Nipple Waterer - I can't get the nipples to screw into the PVC pipe

[CarolJ]

I bought the nipples, bought the PVC pipe, bought the exact size drill bit recommended, drilled the holes, and I can NOT get the nipples to screw into the pipe. Am I just not strong enough to exert enough pressure to make it fit into the drilled hole? Any recommendations or suggestions?

 

[NonnasBabies]

Quote:
When I made my waterers with the 5 gallon buckets I had to keep going up in drill bit size until I found one that worked!!

 

[krissieschickies]

I am a 61 year old wimp so you can't be any weaker than I am. It helps to have a nut driver the same size as the nipple collar to screw them in. Make sure you have the correct size drill bit. To make double sure they don't leak I put a touch of food grade silicone sealant on the threads just before I screw them in.

 

[CarolJ]

Quote:
Well I'm 62 with some hand-strength issues (trigger finger, carpel tunnel) - so I'm not sure which one of us is weaker.

However, I am determined I'll get it done tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give them a try.

 

[Makomd]

I agree with the above posts. I used a long socket that fit the nipple and pushed while turning. No troubles after trying it that way. Sealant is a very good idea, mine are leaking yet but will try that before I have one.

 

[wyododge]

When you run the drill bit in, make sure all the shavings get cleaned out. Sometimes when you drill plastic, it actually melts instead of cutting. If I remember correctly the drill bit they suggest is 11/32". One step larger would be 3/8". You can also heat up the plastic with a heat gun, lighter or pretty much any heat source. Take it slow when heating it up and it will soften just a bit, add a bit of silicone, vaseline, teflon tape (plumbers tape), or even a little spit to lubricate the threads a little.

If you do try a 3/8" bit, test it on a scrap piece first, to make sure it is not to large a hole. If it does leak, back out the nipple, clean and dry it very well, put silicone on the threads and let it dry for a minimum of 24 hours. Using a nut driver or socket is also a good idea ( i had to use a socket if it makes you feel better and I am a big bad rancher from the wilds of Wyoming with 20 years of construction and 10 years of rough necking). With your good looks ( a bag of home made cookies never hurts either) you could probably get your local hardware store to lend you one, and help you get the stupid things in there.

 

[BellevueOmlet]

I use waterer cups instead of nipples so I don't know if this will work but the cups use a backet like this:

That might work to screw the nipples into.

 

[Strikefalcon]

I purchased the red nipples from farmtek online. I never thought that the nipples would be shipped without attaching hardware. The thread cut into the nipple is not common enough to find the nuts at the local hardware store. So I recut the threads to 3/8 - 16 and got rubber washers and SS washers and nut to install. My question is that how high to place the bucket off the floor. Right now it is 25" and I'm not sure the girls have figured out how to get the water. What elevation are yours at?

 

[wyododge]

I set mine so they have to have their necks straight up to reach the nipples. As they grow, I raise it up.

 

[Rich386]

Use a PVC t and reduce to 1/8 pipe thread they will screw right in and not leak.