stabilize the pipe – copper is soft.
[quote=flu]The valve looks like it’s going to be a PITA. And I was tempted to try to just service the drop gate as ucodegen siggrdted. But then again, I really hate these valves…[/quote]
Just trying to give the lowest cost solution. If you start changing connections – de-soldering and re-soldering, you have to make sure pieces line up without putting stress on the connections when you screw in the regulator. Best way would be to do almost all but the last solder connection – bolt in the regulator and snug it at the couplings and then make the last solder connection. You don’t want the distance between the two couplings too long or short for the regulator. When fitting it together, the regulator is the last thing going in, it works like an interlocking puzzle.
[quote=FlyerInHi]Shark bites are good. I use them on first floor condos where there are no individual unit shutoff and the whole building needs to be shut off for servicing. [/quote]
I stay away from shark-bite/PEX, particularly for in-wall and ceiling construction. There are several lawsuits with respect to problems with PEX and the connectors.
The last thing I want is water ‘getting loose’ in the wall and ceiling spaces. One generally does not discover it until quite a bit of damage is done.
Contractors (some) love the stuff because it assembles very quickly. Just bid as if you are doing copper and the extra hours saved is just additional $$ in the pocket.
