Please recommend a pipe wrench tool

[submariner]

Please recommend a pipe wrench tool. I need to undo/tighten several smooth chrome finished pipes & fittings. They're mostly between 1" and 2" diameter.

I have a Hazet 2170 strap wrench and a Baby Boa strap wrench. The Hazet is great for larger pipes and oil filters but does not work well for anything under 2". The Baby Boa wrench is good for loosening lids on jars but fiddly and useless for anything else.

An ideal tool would be the Knipex 81 13 250 pipe wrench but it's designed for much larger pipes. Is there something out there specifically for smaller pipes?

 

[submariner]

Forgot to mention, I've also read several reviews on the Ridgid strap wrench (the gold standard?) indicating that it's not ideal for smaller pipes.

 

[hautpot]

knipex 58788

 

[submariner]

knipex 58788

Interesting option...since I already have a 10" Knipex Cobra

 

[hautpot]

Its also like $5 USD for 5 pairs? If you do try them out tell GJ how you like them!

EDIT added USD

 

[submariner]

For whatever reason the knipex 58788 is only available at very few sellers, most with inflated shipping to Australia (yes I checked ebay). I'm still searching...

I found a review albeit in Japanese: http://blog.livedoor.jp/matcotools/archives/1033453268.html

Looks good.

 

[hautpot]

Hmm... well I just bought ten, if ya want ill mail a pair to you.

 

[submariner]

Thanks but I think I need a whole pack of 10 (5 pairs).

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I don't know how great it would work with chrome, but I've wrapped the hell out of my Channellock slip-joint pliers with electrical tape so the teeth grip, but won't leave any marks.

 

[davethorik]

I don't know how great it would work with chrome, but I've wrapped the hell out of my Channellock slip-joint pliers with electrical tape so the teeth grip, but won't leave any marks.

Channellock makes a smooth jaw pair of tongue and groove pliers. #415 iirc

 

[Wamsutta]

Are the chrome pipe fittings going to have wrench flats? If so, go with the Knipex plier wrench.

 

[submariner]

Unfortunately they are round and smooth.

 

[four.cycle]

smooth-jaw plier won't work?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Wilde-10-Pi...hash=item280def5864:m:mHMpEzyCoD8gOJrgcng_clA

 

[submariner]

I may get these:

IPS PH-200 Non-marring Plastic Jaw Soft Touch Slip Joint Pliers

Only US $7.77, made in Japan, cheap airmail. Makes the knipex 58788 look expensive

 

[OutsideMachinist]

http://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-31305-8-Inch-8-Inch-Capacity/dp/B0009W9BT0

 

[submariner]

OutsideMachinist, don't think that will work on round chrome surfaces such as faucet aerators.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Sorry I see what you were looking for now. Hope the ones in the link work for you. I have always known those as cannon plug pliers.

 

[bart1]

I have some of those jaw covers from Craftsman.

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...00P?sid=IDxCMDFx20140801x001&KPID=00945446000

 

[theoldwizard1]

"Chromed" plumbing should never be tightened more than hand tight ! Also must chromed brass drain pipes are so thin you can almost crush them with your hands so using any kind of wrench will surely ruin it.

As for the chrome "nuts", I have never had to use more than an arc joint pliers (Channellocks) on any of them.

 

[Ericgst]

I'd use a Knipex Pliers Wrench for the fittings, the pipe shouldn't need anything but your hand

 

[JimRB]

Sometimes these gripper pads help. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004HM1E3Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jallyn]

I'd use a Knipex Pliers Wrench for the fittings, the pipe shouldn't need anything but your hand

+1.

For Chrome fittings use the Knipex PliersWrench. I have a couple sizes. For what you are asking... the 10" size are good for fittings up to 1-3/4" across flats. The 12" size are good for up to 2-3/8" across flats. Part numbers are 8603250 and 8603300 respectively. These are pricey but they will not only do what you are asking, but replace adjustable wrenches with an upgrade, provide a handy way to flatten sheet metal and small parts, tighten rivets, and provide a hand-held vice (for tight gripping during drilling or anything for that matter). I can't recommend them any more highly.

As an adjustable wrench there is no backlash, you can hold on to a fastener in a hard to reach area, and they do ratchet very well which a standard adjustable wrench could only dream of.