Stuffing Box Nut Spanners?

[hebdena]

Hello All,

Does anyone know where I can get some packing nut spanners for my sterntube? I see that West Marine have some in their catalogue but I would rather order from within the UK initially. ASAP don't do them, I have asked.

Thanks in anticipation

Andrew

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[chas]

I use adustable grips from B&Q

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[vyv_cox]

I have two adjustables. One is an old King Dick, a family heirloom almost, with a square jaw that adjusts with a worm drive. The other is a huge, more modern type that I bought from a street market very cheaply. The versatility of an adjustable allows it to be used for other jobs that need a bit of extra leverage.

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[dickh]

Or make your own - they would not need to be of Chrome Vanadium Steel. 6 or 8mm thick mild steel will do the job adequately.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
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[Skyva_2]

We looked hard and eventually had two spanners made up by a local engineering firm.
They had to be thin gauge steel and short for access reasons. Very successful. Adjustables just did not work in a confined space. For a while we used a couple of finger clamps.

Keith

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[yoda]

One alternative is to replace the two parts of the stiffing gland nut with a version that can is 'spoked' to enable it to be turned by use of a bar being hit by a hammer. (hope that makes sense). Phone C&O engineering on 01626 367782, I know they can get them.

Yoda

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[rich]

Have you been drinking!!!!!!!

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[Omatako]

I agree. Made mine of 6 mm mild steel and making your own also allows you to form the handles to give better leverage in confined space. They don't have to be be that strong.

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[hebdena]

Thanks for the responses. I have a friend with a metal fabrication business so a few homemade spanners should cost me a pint or 2.

Regards...............Andrew

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[Guest]

Pipe-fitters grips ...

But I know that some boats are so bad for access - a purpose designed tool has to be made .....

One day designers / builders and fabricators will think about the poor sod who has to service later !!

Engine mount bolts insterted into oak mounts from below and then mounts fitted to boat .... bolts can't be extracted !!
Packing nuts that are squeezed into tiny holes ....
Throttle cables that need needle fingers 10" long to fit to throttle lever on pump ..... of course the whole affair cramped up into a 'shoe-box' with no room to move ...
elerctric cables fitted behind bling panels and too short for servicing .....

Ring any bells ???????


<hr width=100% size=1>Nigel ...
Bilge Keelers get up further ! I came - cos they said was FREE Guinness !
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[dulcibella]

Hame you come across the technique of tapping gently and repeatedly on the "unscrew" edge of one of the nut flats with a very small hammer (old-fashioned toffee hammer is ideal)? Sounds crazy but it gives the result after a few minutes with no application of brute force, and can be used in the tightest corner.

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[kds]

I like the idea - can you also tap on the "screw" edge to tighten ?

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[yoda]

I was trying to describe a nut specifically designed for just such a method. They do exist and make the application of a gentle tap a lot easier.

Yoda

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[sailorman]

buy a "chain wrench" u can also use it on your oil filter ect.

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