8 replies to this topic

[HiTech126]

I singled and used a cpvc three way coupler.

When I shot it the first time, the dart went really far, but the three way coupler cracked.

The coupler was held on with epoxy and now I can't get it off to replace it.
What should I do?

[Tornado13]

Either find some way to remove the T-coupler or as a last-ditch effort cut the pipe running into the plunger and start over.

Edited by Tornado13, 10 August 2009 - 11:56 AM.

[Wes7143]

Either find some way to remove the T-coupler, or cut right below the coupler and add a new one, but you would then have to lengthen the regular barrel. Finally as a last-ditch effort cut the pipe running into the plunger and start over.

No, don't do that. You cannot make that CPVC piece any shorter than it already is. If you do, it will not catch, because it's not being primed completely. It probably cracked, because the bolt wasn't far enough forward. Make sure it can just barely prime completely.

As for replacing the part, either work at the coupler some more, and see if you can detach it without harming the CPVC, or simply open it up, and place a new piece of CPVC inside the rear of the bolt (this will take some work dislodging it).

[MyRealName]

If you are pretty adept at handling chemicals. You might want to try Milbond.

It is some pretty nasty stuff, but my girlfriend, who was an optician a couple years back offered it as an idea when I got some epoxy all over a set of metal rails in my garage. With the metal rails, I just set it within a bucket with the Milbond and, after time, came right off.

Its made for dissolving the bond between epoxy and metals, but if you are careful, and wear the proper protection, you should be able to undo your CPVC cement.

You will probably have to mask the area you are working with, and then apply a not so liberal amount of the chemical on the seam. I would do this every 15-30 minutes and wipe it off. Then reapply. To see if your method is going to work, make a sample, that looks relatively the same, and test.

If you do use it, remember:

- Read the MSDS. Follow all precautions on it.
- At the time that I used it, it said to use a 100-1000 Respirator, eye protection, PVA gloves, and be in a ventilated area. I used some chemical goggles, my chemical respirator, some gloves, a rubber apron, and I did this all outside on a sunny day. This stuff will knock you on your ass. Do not, do not, DO NOT work with it unless you are using proper PPE.

Good luck!

Edited by MyRealName, 11 August 2009 - 01:46 AM.

[yahman1254]

That does seem like a lot of work, not to mention that it would be cheaper to replace the whole cpvc pipe to which the 3 way is connected.

[MyRealName]

I have no doubt that the amount of work there might be a little daunting, but trying a method here where it is obviously a lost cause can teach someone valuable skills. You are prepared in the future if you accidentally epoxy a non-replaceable, or heavily machined piece. Experience is invaluable.

I think it falls upon the "Teach a man to fish" theme.

And if you fail at this said "fishing," buy a new on and try again.

Plus, this gives you the added side benefit of having an excuse to buy proper PPE.

[yahman1254]

Valid point. If it were me, I would try that and if it screwed up, then I would replace it.

[chefdave]

The most likely reason why the thing cracked, is that you mismeasured. The slider probably isnt closing against the end of the plunger tube putting all the strees on the CPVC T and the front coupler. You really should remeasure the thing and replace ALL of the CPVC in the gun

Edited by chefdave, 10 August 2009 - 01:07 PM.

[MyRealName]

No.

If it was CPVC cement, then it is at least partially a solvent weld..

I completely agree with you, Bob, if it had mentioned anything about using CPVC cement in the original post. However, he talked about using epoxy. I just assumed that he used the 2 part stuff that he found near the JB Weld. If I am not mistaken, a very small if any plastic welding will occur in that joint.

The most likely reason why the thing cracked, is that you mismeasured.

...and that makes the rest of the conversation moot. Great point.