When two fittings need to be as close as possible, a close nipple joins them with threads all the way across. There is nothing to grip with a pipe wrench, so it is made up with an internal wrench or by holding the fittings, and removing one usually means destroying it. A slightly longer nipple with a short plain section is a shoulder nipple.
Heard on the job
We need a close nipple between the tee and the valve, anything longer and the valve hits the wall.
Also heard as
- all-thread nipple
- running nipple
Related terms
Nipple
A short length of pipe, threaded or plain on its ends, used to connect two fittings or a valve to a fitting.
Street ell
A threaded or sweat elbow with one male and one female end, so it screws straight into another fitting.
Make up
To screw a threaded joint together and tighten it, or to assemble and torque a flanged joint.