Hello! I read Darryl1953's excellent post about a broken off pipe, and have one further complication. My pipe is a 1/2" size, and about 1/2" of it broke off inside the pipe that is in the wall. I tried a 1/2" internal pipe wrench, first spraying with Silicone lubricant, but from the efforts so far, I think the pipe has been ground away a little and the 1/2" internal wrench isn't grabbing any more.

Any idea where I can find an adjustable internal pipe wrench like the one Darryl1953 shows in the picture? So far, I've had no luck on line. Or, maybe I could wrap something rough around the outside of the 1/2" to make it slightly larger, yet still have traction or "grab" in that pipe. I'd like to find one that expands to 5/8 or so. I have a 3/4 and that won't work--too big.

Thanks very much!

Hello! I read Darryl1953's excellent post about a broken off pipe, and have one further complication. My pipe is a 1/2" size, and about 1/2" of it broke off inside the pipe that is in the wall. I tried a 1/2" internal pipe wrench, first spraying with Silicone lubricant, but from the efforts so far, I think the pipe has been ground away a little and the 1/2" internal wrench isn't grabbing any more.

Any idea where I can find an adjustable internal pipe wrench like the one Darryl1953 shows in the picture? So far, I've had no luck on line. Or, maybe I could wrap something rough around the outside of the 1/2" to make it slightly larger, yet still have traction or "grab" in that pipe. I'd like to find one that expands to 5/8 or so. I have a 3/4 and that won't work--too big.

Thanks very much!
By the way, here's the page that the post and pic is on:
https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/plumbing/shower-arm-pipe-stuck-9528.html

Thanks again,
Helaire

I do not like most spiral type pipe extractors -- most spread pipe and strip inside of pipe -- JUNK

Walton Company - Newsletter Online (http://www.waltontools.com/xtracts.htm)

Walton Company - REPS Pipe, Stud and Screw Extractors (http://www.waltontools.com/products/reps.htm)

Pipe Extractors - RIDGID Professional Tools (http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/Pipe-Extractor)

D.O. Smith 36537 Pipe & Nipple Extractor 1/2" Cam type extractor - PlumberSurplus.com (http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/D-O-Smith-36537-Pipe-Nipple-Extractor-1-2-Cam-type-extractor/59851/Cat/655)

D.O. Smith 36538 Pipe & Nipple Extractor 3/4" Cam type extractor - PlumberSurplus.com (http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/D-O-Smith-36538-Pipe-Nipple-Extractor-3-4-Cam-type-extractor/59852/Cat/655)

Most of these will do an excellent job!!

It's basically only going to grip in one area, so I might suggest a vey small piece of shim stock, say 1/4" x 1/4". You could try brass, available at most hardware stores. If you need a little bit of traction add some grooves with a file. Then all you might need is a bit of an easily removeable glue to hold it it place until friction takes over. You might also be able to bend a piece of shim and cut grooves in it. It's only an idea.

I just use an 'Easy-Out (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/attachments/plumbing/3592d1179200268-leak-bath-tub-spout-img_0058.jpg)'.

Back in the days before copper or plastic water pipes we piped our homes with threaded galvanized pipes and fittings. We all carried a full set of internal pipe wrenches,( we called them "Easy-Outs) on our trucks. We else used a set of these,(see image) the screw type growler uses came later.
Regards, Tom

Thanks so much for the responses. I finally found and ordered the Walton REPS pipe extractor. That one was hard to find, but Walton finally referred me to McMaster Carr and I ordered it on line.

The pipe and nipple extractors referenced are the ones that I have that are not working now. The 1/2" is no longer grabbing and the 3/4 is too big to get in there. However, K.I.S.S.'s idea sounds like a great workaround as well, so I will also check on the brass shims---it's always great to know what's out there in case another situation arises.

Thanks very much again. Will report back, hopefully with a big. . . . "SCORE! "
:D