Clark wrote:
Lawrence wrote in news:1183129898.547643.77790
@m36g2000hse.googlegroups.com:

On Jun 29, 7:54 am, Dave-s wrote:
Hi,
I have an old Rainbird Sprinkler head on a galvanized pipe. Both the
are 50 years old. Cannot determine model number. Sprinkler still works
but may have weak springs.

My question is about removing the sprinkler head from the galvanized
pipe. Does the rainbird unscrew counter clockwise or clockwise?
I've been spraying chainsaw penetrating oil in the copper galvanized
joint for days and it won't loosen.

What else can I do to remove that sprinkler without damaging the
rainbird or pipe and threads? Is there a better penetrating product?

Thanks, Dave_s
Chainsaw penetrating oil is not a product I have ever heard of.
Chainsaws use oil to lubricate the chain but this oil is not intended
for any other purpose. Ordinary penetrating oil, available at any
auto parts store, is what you want. If you are patient enough and
soak the assembly over several days yu may have a shot. Sometime a
propane torch is use to heat up a joint. This may allow you to get it
apart.

After 50 years both pipe and sprinker have given sufficient service.
Do not be afraid to damage either. Nothing else may be possible after
50 years. Both pipe and sprinkler may need replacement after such a
long time.

Another strategy would be to cut the pipe below the sprinkler. Use a
low clearance pipe cutter. Cut new threads in place then add a
coupler and another length of threaded pipe to reach the desired
height. Yu may require another pipe wrench to hold the pipe while you
thread it.

It does requires a special tool to thread steel pipe. It has a long
handle so a bit of digging will be needed to give room to operate the
tool. Maybe you can rent that tool. I don't know since I own one I
never checked on rentals. In any case, it is possible to thread the
steel in place since I have done it.




With "50 years old" galvanized the OP won't have anything but rust to work
with. That stuff will be severely corroded on the inside and brittle. Best
bet would be to plan on replacement.

It actually will probably be far more _corroded_ on the outside than in
although the inside may have quite a lot of sediment and stuff built up...

It really isn't any more "brittle" than when new, but as I commented
when this thread was first posted, OP had best be prepared to go back
quite some distance (like maybe the whole thing) if he breaks into it.

Minor quibbles, but...

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