Help, I need a special tool.

[green.bubbly]

Here is my situation, I just installed a mini-split in my shop. Rather than running the lineset straight out the back, I ran it through the wall. I know, I know but I did not for see this being a problem.

So what I have is a rectangle hole in my wall about four inches high and 18 inches across. In this hole about three inches deep is my lineset ends that need to be tightened together. Problem is that if I try and use a typical open end 24mm wrench, I do not have enough swing room to tighten the fitting.

The only thing I could find online is something like this...

I was thinking of a curved open end wrench but not sure if they exist. Any other suggestions? Keeping in mind that it needs to go around the tubing so I would need something like a curved flare wrench.

 

[Bull]

I am a poor visualizer; I need to see things right in front of my face.

But, what about a crowsfoot flare wrench?

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Or one of the old style ratcheting line wrenches.

 

[speed bump]

Crowsfoot or a ratcheting flare wrench from Imperial.

Or sacrifice a wrench and bend it to the way you need it.

 

[stonewellmark]

crowsfoot with extension or something like a sink strainer wrench.

 

[airbuff101]

Don't get stuck on 24mm.
15/16" is a direct equivalent (for all practical purposes).
Lots of odd, older ratcheting action wrenche designs in SAE sizes that would be a wild goose chase in 24mm.
One of the older open end "ratcheting" wrenches may work.
I realize that you must have it quickly though and don't have an answer for that.

airbuff

 

[t100]

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Ah! Cut a slot in the box end of a cheap 12 point wrench.

 

[green.bubbly]

I am a poor visualizer; I need to see things right in front of my face.

But, what about a crowsfoot flare wrench?

Yeah and I am probably not the best at explaining things.

I am thinking the crows foot flare wrench might work or even an ignition wrench if I can find one large enough.

 

[Gtamazing]

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Yeah and I am probably not the best at explaining things.

I am thinking the crows foot flare wrench might work or even an ignition wrench if I can find one large enough.

Do you have enough room to get an open end wrench on it, if not enough to turn it?

 

[stltikn]

Try a basin wrench. Cut or bend to fit your situation. They're cheap and can move just a few degrees.

 

[green.bubbly]

Ok, you have all given me some things to think about tonight while I lay in bed desperately trying to fall asleep.

 

[2oolhound]

How about a 4 way wrench. There are some for sale in classified

 

[diesel research]

Or one of the old style ratcheting line wrenches.

I used to have a set of "industrial" ones as described above. They were either armstrong or proto and were sometimes the only satisfactory tool for air lines.

I lost them and cannot find replacements. Everyone looks at me stupid when I say "ratcheting line wrench"

They were somewhat like imperial, BUT came in a more useful variety of sizes.

 

[arizonaadam]

Can't you cut the wall and repair the drywall? Maybe I don't understand.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Why not try a Craftsman ratcheting open end wrench? Although i'm not sure what their swing arc is like.

EDIT: nevermind, i just noticed your size requirements, and their set doesnt go that large...

 

[diesel research]

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Basin wrench. Easy enough to get, from any plumbing (and many homeowner) stores.

 

[ItWasJustHere]

There's already a hole there, why not just make it bigger?

 

[Major Ramifications]

How about a 4 way wrench. There are some for sale in classified

I thought a 4 way wrench was a lug wrench. Is that what the wrench you posted the picture of called also? I have some of those and I don't know what to call them.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

It would be so much easier if you post picture of the wall.

 

[green.bubbly]

I will post pics tomorrow but after striking out at Sears today, I came home with a 15/16 box in wrench that I modified with a grinder. Hopefully this will work or I will have to continue my tool shopping.

 

[ghnl]

How deep inside the wall is the fitting you need to access?

Can you unhook the mini split unit from the wall, move it out a few inches (might need the mythical 'trusted assistant'), tighten the fitting and hook the unit back on the wall? The linesets usually have some freedom of movement.