Looking for a tool for a specific task

[mires]

Hey guys. I'm a plumber and I'm looking for the best tool to tighten supply line nuts to stops quickly and painlessly. I've always used pliers which are fine when you can break the nut loose and unthread by hand the rest of the way but more often than not, a tool needs to be used to take it all the way off which can get tiring. I'm curious about the ratcheting open end wrenches for this task. I searched and found several threads about them and it seems in general, most folks are not a fan of them. I wondered however in this low torque situation how well they might work? Any other suggestions for a tool for just this one task?

 

[GeoBruin]

How about ratcheting flare nut wrench set? I have the Strides and they've been great. They're also sold as Wright and Proto etc but HJE has the best price on them at the moment.

They're black oxide so maybe not the best for plumbing work and you probably dont need sizes up to an inch?

They also don't have flex heads which seems like it could be useful in tight spots.

These from gearwrench look like they would solve all the problems listed above.

 

[LXCam]

These gear wrench ones **** at what they were designed to do. But I break them out pretty regularly for the exact same thing you want. That’s the only reason I don’t **** can them.

 

[Jim greengo]

Hey guys. I'm a plumber and I'm looking for the best tool to tighten supply line nuts to stops quickly and painlessly. I've always used pliers which are fine when you can break the nut loose and unthread by hand the rest of the way but more often than not, a tool needs to be used to take it all the way off which can get tiring. I'm curious about the ratcheting open end wrenches for this task. I searched and found several threads about them and it seems in general, most folks are not a fan of them. I wondered however in this low torque situation how well they might work? Any other suggestions for a tool for just this one task?

I carry a 6" cresentwrench in my pocket,works good and doesn't tear things up.

 

[nbpt100]

The type I am familiar with are an open end that require a 60 degree rotation for them to work. This may be a deal breaker in many cases. Not sure what the min rotation is on the GW?. Never used them so I can not comment on much more.

This type has 72 teeth so it gives a 5 degree rotation. This should be much better. Not sure how large they come. This one goes up to 3/4". They are out there. Not sure where you could find something that would be suitable.

https://im01.itaiwantrade.com/0abe1db8-08c8-423a-8f5a-f2c31336c932/Ratchet_%26_Release_Flare_Nut_Wrench__FW-73208_(2).png

 

[Ricky Joe]

TAC set?

 

[Dave455]

How about a Stahlwille FastRatch?

I don’t own any of these, but I’ve seen them used and they appear to be very effective. More so than the appearance suggests.

 

[mires]

Thanks for the replies guys. Forgot to mention that I really only need the 5/8'' size. The gearwrench look like they would work great for this application. Does anyone know the overall length of the 5/8 wrench from that set?

 

[bscman]

I'm not a plumber, but between the recreational property, the 6 sinks in my own home, and being the "mechanically inclined" family member that always gets called, I understand the frustration.

I went to harbor freight and grabbed 5/8, 3/4, and 7/8" open end wrenches and cut them down to about 4-5", beveled the edges, slimmed the outsides of the jaws, and they make a pretty handy wrench for reaching up behind sinks and toilets.
Plenty of leverage for what is needed, and they fit tight spaces much better than an adjustable wrench.

 

[nbpt100]

There is a chart in here that give the OAL. Good luck... Again I think this style requires a 60 degree rotation between regrabbing the next flat. If that works great.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007C6JX8A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BukitCase]

I have one of these, hasn't let me down yet

Amazon.com

The spring loaded jaw lets it work like a ratchet, for reverse just flip it to the other side ... Steve

 

[housewolf]

I

I have one of these, hasn't let me down yet

Amazon.com

The spring loaded jaw lets it work like a ratchet, for reverse just flip it to the other side ... Steve

Basin wrench. I have a few of those but actually prefer using a small (6-8”) adjustable wrench. I think a basin wrench is fine on anything with a rubber gasket in them, but we use the supply tubes with the “peckerhead” (sorry I honestly don’t know another name for them) end on them a lot in hospitals. They aren’t prone to leaking but they do need to be seated properly and pretty snug. IME a crescent wrench works better for me anyway.