Tool to remove deck drain?

[rosssavage]

Hi all,

Have to remove my cockpit deck drain to fit new fake teak deck.

Held on by 100mm approx nut (flat to flat) - what's the best option?

Stilsons seem the obvious choice, but the threads are a little manky and I want to avoid knackering the nut. An open end spanner would be too long due to access, and I'm not sure of the actual nut size. Getting to it to check is, of course, a complete bxxxh (obviously, it's on a boat!!)

What do you use?

Many thanks

 

[vyv_cox]

Sounds like a good option would be the one chosen by many for skin fittings. Either cut it out using a hole cutter, or grind the inner diameter until it can be pushed out, then buy a new one.

 

[rosssavage]

Destroying it is a plan b option Vyv - I have two to remove/replace, and the new fake teak deck is costing me enough without replacing the fittings too!!

Already got plus gas on them ready for next week, it's just getting the best tool considering I don't know the actual diameter of the nuts, and have limited access to them.

 

[vyv_cox]

Maybe one of the oil filter removal tools? Ours is just a plastic and rubber one that doesn't offer a lot of strength but there are far better metal ones.

 

[prv]

Old blunt chisel at an angle onto one of the flats? Not to cut it (though obviously it will leave a dent) but rather to knock it round until loosened.

Pete

 

[David2452]

Correct size box spanner? trouble is it will probably be just as cheap to get new drains.

 

[NormanS]

Correct size box spanner? trouble is it will probably be just as cheap to get new drains.

Yes, but he'll still need something to tighten the nuts on the new drains. Beg, borrow, or steel a box spanner. (Or make one) It doesn't have to be bonny.

 

[rosssavage]

Done a bit of digging - can get new fittings for about £20 ea, so for ease and speed butchery may be a good option. Could then make / borrow / the right size box spanner to refit... At least i can check it will be the right size for the new one with it preinstall!!

 

[rosssavage]

Now of course I can't find a box spanner big enough!!

Actually quite like Vyv's idea - I do have a swan neck style oil filter remover that might fit. Plus gas and a bit of heat (careful with the deck GRP!) might work.

 

[David2452]

Now of course I can't find a box spanner big enough!! .

What size across the flats?

 

[rosssavage]

Not really sure due access, but it isn't far off 100mm. Need to get the callipers in there to check at some point.

 

[Iliade]

I used to have a strap wrench (oil filter remover) comprised of a length of 'bicycle' chain and sort of a deep nut. It accepted a 1/2" (or was it 3/4"?) square drive and would undo all manner of round(ish) things, even when they were very tight, unlike standard oil filter wrenches.

T'was a bigger version of this, which may be quite enough for your job:

http://www.powertoolsdirect.com/teng-tools-9120-oil-filter-wrench-chain-strap-120mm-cap-1-2in-drive

 

[PetiteFleur]

Or, how about a box spanner for undoing immersion heaters? Not got one and don't know the a/f dimension, other the filter removal tool with a chain and 1/2" socket as suggested earlier - I have the webbing & ruber strap version and they work well.

 

[pampas]

Or the correct a/f sized "Crow Foot" .

 

[nigelmercier]

Or the correct a/f sized "Crow Foot" .

Does these actually work? I don't see how they can be very efficient.

 

[rosssavage]

Yes, they do. Used to use them regularly fixing planes in a previous life. If you imagine the ratchet drive is locked, it's just a spanner. Adding an extension allows difficult access.

 

[Lakesailor]

Put a worm drive (Jubillee) clip around the nut and tap the thread enclosure with a hammer to undo the nut.

 

[cliff]

You need ot measure accurately the A/F dimension and note if the nut is hex or octagonal.

Large box spanners available here:
http://www.tooled-up.com/product/melco-tim13-metric-box-spanner-75x80mm-x-8/6195/
or make your own out os suitably sized pipe/tube

 

[rosssavage]

Having attacked the plus gas soaked nuts for an hour or so yesterday using two different oil filter remover and the swan neck approach I got nowhere. Cliff's box spanner at £48 is the cheapest proper tool (open ended spanners, adjustable wrenches etc were all north of £100) but I can get new brass deck drains for £16ea from ASAP, destruction is now the preferred (cheapest!) option.

Going to use a Dremel with a cutting disk through the top to mid way through deck level and grind them off.

Thanks for your ideas!!

 

[cliff]

I am sure if you know the AF size there will be a local HGV repair shop that would lend you a box spanner - they use them fro adjusting wheel bearings etc. No need to fork out 50 beer tokens for a one off job