Any tips for measuring off-set needed in awkward bath tap changes?

[WaterTight]

When re-piping (perhaps to replace contorted fleximagigs)

I find you can never view your measuring from an angle that gives you any accuracy. Perhaps some system involving pipe cleaners and bits of string.

Thank you brothers, sisters, comrades and boyfriends.

 

[SimonG]

Sorry WT, I never measure, all by eye. Once saw somebody use a bit of hosepipe.

 

[SimonJohns]

http://www.ukcopperboard.co.uk/literature/pdfs/Installation-Tips/Bending-machine.pdf

 

[Best]

I hand tighten a Cu tap connector to the bath tap & push a straight piece of copper pipe that is plenty long into it, keeping the pipe not under strain. Just measure the back to back width, ( or the easier from nearest side width & add pipe width ) but take note of the slight angle the tap threads often has. Once bent, try it in before you remove all to solder. Usually very accurate.

 

[M.Joshi]

You could make up a tool that would help you measure. A semi-rigid piece of wire inside a hosepipe. Shape it acccordingly and the shape will be maintained when you remove it from under the bath.

Similar to the flexible goosenecks you see on some tools/mini-tripods etc.

Edit: I remember these graph drawing flexible rulers from school. May also do the job:

http://www.ryman.co.uk/1342768199/H...-9565-6fc82074fe86&istItemId=pxxriqw&istBid=t

 

[tamz]

Just look at it and think ...... about 3 " will do it :lol:
or
as Best said.

 

[JAP&H]

Screwfix catalogue, page 479 items at bottom right.

Look crap when fitted but what I use to form a template of the bends Required.

Can then pull bends with a degree accuracy.

Eyes past use by date so can't rely on them.

Be gentle with it and it will last, mines currently on year four.

 

[Destroyer2813]

Im with Simon and Tamz WT look at it gauge what u need you get a sick sense for how much to do after quite a few years, u given up with the flexis then:teeth_smile:

 

[Guest123]

If you really can't measure it, use one of those bendy ties. Local Poundshop sell them in packs. You can always tie yourself in knots afterwards when you look at all that scrap copper you've made! LOL

Good on you for not taking the easy way out and using another flexi.

 

[PlumbBobBob]

another option is to use an offcut of leccy cable. 6mm or 10mm will do to hold the shape.

 

[WaterTight]

http://www.ukcopperboard.co.uk/literature/pdfs/Installation-Tips/Bending-machine.pdf

Not what I was asking, but good link! A thorough explanation. Have saved it.

I hand tighten a Cu tap connector to the bath tap & push a straight piece of copper pipe that is plenty long into it, keeping the pipe not under strain. Just measure the back to back width, ( or the easier from nearest side width & add pipe width ) but take note of the slight angle the tap threads often has. Once bent, try it in before you remove all to solder. Usually very accurate.

Thanks, that sounds the best - albeit still quite tricky - way.

Edit: I remember these graph drawing flexible rulers from school. May also do the job:

Helix Flexi Curve Ruler - Maths Sets & Rulers - Ryman

That looks pretty good actually, thanks.

Screwfix catalogue, page 479 items at bottom right.

Look crap when fitted but what I use to form a template of the bends Required.

Can then pull bends with a degree accuracy.

Eyes past use by date so can't rely on them.

Be gentle with it and it will last, mines currently on year four.

Any idea what the name is? I chuck the catalouges cos when I buy from them I usually do it online.

Im with Simon and Tamz WT look at it gauge what u need you get a sick sense for how much to do after quite a few years, u given up with the flexis then:teeth_smile:

Yeah I do try and I have gotten better but scrapping 8 inch bits of 22mm gets me growling.

If you really can't measure it, use one of those bendy ties. Local Poundshop sell them in packs. You can always tie yourself in knots afterwards when you look at all that scrap copper you've made! LOL

Good on you for not taking the easy way out and using another flexi.

another option is to use an offcut of leccy cable. 6mm or 10mm will do to hold the shape.

Thanks System and Steve, both good ideas.

 

[JAP&H]

Screwfix call them flexible plumbing sticks.

Catalogue number 61598 is 15 x 15 x 300mm.

 

[dontknowitall]

If System3 wasn't here I'd suggest using a flexi ...

 

[Mike Jackson]

Bend your copper then move the bath to suit.

 

[Guest123]

Bend your copper then move the bath to suit.

Might end up in the middle of the floor.

 

[Mike Jackson]

Just use a flexi waste and you're good to go.


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[stevetheplumber]

i can never understand why people try and bring services up under the taps .On new work i alway bring the services up 3 inchs in from the end and 3inches in from side of bath about 2 inches apart then make the tap cons onto two pulled bends of different lengths and use two elbows to connect where you can get to them saves wasting copper and reaching under to much