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-BE...s%2C259&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/packin...tainless-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-Chain...AAAOSwvGdbn~G~

[MurrayM]

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

https://www.amazon.com/IRWIN-VISE-GR.../dp/B00004SBB1

[Comodave]

Originally Posted by Mengering

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-wren...pe-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]

Originally Posted by Comodave

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

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

Bud