How to Remove the Lip on a Copper Pipe

Preparing the copper pipe for sweating or soldering is important, for this can impact the integrity of the pipe's joint. One important step in the preparation of the pipe is removing the lip on the copper pipe. This article can walk you through the process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Clean the inside and outside of the copper pipe prior to sweating or soldering your pipe. Another necessary step is removing the lip on the copper pipe, for if you do not, you can restrict the flow of water inside the pipe.

2. Use a swivel head reamer to remove the lip on a copper pipe. These are available at any hardware store or building supply store.

3. Insert the head of the swivel head reamer inside the copper pipe and run the cutting surface along the inside of the pipe by grasping the handle and making the blade swivel around inside the pipe.

4. Swivel the cutting edge of the reamer around the inside of the pipe several times until the lip on the inside of the pipe is reduced.

5. Remove the swivel head reamer, and tip the pipe over into your hand so that the copper filings that was the lip fall out of the pipe. Clean the inside of the pipe again before sweating or soldering it.