How to remove 2 1/2 retaining nut?

[sunlover]

This is new but it didn't seat right on the outside hull. It's recessed and none of my tools can get a grip on it.

Ideas? I keep thinking there must a sleeve like socket that would mate with it to tighten and loosen, but searches are empty.

 

[TimFromLI]

Retaining nut on what? Stuffing box, keel bolt? A picture would be helpful.

 

[sunlover]

Retaining nut on what? Stuffing box, keel bolt? A picture would be helpful.

thru Hull for galley sink. pic attached this time

 

[dlochner]

Since the boat is a Beneteau, the nut is probably metric.

Large sockets can be purchased at an auto supply store, like NAPA. Get a deep socket.

 

[sunlover]

Since the boat is a Beneteau, the nut is probably metric.

Large sockets can be purchased at an auto supply store, like NAPA. Get a deep socket.

It's a Groco: Groco Standard Bronze Thru Hull with Nut - 1-1/2" NPS / NPT

 

[TimFromLI]

Oh. That's a tough one. Even a socket might not have the space to fit. A hammer and screw driver to drive the nut off might work but you risk stripping it. I'm sure someone with more experience will comment soon.

 

[dlochner]

Oh. That's a tough one. Even a socket might not have the space to fit. A hammer and screw driver to drive the nut off might work but you risk stripping it. I'm sure someone with more experience will comment soon.

Unless the OP is planning on sealing the hole with fiberglass, this leaves the problem of installing a new through hull.

It look like the through hull is surrounded by a pan, it may be necessary to enlarge the hole in the pan to get a socket to fit.

 

[TimFromLI]

SUNEX TOOLS 2-1/2 in. 3/4 in. Driver 6-Point Deep Socket SUN480D - The Home Depot

This is an impact Socket and it is 2-1/2 in. It is 3/4 in. drive, 6 point and deep design. Designed to tackle the toughest jobs with solid durability and keeps them pounding job after job.

www.homedepot.com

 

[sunlover]

Unless the OP is planning on sealing the hole with fiberglass, this leaves the problem of installing a new through hull.

It look like the through hull is surrounded by a pan, it may be necessary to enlarge the hole in the pan to get a socket to fit.

I think he meant the old "tap the nut to create to create rotational force" trick. I'd get out the grinder, cut it off and buy a new one before destroying the fiberglass.

I could sacrifice the surface creating the recess as it's just a facade to cover the cover the hull. I suspect a trip to the hardware store is in my future to find a giant pliers or similar.

 

[sunlover]

This one looks promising. It's the right opening and the price is comfortable.

 

[sunlover]

SUNEX TOOLS 2-1/2 in. 3/4 in. Driver 6-Point Deep Socket SUN480D - The Home Depot

This is an impact Socket and it is 2-1/2 in. It is 3/4 in. drive, 6 point and deep design. Designed to tackle the toughest jobs with solid durability and keeps them pounding job after job.

www.homedepot.com

Nice thinking. I doubt the socket is deep enough. I suspect these are used to put up those massive high voltage poles.

 

[dlochner]

As tempting as they may be, any kind of pliers will run the risk of damaging the nut. Use a deep set socket.

 

[Richard19068]

Off base question, but if it is new how did it get tightened in the first place?

 

[sunlover]

Off base question, but if it is new how did it get tightened in the first place?

.

I hand tightened it using a screwdriver to push it. Now, the silicone has hardened, so that technique won't work. I think I identified some tools at Lowe's so I'll go pick them up tomorrow.

 

[31seahorse]

Have you soaked the nut and threads in PB Blaster or another of your favorite penetrating lubricants? After that has had time to work and has been repeated a time or two, have a helper insert an appropriate tool/device/flat thing into the through hull opening from the outside so it will be less likely to rotate when you work on the inside where the nut is located.

The "tapping" with a hammer and a chisel might be the best choice because the nut is depressed in a difficult to reach area. Note: Even happy music might not make it less depressed.

An oscillating tool with a metal cutting blade might work in two ways......(1) carefully enlarge the "liner" or pan that is around the nut (dust mask and goggles required) and use one of your tools to turn the nut OR (2) carefully cut the nut. After one relief cut the nut might move. It will definitely move after two or three cuts! Avoid the threads unless you plan to replace the through hull.

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

Have you considered shower valve wrenches?
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Val...Al3HBbgzyU6zocGCJrhoC9yQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Or a bung wrench?

Drum Plug Opener H-1552 - Uline

Unscrew plugs and bungs. Non-sparking bronze alloy for flammable materials. Elongated 7 1/2" handle for extra leverage. Corrosion resistant. ULINE offers over 41,000 boxes, plastic poly bags, mailing tubes, warehouse supplies and bubble wrap for your storage, packaging, or shipping supplies.

www.uline.com

 

[Pagan Baby]

If it’s a through hull there should be “ears” on the outside. You can get a stepped through hull wrench or just use a piece of flat steel the same size as the opening from a big box store. Turn the through hull from the outside with something jammed against the nut on the inside and you should be able to screw it off.

 

[Captain Larry-DH]

snip
I'd get out the grinder, cut it off and buy a new one before destroying the fiberglass.
snip

What he said. Just grind the head off from the outside where it's easy to work. Then tap it out.
(The reason for the recess is no core where the fitting is. Solid glass is thinner.)

 

[All U Get]

How about a crow’s foot set for a ratchet? I‘ve used them for many tight places where a socket is too short.

 

[JamesG161]

This is a cool no socket wrench....

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZRVR2Z/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s01?ie=UTF8&th=1



fits metric and Imperial.

Jim...