Broken tap in copper boiler

This topic has 12 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 18 March 2018 at 22:46 by Richard S2.

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20 February 2018 at 07:05 #342350
paul rushmer
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@paulrushmer83015
Ideas please

We have managed to break a 10ba tap in the back head of a new 31/2 gauge loco boiler, is this dissolvable with some acid ? I am shore this has been covered before but I can not find it on the forum. the tap is in a blind bronze bush which is proving very tough.

Thanks Paul
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20 February 2018 at 07:05 #33157
paul rushmer
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@paulrushmer83015
20 February 2018 at 07:09 #342351
Speedy Builder5
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@speedybuilder5
Use this site – look for the keyword 'broken' alum seems to be the product you are looking for.
**LINK**
BobH
20 February 2018 at 08:11 #342355
Brian Wood
Participant
@brianwood45127
Brick or patio cleaner should do, they contain hydrochloric acid in sufficient strength so see that off. From builder's merchants everywhere

Regards

Brian
20 February 2018 at 09:16 #342359
KWIL
Participant
@kwil
Alum will certainly do it. Build a little bund around the site with blue tack/plastacine and keep it topped up with liquid as the water evaporates. Not that fast but certain, keep poking the black residue to clear debris. Had the same problem with M3, just a little patience required.
20 February 2018 at 10:02 #342370
Rik Shaw
Participant
@rikshaw
Having developed an allergy to deodorants I was recommended alum crystal stick which I have now been using for years. I do not have a problem with BO or BA ( bothersome axillaries ) and I am pleased to say my armpits have not dissolved (unlike my brain).

Once you have removed your busted tap Paul I for one would be very interested how you got on – good luck!

Rik
20 February 2018 at 11:44 #342390
Tomfilery
Participant
@tomfilery
Paul,

I've recovered a brass part before (with a broken M2 tap in it) by leaving it overnight in citric acid. Tap turned rusty and basically dissolved. Suggest you try your usual brazing pickle.

Regards Tom
20 February 2018 at 18:02 #342475
paul rushmer
Participant
@paulrushmer83015
Thanks all.

I have just bought some brick cleaner for removing mill scale as recommended by Jason and others, I will try that.

Paul
20 February 2018 at 18:31 #342477
J Hancock
Participant
@jhancock95746
Will that stuff work on HSS taps ?
20 February 2018 at 19:46 #342489
Neil Wyatt
Moderator
@neilwyatt
Posted by J Hancock on 20/02/2018 18:31:01:

Will that stuff work on HSS taps ?

Should do.

Neil
18 March 2018 at 18:00 #346647
paul rushmer
Participant
@paulrushmer83015
Just to up date you all the Brocken tap came out yesterday as black mush, the long time is probably due to the size (10BA) very little room for the alum to flow round and clear debris and the fact it was left in the conservatory very cold this weather! Just got to modify fire hole door hinge to fit new bolt holes.

Thanks again Paul
18 March 2018 at 20:27 #346672
Jim Nic
Participant
@jimnic
Thanks for the good news update.

Jim
18 March 2018 at 22:46 #346680
Richard S2
Participant
@richards2
Glad you've succeeded in it's removal. I have just this week removed a piece of broken 10ba Tap from a through hole in 1/8" of copper on my boiler. Took 4 days using sulphuric acid (ex car battery 30 years ago), probably quicker, but I could only use very little at a time in a small 'bunded' area. Very pleased also with the results of the process.
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