this company offers a split nut

http://spapartsnet.com/Plumbing-Parts/PLWSPLNT_518_1_1.html


(you just can't make stuff like this up)

That nut is actually for cases in which the union nut has broken. You want to replace the nut, but don't want to take the whole pipe out. They make various normally one-piece things, like CV boots, similarly. It's a nifty idea, and has saved many people much money.

I much prefer my flanges unmounted, thanks all the same.

Tom

I'd also prefer not to have split nuts....