Creating PVC joints that easily break down

[miltef]

I use the normal PVC connectors, elbows, etc to create a shade structure out of 1" schedule 40 PVC. Dismantling the structure takes a lot of pounding with a mallet on the edges of the connectors in order to separate the pieces. Does anyone have suggestions about how to do this more easily?

Thanks!

[FossaFerox]

If you want hard corners don't use pvc. Use metal emt conduit and canopy fittings. Pvc should only be used in contained arches. Corners WILL fail.

[BLana]

Last year I built a small PVC structure that braced against my car and was draped with camo net. It wasn't great but it worked fine and was fairly cheap.

I strengthened the corners by cementing slip-to-thread fittings on the end of each PVC pipe, then used threaded fittings on all connections. (<-- except one corner of the 'roof frame' which we taped) It assembled and disassembled without any pounding (except for rebar). It wobbled in the wind, as PVC does, but didn't pop any joints. This year I'm going with EMT since I need to build something bigger.

[geospyder]

Had the same problem last year disassembling my Monkey Hut. They slid together nicely but at the end of the week they might as well have been cemented. Lot of pounding to separate resulted in one broken piece. Wonder if a light coating of petroleum or WD40 would help or hurt when putting together?

[Mojojita]

Instead of WD40 or petroleum, use spray-on graphite 'cause dust won't stick to it.

[LowePro]

Don't pound directly on the PVC. Get a flat end (ie Dull) chisel or even something like a railroad spike or short, very broad/dull flathead screwdriver, use this to wedge against the lip of the PVC fitting and tap gently around the fitting in a circle, should dislodge it easier. Also, a gentle but persistent wiggle will dislodge most unglued joints. Dipping the joint in warm soapy water might help.

(or if your arrangement of pieces allows, use a wooden dowel or broom handle, put it through the PVC pipe until it hits your stuck connector/joint. Tap the end of the dowel w/ a mallet and it should pop the connector off from the inside.

I wish I had this problem, my PVC shower rack wiggles itself apart due to wind and vibrations. Adding zip ties this year to hold the joints together.

[Sic Pup]

I've used a pair of offset pliers (channel locks?), twisting in opposite directions for 4 years running without issue. It never occurred to me bang the shit out of them or take a chisel to it but it sure sounds like more fun.

[Sic Pup]

I wish I had this problem, my PVC shower rack wiggles itself apart due to wind and vibrations. Adding zip ties this year to hold the joints together.

Alternatively, duct tape.... not on the outside but on the inner fitting should create enough tension for a secure connection. Secure enough that you;ll probably need a pair of channel locks to dislodge.

[miltef]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I like the idea of threaded connectors, but, at this point, I don't want to retrofit with new connectors. I will try it on any new projects, though.
I'll use some of the other suggestions this year and see which work best for me.

[Riv]

For my monkey hut, I used 2' sections of 1.25" pvc to make sleeves to connect pieces together (used gaff tape to hold in place better). To hold them together where the ribs crossed the spine, I lashed them together with old bike inner tubes. Seemed to hold well without creating any points where something could snap under flexing. Then again I hear the wind was mild last year. I can't tell from your description how easy it would be to adapt your structure to use that strategy...