While attempting to change showerhead, shower arm broke off and left part with threads in elbow connector behind tile in wall. Bought an internal pipe wrench (similar to picture in link below)

http://doityourself.com/store/3870037.htm

Never used one before and there were no instructions with it but I expected I would need to slide it into the broken section of pipe and manuever/angle it so that the teeth would grip the interior of the broken section and then apply counterclockwise pressure to remove the broken section but I have not been able to get it to grip the interior tightly/consistently to do this. I have 1/2" pipe and the internal pipe wrench is also 1/2". Has someone done this before? If so, is what I am describing above the correct way to use the tool? If so, any thoughts on why it may not be working or any tips on how to get it to work better? If not, how should I be using it?

Any other suggestions besides this that might work (e.g. another tool/technique)?

Thanks in advance!

 

pschmidt, Welcome to the DIY Forums.
Normally, the tool you bought is pretty good for broken nipple removal. The offset causes friction to lock the tool into the broken part. My personal favorite for this job though, is a 1/2" pipe EZ-out. Looks like a heavy duty drill bit with reverse edges. Make sure it is PIPE size as they come in bolt size also. You just stick it in the pipe and turn it counterclockwise. The reverse edges catch and the harder you turn, the tighter it gets. Good luck.

 

I have used the internal pipe wrench with offset cam sucessfully; but the problem you sometimes experience is that a shower arm is often thinner wall that a sch. 40 pipe. The EZ out nipple extractor suggested is also a good choice.