Another little trick on copper sealing washers

[67Dart273]

Just came across this. Never tried/ thought about this. Also, don't forget you can heat anneal (soften) newer "too hard" ones, as well

 

[jos51700]

Delete

 

[Dana67Dart]

I get it, but no thanks.

Would rather use heat to soften if needed.

 

[67Dart273]

I don't see a thing wrong. You tap it you don't use a 5lb sledge

 

[junkyardhero]

great idea, let's hit a bolt that's hollow. just fantastic. I foresee a whole bunch of core returns with broke off banjo bolts and tons of customer pay for R&R broken bolt, flush and bleed system.

If a leak is that much of a concern there's washers with rubber impregnated in them that work wonderfully.

 

[RustyRatRod]

I think it's a great tip. Thanks for sharing it, Del!

 

[RustyRatRod]

I don't see a thing wrong. You tap it you don't use a 5lb sledge

Right. And therein is the tip. What did he have? MAYBE a 1 pound? If that? He's not hurting thing.

 

[mbaird]

Excellent!
Not sure heating brake fluid / rubber hose enough to soften copper is a prudent idea …

 

[Phreakish]

great idea, let's hit a bolt that's hollow. just fantastic. I foresee a whole bunch of core returns with broke off banjo bolts and tons of customer pay for R&R broken bolt, flush and bleed system.

If a leak is that much of a concern there's washers with rubber impregnated in them that work wonderfully.

The impact is in tension, not shear. Hollow or not won't matter.

A quick rap will put more load on the washer and ensure a good imprint. Hitting the same load with axial bolt tension risks the bolt more than a quick pop with a hammer..

The only real risk comes from hitting it without some adequate preload on the fastener to take the slop out of the threads. But with a couple grunts in the wrench, a pop on the head of the bolt won't hurt a thing. Knuckle draggers are more likely to hit it off center and screw up the hex, or miss and hit their fingers..

 

[TrailBeast]

Excellent!
Not sure heating brake fluid / rubber hose enough to soften copper is a prudent idea …

You heat just the washer to soften the copper, then put it on.

 

[mbaird]

You heat just the washer to soften the copper, then put it on.

Will the washer stay hot enough for long enough to install ? And wont it harden a bit after heating ? These are sincere questions not being snarky ….

 

[TrailBeast]

Will the washer stay hot enough for long enough to install ? And wont it harden a bit after heating ? These are sincere questions not being snarky ….

Heating softens the copper.
Doesn’t matter when it cools as it stays soft.

Try it some time with a little section of copper tubing and a propane torch.
Get it hot until it starts changing color, let it cool and see how much easier it bends compared to a not heated area.

 

[Furious65]

I prefer to anneal them myself but this trick would work just fine.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Not sure heating brake fluid / rubber hose enough to soften copper is a prudent idea

Your not heating the fitting... Only the Cooper sealing washer.