Cylinder Repair

[Train]

It looks like it takes a 2 1/2 inch wrench, which I don't have, and I'm not about to spend 185 dollars on since I'll use it once, maybe twice. I thought about using a pipe wrench but the width on the nut is only 3/16 and I don't know if it will get enough bite. Any suggestions?

 

[adirondackmtnman]

My first thought was a pipe wrench. Should grab ok. If not, put the nut in a vise, and turn the cylinder with a strap wrench...

 

[Winmac]

Only concern with pipe wrenches is they put Huge clamping forces on the nut, often distorting it so badly it's no longer usable.

Short of making your own wrench I'd do as suggested and put nut in vice.

 

[wdchyd]

Short of making your own wrench I'd do as suggested and put nut in vice.

x2.......plus use a scrap piece of solid round steel stock in the base mount, then use a good sized pipe over the steel shaft to help loosen nut

 

[ray66v]

We would put the nut in the vice, and use a long bar, or pipe wrench on the other end.

 

[Cat_Driver]

Then make a THIN pair of crescent style wrench that fits it perfect with no slip off.

 

[otlski]

I agree with making a wrench. Just cut on a bandsaw and file to fit. Alternatively, I have sharpened a prick punch and place it just inside one of the bumped-out "ears" that make up the hex. With a hammer make a light hit enough to make a seat area. Place the prick punch in the seat and turn it so that is now facing the direction you need to loosen the nut. Do not go completely on the tangent or else you will breakout the crater wall of your seat. You want the angle to be somewhat biased toward center and somewhat on the tangent. Finally, once you have that compromise angle, give the punch a good sharp hit with the hammer. Several hits might be necessary adjusting the angle between hits to reestablish the crater seat and to provide rotation. The shock and rotation often break things free.

Dan

 

[City Farmer]

I bought a 24" adjustable wrench from harbor freight, $25 with the coupon. I'm not a big fan of China stuff but it's held up good so far.

 

[The Fred]

Buy the Chinese cheap wrench or make a plate out of 1/2 inch steel. You could cut the shape of the nut in with a plasma cutter.

Any way to replace the cylinder with an inexpensive one from surplus place? I just bought 2 cylinders for cheap and they are made by Cross in the USA.

Good luck, Fred

 

[Sodo]

Are you certain that's a threaded nut? Some glands are just turned and as it turns it feeds a spring clip into a groove, and those take very little force to turn, in that case a pipe wrench wont crush it.

If it is threaded, Gland nuts seal by O-ring, therefore are often not "tight", so I'd "try" a pipe wrench first (carefully).

If other wrenching methods don't work out,,,,

You can make a large box wrench quickly, maybe in less time than driving somewhere (or even less time than posting on TBN ) if you have this stuff.

-Welder
-Chopsaw or other way to cut 60 degrees
-Steel flat bar

 

[skyhook]

You could put a hose clamp on it,tighten it as much as you can,
then use a chisel and hammer where the screwdriver goes in.
Give a few good blows to loosen it up.