Working with copper pipe: Sandpaper - good or bad?

Horlock

Is sandpaper a good or a bad option for cleaning the end of old copper pipe ready for working?

To me:
sandpaper will clean the pipe!
sandpaper will scratch the pipe!

Is there a better alternative?

keystone

Wirewool. (brillo wthout the soapy stiff in it)

Cheers

Horlock

keystone wrote: »

Wirewool. (brillo wthout the soapy stiff in it)

Cheers

I've been trying brillo, but the copper looks well and truely oxidised - ie dark in colour - not out of shape at all. Totally smooth and the compression piece fits very snuggly.

Really appriciate the feedback - wont wirewool also scratch the pipe - I'm using a compression joint.

I was wondering whether the oxidised copper really made any difference.

keystone

Wirewool will clean it up lovely and no it won't scratch to the extent that sandpaper would. If you are using a compression fitting it doesn't matter if the pipe is a bit oxidised.

Cheers

Horlock

Thank you very much!

You are an absolute star.

Canucklehead

Try this.

Canucklehead

ormus

wirewool everytime.
sandpaper is ok at a push, if youre just using compression joints.

Canucklehead

Hi


The little bits of wire wool will leave a very attractive rust stain on basins ,sinks, baths or anything else it comes into contact with and gets wet or damp.

Don't use it.


GSR.

keystone

It won't if you clean up after yourself IMHO. Not doing so is just as bad as not cleaning up flux and any extraneous solder after you've made a joint. Sloppy!

Cheers

Igol

wet and dry paper I've used it for years and no leaks yet

C_Mababejive

Abrasive pad ( not necessarily wire wool as it shed bits) or if is particularly grotty..Trimite tape (tm)