Can a Plumbing Step Wrench be used on Through Hulls?

[Project_Mayhem]

Can a plumbing step wrench such as the one below be used for a through hull? This one is $10. At that price, it wouldn't be worth making one out of a pipe

Step Sizes: 10 | 11 | 12.5 | 16 | 21mm, 3/8" 7/16" 1/2" 5/8" 13/16"

 

[dlochner]

Hard to tell. Easy to make a tool from a ¼" x 1" iron bar. Use a grinding wheel or angle grinder to notch the end to fit the thru hull. You get two sizes out of each tool you make. Cheap and easy.

Not the best photo. The bar twisted a bit while trying to remove an uncooperative thru hull.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

At that price, it wouldn't be worth making one out of a pipe

I've used 1-1/4" X 1/4" flat bar as per @dlochner above. Cheap and solid IF you've got the grinder.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Actually, I don't think this step wrench would work for holding on to thru hulls.

When making the thru hull wrench from a piece of flat bar, I found it necessary to ensure the two biting edges were 90° to the flat face and sharp as a razor to get a solid grip. They were also wide enough that that they had to be lightly tapped into the thru hull.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

I've used 1-1/4" X 1/4" flat bar as per @dlochner above. Cheap and solid IF you've got the grinder.

I have a few grinders but f

Actually, I don't think this step wrench would work for holding on to thru hulls.

View attachment 222549

When making the thru hull wrench from a piece of flat bar, I found it necessary to ensure the two biting edges were 90° to the flat face and sharp as a razor to get a solid grip. They were also wide enough that that they had to be lightly tapped into the thru hull.

Thanks for an accurate answer. I'll measure the ID of the thru hull when I'm at the yard later this week. I've seen tools made of steel pipe, bars and old sockets

 

[sesmith]

Here's the tool. It's pricey, but it's for a boat.

Buck Algonquin 3BTHW50150 Thru Hull Step Wrenches

3BTHW50150 Buck Algonquin Thru Hull Step Wrenches on sale now. Save big on Buck Algonquin hardware.

www.deepblueyachtsupply.com

I've used a prybar in a pinch, but I have one of these.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

Here's the tool. It's pricey, but it's for a boat.

Buck Algonquin 3BTHW50150 Thru Hull Step Wrenches

3BTHW50150 Buck Algonquin Thru Hull Step Wrenches on sale now. Save big on Buck Algonquin hardware.

www.deepblueyachtsupply.com

I've used a prybar in a pinch, but I have one of these.

I wont use it enough to justify spending $60 on it. I can pickup some scrap metal for less than $5 or possibly find an old socket. I have five socket sets. Only two are in use and complete

 

[Richard19068]

I used a galvanized pipe nipple and cut slots in it to engage the tabs in the thru hull. But if you have a spare socket that would probably work fine.

 

[RoyS]

Here is a simple trick that will cost you nothing. Layout your open end/box wrenches in a row by size. Select the box end wrench that just slips inside the thru-hull and engages the ridges. One of them will just fit. Hold that wrench inside the thru-hull and grab the open end (other end) with another open end wrench and turn it in the desired direction.

 

[Ward H]

I did something similar to @RoyS . I pulled out a brake adjustment tool. It locked into my 3/4" thru hulls nicely. I've used it four times.

 

[Project_Mayhem]

@roy has a great idea and it really does cost nothing, not even time!

Another idea is if the nipple of your thru hull is long enough, drill a hole straight through it for a screwdriver. When you get the nut off, it will straighten the threads out

 

[bobtigar]

If you are looking for something to keep the thru hull from spinning while you are removing it or tighting it-a 2 x4 cut to the right dia about 12" long

 

[Project_Mayhem]

If you are looking for something to keep the thru hull from spinning while you are removing it or tighting it-a 2 x4 cut to the right dia about 12" long

Just throwing out ideas at this point. I rebedded my thru hull with 4200 a couple of years ago so it shouldn't be too difficult. Just trying to chase down a leak