Hi pros and tradesmen.

Trying to snug a Delta hand shower elbow against tile. A 2 1/2" hex nipple is 3/16" too long and a 2 inch is a little too short.
If I understand how a close nipple works, would a 2 1/2" close nipple give a little more snuggling up?

Could pobably find a 2 part elbow that may work but I'd like to give this one a shot.

A "close" nipple is a "SPECIFIC" size, Namely two threads without a "space" between. About 1 1/4" for a 1/2" close nipple. Therefore there is no 2 1/2" CLOSE nipple.



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Understood and thank you.
Too bad they aren't made any longer, seems like there would be a call for such.

I have to explore using a die to cut back a 2 1/2" then carefully grind or cut off an 1/8".

Maybe find a 2 part elbow which gives a little adjustability.

Plumbers earn their keep with knowledge of parts and unique situations.

Thanks again.

How about making a nipple, by soldering together 2 copper male adapters?

Good idea, thank you.

If I cannot swing that, I'll just silicone the 1/8" to 3/16" gap and direct my wife's attention somewhere else.

no no no no

make any length you need (with 1-1/2 long being the minimum for 1/2 NPT) with any stock and a hacksaw

'your' length of desired/required nipple = 2-1/4"




ps. standard nipple lengths


butt = short but deep back to back threads allowing (albeit not standard) very very close makeup = not readilly available = requires Armstrong Stock and individual dies

close = back to back standard threads

short = 2 thread equivalent unthreaded ridge

shoulder = 1/2" ridge

then

lenght by 1/2 increments regardless of pipe size

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638



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Try inserting a nubby screwdriver into the hand shower port it may give you more leverage to turn, 3/16 gap is not horrible but it could be better



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???? forcing an additional 2-1/2 full turns ????

good way of 'splitting' the drop eared elbow in the wall

no way, no how


simply cut the required length nipple (in the OP's case = 1/2 X 2-1/4)


be done with it

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638



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Thank you.
Looks like a good solution but overwhelming for me at this point. I tend to make things more difficult then they really are. I'll get some help at the local plumbing supply house.

If you wouldn't mind can I get back to you after I have a working knowledge of this procedure?
I really appreciate your time and expertise.

call a few plumbing outfits

tell them you want to purchase a: fabricated brass 1/2" X 2-1/4" nipple

be prepared to pay their minimum labor charge

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638

Thanks again.

I did find a Henny Penny 1/2 x 2 1/4 LG Hospital for $14.
Would that be compatible with the brass drop ear?

I live in the toolies of NC and machine shops are hidden in hollows.

machine shops may be hidden in hollows but ANY decent plumbing outfit can cut and thread a nipple to ANY length desired


my 'trick' is for making ONE nipple when either the proper tools ('google' nipple chuck) are broken or unavailable or 5 stories down in a walk-up

does not require machining, merely a vise, stock&die, hacksaw

the reason for the extended thread is for vising the piece, after which said (damaged by vise) 'running' thread will be cut off leaving the tapered NPT


to answer the question YES, any 1/2 x 2-1/4 NPT nipple is good and compatible with the drop ear elbow

my reference to 'splitting' was that when the shower arm or nipple is GROSSLY overtightened said elbow (like any other fitting) will tend to 'split' due to the wedging action of the last imperfect threads being forced in

==============================================

"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638



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Thank you, great explanation.
After a while, I finally figured out the "chuck" section and things started falling in place.

I can get this done and once again, thank you very much for your time and expertise.



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