Tightening Skin Fittings?

[Guest]

Hi,

I have to re-fit the log paddle wheel skin fitting on my boat before she goes back in the water. However the nut that screws on to this fitting on the inside of the boat has a distance between the 2 flats of 50mm. Clearly I want to do a good job and wondered if anyone knows of an inexpensive tool designed for this job as I don't really want to go and fork out for a 50mm spanner or adjustable that will do it.

Any suggestions most welcome,

Cheers,

David

 

[mica]

I am told they should be tightened by hand as it is only a plastic fitting and overtightening would fracture the plastic.

Regards

MICA

 

[mica]

Re previous post, sorry I was referring the the paddle wheel itself. Obviously the skin fitting must be watertight. What is the nut made of, metal or plastic?

Regards

MICA

 

[gus]

Usually plastic. To aid tightening - but not overtightening, make your own 'spanner' by cutting out 1/2 a nut shape in a piece of sheet metal.

 

[Guest]

I find a good paie of stilsons (adjustable pipe wrench) a very usefull tool for large fittings. A length of scrap leather can be used to prevent damage to nuts if needed and obviously graet care with plastic fittings. although quite expensive the have so many uses they are worth it!

Roly, Voya Con Dios, Glasson, Lancaster

 

[VMALLOWS]

As Gus mentions, avoid overtightening at all costs, because you'll squeeze all the sealant out.
Personally I would hand tighten little more than finger-tight at first. Then leave for a time dependent on the type of sealant and conditions. (perhaps 30 minutes for silicone; an hour or two for polysulphide) and then hand tighten the nut firmly but without a tool, probably with a leather/pvc glove for grip. (On my Sadler, there is no way you could use a tool other than a box-spanner or similar).
Make certain first that the fitting itself can not turn in the hull as this would break the sealant seal.
Be very carefull not to get any sealant onto the part of the fitting thread that will engage with the nut as you would not be able to do the secondary tightening. Also suggest you check that the hull area that will be in contact with the nut is flat and true: if necessary make up a packing piece of some suitable material.

My maintenace is usually between tides so it's always a bit stressful in case it goes wrong! Anyone got any other techniques?

 

[billskip]

Nip it up with the leather strap tool used for undoing the oil filters..no more than ½ turn over hand tight imho

Bill
www.aegeansailing.co.uk