The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk How tight for a brass nipple?

Or you could use a 1/8" pipe tap, don't go more than 3/4 of it's depth.
Yes, put the ell on first, but not tightly. Then turn the fitting to tighten both in. That will give you the best chance to get the alignment correct, because both ends will share the torque.