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How to Make Copper Fittings

Fittings are small parts that are to attach equipment, plumbing or furniture. The most basic fittings are usually plastic because plastic is a cheaper material. Fittings used in designer homes or for high end equipment are usually made of a metal such as copper. These metals, however, can be very expensive. Fortunately, the process of electroplating allows a do it yourself builder or hobbyist to make his own copper fittings without the need to purchase expensive metals.

Things You'll Need

Copper plating solution
Copper conductive paint (optional)
Safety goggles
Protective gloves
Piece of copper
Beaker
Power adapter with alligator clips

Instructions

- 1
  Purchase copper plating solution from your local hardware store or an online retailer of electroplating kits. If the pipe fittings are plastic, you will also need to buy copper conductive paint.
- 2
  Put on safety goggles and protective gloves prior to handling the plating solution. This will prevent incidental skin and eye contact.
- 3
  Spray an even coat of copper conductive paint onto the surface of the pipe if it is plastic. Pour enough plating solution into the beaker to fully submerge the fitting. The beaker must also be large enough to fit both the fitting and the copper piece being plated onto the fitting.
- 4
  Connect the negative-charged alligator clip to the copper piece and the positive-charged alligator clip to the pipe fitting. Put both pieces inside the beaker.
- 5
  Plug the power adapter into the nearest electrical source. Allow the plating process to continue until the pipe fitting assumes the physical properties of the copper. This can be observed through the beaker or by removing the fitting from the beaker and visually inspecting it.

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