Brass wrench --Is it necessary

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I was talking to an "old timer' last week at my Local welding supplier , about the sheilding gas (75%A25%CO2)  I purchased,  then  we somehow started talking about fittings  & the proper ways to attach them. Then he asked me ''DO YOU USE A BRASS WRENCH".He said " I always use a couple of adjustable brass wrenches  for every cylinder that heattaches/ disconnects as a precautionary measure. Seems like a great safe idea --BUT  ISIT  REALLY NECESSARY  on  mix/sheilded gas cylinders.I thought this type of gas wasnt all that dangerous -- Plus  Those "brass / non sparking" adjustable wrenches can get pretty expensive.  Whats your opinon---- Thanks  JIM
Reply:The fittings are brass so it's steel on brass which is non-sparking anyway...I think. Regardless, I've never used a brass wrench for connecting gauges, hoses torches etc. nor have I ever seen anyone use one.....Mike
Reply:Like i said --this guy is old school  (70 plus yrs )---And probably taught that way from a young age---while working around the "dangerous" type cylinders
Reply:The stuff's inert anyway.   Not gonna blow up on you.  Never seen anyone use anything other than a steel wrench.  I just use a big crescent wrench.-AaronJet 17.5" Drill Press1942 South Bend 16x84 Lathe1980s Miller 320A / BP --- 2013 Power Mig 2562012 Jet 7x12 Horizontal BandsawVictor O/A Setup
Reply:Its inert gas it can't explode or combust.  That would defeat the entire purpose of shielding gas....  :banghead:  do what u are told and don't question the logic/reasoning/ lack of reasoning. Humm, sounds like the definition of a Romney supporter or Religion.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:those multi-wrenches they sell for cylinders aren't made of brass.Miller Syncrowave 180Miller 211 w/ spool-gunLincoln Ac/Dc buzzboxCutmaster 38 plasmaVictor,Smith's,and Craftsman (Harris) O/A torches.DeWalt Multi cutterFiber Metal helmets(old school)Enough Snap-On to be a dealer
Reply:lol crazy old whitehair.Welding/Fab Pics: www.UtahWeld.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyverlol crazy old whitehair.
Reply:How many use a brass or aluminum wrench to connect/disconnect acetylene,propane or hydrogen?If I was going to worry about sparks I think that would be the time.
Reply:Out of curiosity I looked up brass crescent wrenches...and to much amusement, they do exist!...or, did anyway.  They're pretty, albiet Pricey!  A steel crescent wrench is fine.I've used a brass hammer though (non-marring), does that count?Last edited by mb_welder; 09-18-2012 at 06:06 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3How many use a brass or aluminum wrench to connect/disconnect acetylene,propane or hydrogen?If I was going to worry about sparks I think that would be the time.
Reply:I only use a brass wrench when connecting an acetylene cylinder to my MIG welder."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumI only use a brass wrench when connecting an acetylene cylinder to my MIG welder.
Reply:You should use one when connecting the Acetylene to purge pipe or gas tanks for welding tooTiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumI only use a brass wrench when connecting an acetylene cylinder to my MIG welder.
Reply:I could see it lessening the chance of rounding off a brass nut, cause the wrench isnt much harder than the fitting, but other than that its pretty much useless
Reply:Originally Posted by vwguy3I'll bet spray transfer is a breeze with acetylene
Reply:I haven t been welding all that long ,but when watching teachers at school/ mechanics at work etc.... I NEVER seen nor heard of anyone using a brass wrench --Like I said this guy is 70 + yrs old school and was taught that way from the start, I respect this guy alot ,but Next time I see him --I will have to ask him---WHY?
Reply:Jim, it makes no sense other than not boogering up the nut.  The nut would no doubt be softer than the wrench, so no gain there."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumI only use a brass wrench when connecting an acetylene cylinder to my MIG welder.
Reply:I like it, FGMAW: Flammable-Gas Metal Arc Welding. Acetylene sounds a bit dangerous, but I think I might try it with propane. I have an old flowmeter tube I can connect to a propane regulator. I'd like to see what the arc is like, on MIG and TIG.I'm guessing the answer is "Lousy", but sometimes curiosity overrides sanity! JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:We have, and use a full set of Bronze Berrylium tools; inside certain critical non spark, non combustion areas in petrochem/ refineries.Nice, and shiny.... if you like $300 Crescent wrenches, and $200 hammers. All the steel tools like sockets, torque wrenches are rubber coated.But I must say, this is the exception, not the norm.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Heres what i dont use.....Snap on Flank drives, or anything of the nature, they ruin the nuts on the regulators and i like to take care of my equipment, i have dedicated 1 1/8" wrenches runnin all over the place for this reason.I forgot how to change this.
Reply:So your telling me that I didn't need to be using this aluminum wrench all these years Attached Imageswww.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:Originally Posted by RojodiabloWe have, and use a full set of Bronze Berrylium tools; inside certain critical non spark, non combustion areas in petrochem/ refineries.Nice, and shiny.... if you like $300 Crescent wrenches, and $200 hammers. All the steel tools like sockets, torque wrenches are rubber coated.But I must say, this is the exception, not the norm.