Stuffing box wrenches

[Mengering]

I feel like this is a stupid problem to have, but I can’t find stuffing box wrenches large enough for my boat. I’m up to about a drip per second now with the shaft stationary so probably time to tighten. I measure the nuts with calipers at 3 1/4 inches. Even my 14 inch pipe wrench only opens to 3 inches and I’d prefer a smooth jaw so I don’t damage anything. I don’t feel my boat is unusual, a single screw 225HP Lehman but I just can’t find a wrench that will open wide enough. Any help or tips are appreciated.
Glenn & Jessica
El Viaje San Diego

 

[Comodave]

Yorkdesignandfab.com sells a 3.25” wrench for stuffing boxes.

 

[Martin J]

You could try plumbing wrench's, various sizes.
https://www.amazon.com/Adjustable-B...023092&sprefix=plumbing+wrench,aps,259&sr=8-9

 

[GoneFarrell]

Comod, thanks for that link. Was wondering if I was going to have to have a big crowfoot wrench custom plas-burned.

 

[Pete Meisinger]

I cut my own from a piece of plate.

pete

 

[Mengering]

Yorkdesignandfab.com bought two 3.25 inch wrenches. Thank you Comodave.
$100, but better than sinking in the slip for sure.

 

[C lectric]

I welded two from 3/8 x 3/4 cold rolled flat bar.
They are hung in the engine compartment.

 

[BruceK]

Here`s the one readily available in Aust.:https://www.whitworths.com.au/packing-nut-wrench-stainless-steel. PITA to use.
There is a much better alternative, like a vicegrip, with bicycle chain which goes round the nut. Here you go: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/10-Chai...160958?hash=item27f762a23e:g:wBAAAOSwvGdbn~G~

 

[MurrayM]

I use a pipe wrench and something like this...a really wide mouth vice grip:

https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-VISE-GRIP-Original-Locking-12L3/dp/B00004SBB1

 

[Comodave]

Yorkdesignandfab.com bought two 3.25 inch wrenches. Thank you Comodave.
$100, but better than sinking in the slip for sure.

No problem. Glad to help.

 

[RonR]

I can't say all, but a lot of people make their own. I have a set that came with the new boat, my old boat I had a set made. Cost me 75.00 at a local fab shop for 2 made out of 3/8 plate.

 

[jgwinks]

Found one in the bilge of my new boat, home made from 3/8" plate with a square hole for a 1/2" socket drive. With a nice Snap On wrench still attached. I call that a win. Cutting the square hole must have been tricky, it would have been easier to give it an integral handle.

 

[AKDoug]

Rigid makes a really nice adjustable wrench for that...

I have one Rigid and one West Marine wrench, it takes two.

 

[alormaria]

I bought a pair of these from Sears back when Craftsman was Craftsman.

Superior Tool 03840 Adjustable Combination Wrench

 

[BruceK]

If your choice has a handle,consider if it is constrained by what surrounds the gland nuts.

 

[Ski in NC]

I knock the lock nut loose with a hammer. Then snug the gland nut with channel locks. Then snug the lock nut back up with the hammer, holding the gland snug with the channel locks. Easy peasy.

 

[Capn Craig]

I got mine at an auction of tools I call it Monkey Wrench My Dad said it looked like a tool that came with Model A's (or was that T's) anyway they are still made and sold. See:

https://www.mcmaster.com/monkey-wrenches/nonmarring-pipe-wrenches-8/

Good luck to you

Craig

 

[Capn Craig]

If the link above doesnt work go www.mcmaster.com and search for 'monkey wrench'

Craig

 

[C lectric]

Actually companies like Rigid also offer smooth jawed wrenches. Lots of places where a pipe wrench is needed but not the marks teeth leave.

The old style Monkey Wrenches may be narrower so that may be an advantage.

 

[Bud]

Yorkdesignandfab.com sells a 3.25” wrench for stuffing boxes.

Thanks Comodave. I have been using a pipewrench with a cut-off handle.

Bud

 

[Larry M]

Similar to what Bruce referenced. A chain wrench has worked well for us.


https://www.homedepot.com/p/Crescen...4d298ba1f31a1ceffc89ebac3707e1b9&gclsrc=3p.ds

 

[Northern Spy]

I got mine at an auction of tools I call it Monkey Wrench My Dad said it looked like a tool that came with Model A's (or was that T's) anyway they are still made and sold. See:

https://www.mcmaster.com/monkey-wrenches/nonmarring-pipe-wrenches-8/

Good luck to you

Craig

I've always known them to be Ford wrenches. Quite popular in the USN.

 

[slowgoesit]

I got mine at an auction of tools I call it Monkey Wrench My Dad said it looked like a tool that came with Model A's (or was that T's) anyway they are still made and sold. See:
https://www.mcmaster.com/monkey-wrenches/nonmarring-pipe-wrenches-8/
Good luck to you Craig

I've got one of those, and have always known it as a "Ford" wrench! (Nothern Spy, you beat me to it!) Goggle it!

Plus, anyone want one cut out with plasma cutter, send me what you want and I can cut it out for you. Probably 1/4" or 5/16", whatever design you want.

For the design attached, I could do it for $20.00 plus shipping out of 1/4" mild steel. More for AR, greater thickness, or nitrited mild steel. Plus shipping. Pretty much my cost.

Designed for 3.25" nut (with a little play so you can slip it on easily), slightly oversized 1/2" hold for same reason, to insert 1/2" drive socket wrench or breaker bar, space to slip over up to a 2 1/2" driveshaft. Could customize however you want. Just a thought . . . .

 

[z1nonlyone]

I have a sheetmetal shop and used our Laser Cutting machine to make the wrenchs. The locknut and the gland were different sizes, wouldn't you know!

Chris

 

[FF]

A strap wrench that uses chain works well, even in narrow spots where only a bit of handle motion is available.

 

[z1nonlyone]

I've got one of those, and have always known it as a "Ford" wrench! (Nothern Spy, you beat me to it!) Goggle it!

Plus, anyone want one cut out with plasma cutter, send me what you want and I can cut it out for you. Probably 1/4" or 5/16", whatever design you want.

For the design attached, I could do it for $20.00 plus shipping out of 1/4" mild steel. More for AR, greater thickness, or nitrited mild steel. Plus shipping. Pretty much my cost.

Designed for 3.25" nut (with a little play so you can slip it on easily), slightly oversized 1/2" hold for same reason, to insert 1/2" drive socket wrench or breaker bar, space to slip over up to a 2 1/2" driveshaft. Could customize however you want. Just a thought . . . .

Nice design! I like the "wrap around" hex area!