In its most basic form, a pipe nipple is a short length of pipe with male pipe threads at both ends for connecting other fittings. Generally, there is a short distance of unthreaded pipe between the two threaded ends, depending on how far apart you need the attached fittings to be. When there is no unthreaded pipe between the two connecting ends, the pipe nipple is called a “close nipple” or a “running nipple”. In that case, connected fittings come close to touching one another and very little of the nipple can be seen.
In plumbing and piping, a nipple is a fitting consisting of a short piece of pipe, usually provided with a male pipe thread at each end, for connecting two other pipes or fittings. The length of the nipple is usually specified by the overall length with threads. A "close nipple" has virtually no unthreaded area, when screwed tightly between two female fittings, very little of the nipple remains exposed. In that case, connected fittings come close to touching one another and very little of the nipple can be seen. When ordering a close nipple, they are ordered by the diameter by close, for example, 1/2" x close.
Given by the name, you may have figured out the purpose of a “Close Nipple.” The use of a close nipple allows you to create a closed, tight connection between two female threaded steel pipes or fittings. However, there is a downside to closed nipples. The only way to tighten or loosen a closed nipple is to grip the threaded portion with a wrench. Because of this, it becomes easy for the applicator to damage the threading, requiring replacement of the nipple. Damaged threading can cause issues with your connection if not addressed. These issues may include leaking air, water, or other fluids depending on what application the nipple is being used for. There are special tools available to assist in their use.
Close nipples are difficult to work with. A close nipple can only be unscrewed by gripping one threaded end with a pipe wrench which will damage the threads and necessitate replacing the nipple. So, a close nipple can only be unscrewed by using a specialty tool known as a nipple wrench (or an internal pipe wrench) which grips the inside of the pipe, leaving the threads undamaged.
Close Pipe Nipple Specifications
- According to different materials, there are carbon steel close nipple (galvanized close nipple, black close nipple) and stainless steel close nipple;
- According to the export standards, there are American standard ASTM A733, German standard DIN2982, British standard BS EN10241 specifications;
- According to the process, there are welded close pipe nipples and seamless close pipe nipples.
The significance of using the close pipe nipple is that it can freely adjust the position of the pipe body at the two ends connected. Generally, it can be used for fire-fighting spray pipes.
Hebei Sanvo is one of the quality pipe fittings manufacturers and suppliers in China, exporting a variety of threaded pipe fittings, including galvanized pipe nipples/couplings(carbon steel), black pipe nipples/coupling(carbon steel), stainless steel pipe nipples/couplings(stainless steel), and stainless steel threaded pipe fittings(stainless steel).
If you are in need of specialized or custom-sized pipe fittings, please do not hesitate to contact us today, or fill out our request for quote form online.