"raden" wrote in message
...
In message ews.net,
Doctor Drivel writes

"Broadback" wrote in message
...
Doctor Drivel wrote:
"Lobster" wrote in message
...


I've noticed two different types of these; some are apparently made
of
brass and have a completely rounded external profile, whereas others
seem to be copper, and have flat chamfers at either end.

Can anyone tell me the significance of the two species, and are they
interchangeable in different compression fittings?

Copper is best used where the compression fitting is used as a
disconnection
device at an appliance. The brass olives can indent the pipe, copper
rarely
do this. On each disconnection and re-connection a new copper olive
is
used.

Yes but is there an easy way to get the old ones off?

The copper olives are pretty easy to remove. Monument sell an olive
remover
tool for 15mm only, for...£25.

But you'd use a hacksaw, wouldn't you

Maxie, an axe.