6" nipple too long and 5 1/2" too short for tub spout!
#1
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6" nipple too long and 5 1/2" too short for tub spout!
my husband is replacing a diverting type tub spout. Needed new nipple (old one corroded). 5 1/2" nipple is too short(cant tighten all the way) and 6" nipple too long (1/4" gap with wall). He used the 5 1/2", but only "hand tightened it" so not very tight. He first tightened the nipple into the spout then attached that assembly into the pipe in the wall so the loosely tightened part is behind the wall-Did he do this correctly?.Should the nipple of be screwed to pipe in wall first? Please suggest better solution
#2
I've made my own custom nipples with threaded copper endcaps. I used a piece of a copper water hammer arrestor for the shaft as it is a lot thicker than standard copper. That way I could torque it down with confidence without fear of kinking the pipe.
You can also purchase a tub spout that has a compression fitting instead of a threaded fitting - an o-ring seals a smooth pipe and a set screw holds it in place.
You can also purchase a tub spout that has a compression fitting instead of a threaded fitting - an o-ring seals a smooth pipe and a set screw holds it in place.
#3
A hardware store can make a nipple any length you want. I wouldn't recommend the BigBox stores because the only time I got one there I had to walk them step by step through how to do it with a threading machine because they didn't have a hand threader.
#4
If you go to the big box stores (especially like my big orange) they cut and thread their own nipples from long lengths of pipe. If you look thru the bins you'll find up to a 1/4" variance in lengths.
#5
At the one I went to the threading machine wouldn't close to less that 8"or 10" and they didn't have a clue how to use it to thread anything shorter. Initially told me it wasn't possible.
#7
Ray...and then you told them just put a coupler on a longer length? I cut them down all the time doing that.
Real irony here is I had never used a pipe threading machine, only hand threader, and I had to show them how.

#10
It's amazing how many folks don't have a clue about the business they are in
I can excuse the young or new to the trade but those that have been in a particular business for 20 yrs ..... 
I don't know which is worse, the sales people that don't have a clue or the ones that think they know more than they do.


I don't know which is worse, the sales people that don't have a clue or the ones that think they know more than they do.
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Thanks for your help. HD told me they couldn't cut the pipe for me because the metal was too soft. I called a local plumbing supply place and he had it cut and threaded for me in 30 minutes!
#13
HD told me they couldn't cut the pipe for me because the metal was too soft