Chrome pipe bending and filing

[jaydebruyne]

whats the best and quickest method of filing off the chrome plating on chrome 15mm copper? And is chrome pipe bendable? Any method I need to adopt to bend it?

Doing a job next week fitting 10 new rads and the woman wants all rads to have chrome pipework coming up from floor.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Just a normal file will be ok

And yes any good quality chrome copper will be fine just take it slowly and do a test bend first

 

[jaydebruyne]

Just a normal file will be ok

And yes any good quality chrome copper will be fine just take it slowly and do a test bend first

You reckon a dremel will be ok to use? Need it to be quicker than a file

 

[ShaunCorbs]

You reckon a dremel will be ok to use? Need it to be quicker than a file

Normally file it off in less than 30 seconds

You can use a grinder with a sanding disc if you want it sharpish

 

[tolly]

use a rasp, bahco do a handy one, fine file on one side and a coarse rasp on the reverse.

 

[jaydebruyne]

use a rasp, bahco do a handy one, fine file on one side and a coarse rasp on the reverse.

I'll see if I can grab one and have a bash at the weekend.. cheers Tolly

 

[Best]

Some brands of chromed copper pipe are easier to file the chrome off than others. Use a new flat file, keeping it totally flat against the pipe.
Maybe best where possible to just use straight piece of chromed pipe and a soldered elbow, to save you having to do machine bends
If you do have to bend chromed pipe, - use some oil on the bender and pipe. Note that the manufacturer will not guarantee the pipe if you bend it.

 

[gas tec]

Same as above, I use an older type Bahco rasp. Gets it off quicker than a normal file. Smooth it off with a file.

 

[Chalked]

I use a grinder with a metal blade. But tbh, as long as your back to bright copper, your sorted

 

[jaydebruyne]

I know what il be doing this weekend then lol

 

[Best]

Or tell the woman to buy some chrome pipe snap covers! 😉
They look as good as real chrome if fitted well and you can replace them to have it looking good as new in the future. At least, that's the spin I use to save me filing bloody chrome off pipes!

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Or tell the woman to buy some chrome pipe snap covers! 😉
They look as good as real chrome if fitted well and you can replace them to have it looking good as new in the future. At least, that's the spin I use to save me filing bloody chrome off pipes!

They don't do offset ones tho best

 

[jaydebruyne]

They don't do offset ones tho best

Maybe I'll invent pliable chrome covers !!! One day Rodney!

 

[Best]

They don't do offset ones tho best

True! 🙂 I didn't know by his wording he meant bending pipes that will be on show above the floor.

 

[Best]

Maybe I'll invent pliable chrome covers !!! One day Rodney!

Spray chrome paint!!! Solved!
Rodney, some day we are going to be millionaires!

 

[jaydebruyne]

Just been looking at a 5 piece bahco file set, never knew so many bastards in one set lol

 

[Harvest Fields]

Definitely a file. I use one I got of me good Dad. It's about 30 years old. Problem is, I only have one on the van and when I want it I can never find it😛

 

[jaydebruyne]

Definitely a file. I use one I got of me good Dad. It's about 30 years old. Problem is, I only have one on the van and when I want it I can never find it😛

I used to be like that, now I'm anal about keeping my van tidy. After every job I put things back where they need to be, even if I'm in a rush. Cos I know the moment I just chuck it in the back I'm spending half hour looking for it next time lol

 

[Best]

Definitely a file. I use one I got of me good Dad. It's about 30 years old. Problem is, I only have one on the van and when I want it I can never find it😛

It is a problem with files, unless you have a handle on them - and a brightly coloured one, or they will blend in with other tools or lie on their edge.
I have loads of times searched my tool box I thought thoroughly and decided I had lost my file, only to find it in the same tool box later. 🙂

 

[ShaunCorbs]

It is a problem with files, unless you have a handle on them - and a brightly coloured one, or they will blend in with other tools or lie on their edge.
I have loads of times searched my tool box I thought thoroughly and decided I had lost my file, only to find it in the same tool box later. 🙂

Normally after you bought a new one 😀