what size hex to put in a new trap tail piece?

rhodebump

I was putting in a new steam trap and the flared fitting has a hex on the inside of the fitting. It's bigger than the 3/8 size hex that I had, and bigger than anything they sell at lowes.

Here is a picture of it, with a dime alongside for size comparison. I was able do to that by putting it on a glass table and taking the picture from under the table (in case you were wondering).




Thanks!
Phillip

nicholas bonham-carter

Where did the steam trap come from?—NBC

GW

Get a torx set

acwagner

You could also take it to the hardware store with you and try different bolts heads in it. If its about the size of a dime it's probably 5/8", which would correspond to a 7/16" bolt.

rhodebump

The steam trap came from State Supply. It's a Mepco 1E https://www.statesupply.com/dm1059

Neild5

It is probably 5/8. The bolt and nut work, but Pat a large washer on the bolt so it doesn't drop thru.

EBEBRATT-Ed

I have also used square stock larger than the hex and grind it to fit. Takes a little bit of work though.

You could also buy a bolt with a hex head larger than you need and grind it to fit if you cant find one that fits

R Dougan

You can buy a single 5/8" allen wrench from Fastenal - I forget how much but it wasn't bad as I recall. I used it to put in the 4 Big Mouths on my system that had a similar tailpiece. (bring the tailpiece to the store to verify fit, ...sorry, ...you knew that.)

R Dougan

Here ya go.

https://www.fastenal.com/products?term=5/8+in.+allen+wrench