Monument 2069 Compression Fitting Spanner, 24 x 32 mm

Product Information

The process of soldering copper pipes together is referred to as ‘sweating’. Soldering offers certain advantages: it’s a straightforward process for experienced plumbers and engineers and it creates a lasting join (in theory). However, soldering is not always a practical option - in confined spaces for example. By contrast, fittings are easy to apply even without special training, do not need the application of heat, and in most cases, they can be removed and repositioned if required. How Many PSI Can a Compression Fitting Hold? Copper and brass olives both work fine. Olives can't be removed from a pipe and reused. Even hand tightening a fitting with an olive inside before the pipe is inserted, is enough to make the olive unusable.

The pipe needs to be cut square and cleanly, with any burrs removed. Pipes cut with a pipe cutter are much easier to use than those cut with a saw. The pipe needs to be clean and free from contaminants like paint or plaster etc. It does not need to be quite as clean and shiny as required for soldered connections. Copper pipe works well with compression fittings. Chrome plated copper pipe also works well. Some advocate stripping the chrome from the area of the pipe in the fitting as this allows the olive to get a better grip on the pipe. There is no actual need to do this, but if not doing so, it is advisable to torque the nuts a little higher than with normal copper pipe since its harder for the olive to "bite" the chromed pipe. Plastic pipe can be joined with compression fittings, however it is important to use the correct brand of pipe insert to support the end of the pipe, or else the joint may start to leak over time. PTFE tape can also be used as a sealant - a few turns need to be wound over the olive such that they will end up sat between the mating surface between the olive and the fitting: The vice grip spanner is a combination of an adjustable spanner and a set of vice grip pliers (aka "mole grips"). Very handy for working at arms length in awkward spaces, and also for not marking polished chrome fittings like nuts on taps or service valves.

New Customers

Sometimes an olive can be removed by tightening an adjustable spanner closely around the pipe, and then using it as a slide hammer to strike the nut or the olive itself and drive it toward the pipe end. Again, a clean square cut is important, and any burrs removed. Take great care to protect pipe ends when pulling them under floors etc, since its very easy to scratch plastic pipe and this makes it hard to get a good compression (or pushfit for that matter) seal.

Compression fittings are very reliable and have been proven over many decades, however sometimes things can go wrong and you end up with a joint that leaks. The common causes are: Also means that you have twice the number of positions that the spanner can engage with the nut. This is very handy when there is very limited turning space for the spanner. Using a spanner, tighten the nut over the threaded head of the fitting, while holding the fitting with a pair of plumber’s grips. This pressure created by the tightening motion will press down on the olive, causing it to grip the pipe tightly. However, be careful not to exert too much pressure as this could damage the fitting or thread, making the device harder to remove or reposition Non setting lubricants and jointing compounds like that shown above can also be applied under and over the olive. This can be more effective for fixing leaks due to pipe scratches.These are far better suited, are long enough to get good leverage and are comfortable to use. The design of the end wraps around more of the nut giving better support and greatly reducing the risk of damaging a nut: The partially "open" end allows the spanner to slip over a pipe, and then slid onto the nut. We are currently using Royal Mail Parcelforce and DPD as our delivery providers, all small items will be delivered by Royal Mail, these can take up to three working days to reach you. Note that any sealants used on drinking water must have WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) approval for this use.