A Better Spud Wrench?

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

Does anyone have a source for a stronger spud wrench than the cheap cast ones that twist when faced with a tight old spud?

Gordo

Please

If anyone knows, come forth!

Charlie from wmass

Mine don't twist they break

off the tabs inside the spud. I got ideas for a better one but I have yet to get a prototype. By the time I am 90 I will get it on the market I am sure.

Al Letellier_21

spud tool

I rarely ever bother with the spud wrench except to INSTALL the spud. I always crack the strap nut with a chisel and hit it with a 24" wrench and some Lets Go...if it doesn't move, out comes the sawsall and a capeing chisel....works every time.

You could find a good machinist and see if he could cut you a steel one,but that would be a lot of work.

The Steam Whisperer (Formerly Boilerpro)

A extra tip for removing....

Depending on the size, After taking off the nut, get a short nipple th next sizwe down from the spud and drive it into the end of the spud.  This keeps the brass from collapsing and usually allows me to get the spud out every time without having to take out the sawzall.

Al Corelli_2

I use...

On the smaller sizes (I have done thousands of steam traps), I use an old stepped/tapered air conditioning flare tool, tapped (hammered) into the spud. After removing the nut, It just turns right out most times. If not, then out comes the sawsall and the chisel. 

haventseenenough

haventseenenough

Boy I got lucky with my spud wrench, got a hand me down from a old timer who broke me into the trade. Still have it and happy to have it. They don't know what it's for out here in Colorado.