lynnbilodeau
Well-known member
Where can I get a 3 1/4 inch open end wrench?
3.25 inch open end wrench
- Thread starter lynnbilodeau
- Start date
kmacht
Well-known member
Even if you could get one, how are you going to.have enough strength/power to tighten or losen it?
Walkers
Well-known member
Depending on the style and torque needed, I have burned them out of plate in large sizes.
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Milwaukee 48 in. Steel Pipe Wrench 48-22-7148 - The Home Depot
The MILWAUKEE 48-inch Steel Pipe Wrench has been designed from the ground up to deliver maximum productivity to professional users. The 48
www.homedepot.com
OP
lynnbilodeau
Well-known member
Not that much torque required. I can use a large pipe wrench, but it is a restoration project, and I don't want to mar the nut if I don't have to. We are restoring this magnificent late Victorian masterpiece built in 1902. It is the State Capital Publishing Museum in Guthrie, OK. Shameless plug: https://publishingmuseum.org/
I need to move most of the first floor radiators so we can get to the windows. I do not believe the radiators have ever been restored. I would rather use a wrench with smooth jaws instead of a large pipe wrench. I am probably the only one that will ever notice marks on that nut; still, I would rather do it without making marks.
We plan to move them in two weeks on the 17th of June, so I have some time to line up everything I need.
Attachments
This will fit, and the jaws are smooth:
The 15 might fit also, not sure if it opens large enough thouh
The 15 might fit also, not sure if it opens large enough thouh
OP
lynnbilodeau
Well-known member
You sure that opens to 3.25? I could not find that spec for jaw opening.
Thanks for the link.
Thanks for the link.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
By tape, mine opens to just a bit over 4.5 inches at full spread. The jaw depth is only about 2-1/8 though. It will grip 3.25 hex or octagon just fine.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
The problem with ford wrenches is they have shallow jaws, so on big fasteners they lose purchase.
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being brass they shouldn't take much to break them loose .
RTM
Well-known member
How about this, and a few minutes with a grinder.
Or this with even more time with a grinder
Or the easy and expensive way
www.harryepstein.com
WTA 3" Open End HJE Crowfoot 1/2" Dr (1160B)
WTA 3" Open End HJE Crowfoot 1/2" Dr (1160B)
www.harryepstein.com
Or this with even more time with a grinder
3 1/8 Flarenut Crowfoot Wrench - 1/2 Dr.
3 1/8 Flarenut Crowfoot Wrench - 1/2 Dr.
www.harryepstein.com
Or the easy and expensive way
3-1/4" Black Combination Wrench 12 Pt. (11X04WR)
3-1/4" Black Combination Wrench 12 Pt.
nadogail
Well-known member
The need for Big Wrenches are one of good reasons to own a CNC Plasma Cutter.
Ole Slewfoot
Well-known member
Tack a bit of mild steel over the jaw of the biggest yard sale pipe wrench you can find.
bwringer
Well-known member
I'd make a wrench rather than drop over a grand... the hard part would be getting the jaws smooth enough to avoid marring the nut.
All that said, I'm not sure about the idea of smoothing a pipe wrench's jaws by grinding or with inserts; they're designed to dig in. It may or may not work depending on the torque needed. You might need to pay attention to the angles of the inserts, since pipe wrench jaws are not parallel.
While helping out around his farm, I once asked my Uncle, "Hey, what's that big green wrench for?"
He immediately shot back "Big green nuts" and walked away.
Thus I was enlightened.
All that said, I'm not sure about the idea of smoothing a pipe wrench's jaws by grinding or with inserts; they're designed to dig in. It may or may not work depending on the torque needed. You might need to pay attention to the angles of the inserts, since pipe wrench jaws are not parallel.
While helping out around his farm, I once asked my Uncle, "Hey, what's that big green wrench for?"
He immediately shot back "Big green nuts" and walked away.
Thus I was enlightened.
hefnerconstructionlc
Well-known member
Before you go to break it free warm that thing up with the portable propane torch. It'll help that not come off even easier. To help minimize your scratching situation.
Crabman
Well-known member
@lynnbilodeau
@darkzero appears correct below with a little googling
Good luck with the project, it looks very very cool.
Bruce
@darkzero appears correct below with a little googling
Good luck with the project, it looks very very cool.
Bruce
This seems like the best answer. Awesome project and good on you for wanting to be a conservationist about it.Knipex Pliers Wrench XL opens up to 3-3/8", costs about $130+/- these days.
RPH
Well-known member
Wrap a leather belt around it after warming it up. The belt will protect against gouging if you’re careful. One reason to keep old belts of different kinds handy for cushioning.
Rusted Nut
Well-known member
Smooth jawed pipe wrench, or copper/lead insert on a serrated jaw pipe wrench.
OP
lynnbilodeau
Well-known member
Thanks for all the leads. I have a large crows foot wrench that I got at a local flea market for $3. Just went an checked; it is only 2.75.
I have some left over leather strapping from replacing the belts on a manual press circa 1860. I already have a pipe wrench I think will go that big, so will try it with the leather wrapped around the nut. We aren't moving them for another two weeks, so I have time to figure out something.
IF I can remember, I will update this thread with results. This is one reason I really like this site; there are so many knowledgeable folks from almost every discipline under the sun.
Thanks again.
I have some left over leather strapping from replacing the belts on a manual press circa 1860. I already have a pipe wrench I think will go that big, so will try it with the leather wrapped around the nut. We aren't moving them for another two weeks, so I have time to figure out something.
IF I can remember, I will update this thread with results. This is one reason I really like this site; there are so many knowledgeable folks from almost every discipline under the sun.
Thanks again.
OP
lynnbilodeau
Well-known member
The big wrench from McMaster Carr is only $1,018.83 Each.
Was getting ready to pull the trigger (tongue firmly in cheek) when I realized it was black oxide. Nope; over a grand it better be polished chrome.
Was getting ready to pull the trigger (tongue firmly in cheek) when I realized it was black oxide. Nope; over a grand it better be polished chrome.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Urrea makes combos up to 4" in a satin finish.
Here's a 3-1/4 on ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2560524005...113b338ccdaf4c7a19d29&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Bluepoint 30" adjustable wrenches show they go to 3-11/32.
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Sta...0"-Side-Adjustable-Wrench-(Blue-Point)/GAJS30
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Sta...t)/30"-Adjustable-Wrench-(Blue-Point)/GAJS30A
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Sta...0"-Side-Adjustable-Wrench-(Blue-Point)/GAJS30
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Sta...t)/30"-Adjustable-Wrench-(Blue-Point)/GAJS30A
speed bump
Well-known member
Wrap it with a rag and use a pipe wrench.
RPH
Well-known member
Hit the flats on the Union hammer. If you have 2 weeks before opening them. Then let the time work in your favor. Penetrating oil and light taps around the union will help loosen it. The belt trick works!
whateg01
Well-known member
Even if it opens that far, I can't see how it has enough reach to cover the flat on a fastener that big. I would also burn one on the plasma table. I would follow that up with smoothing the jaws on the mill to reduce and marring. I might also make it a crows foot so it's smaller when stored and I could use a ratchet to get on it at different angles as needed.
I've got one of these. I work on man lifts for a living...nobody in the shop had a 3 inch wrench for a hydraulic hose one day...I bought this the next time I saw the Snap on man. Super nice quality wrench! Very heavy as well...just the weight alone will give you some extra oomph!
Joel