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Nipple Wrench?

Adamal
Adamal Member Posts: 2
in THE MAIN WALL
I'm replacing some radiator valves and was wondering what tool you use for installing/replacing the union nipple.

On a Google search I've seen it referred to as a nipple wrench and a spud wrench, but I thought a spud wrench was for large nuts like on a drain.

I don't want to walk up to my local plumbing supply counter with ten plumbers all around me and say "give me a nipple wrench" unless I have to.

Thanks.

Comments

  • Mark Eatherton1
    Mark Eatherton1 Member Posts: 2,542
    Instead...

    go to your local Boobie Bar and ask for a nipple winch and see what they give you...for a buck.

    A spud wrench is a graduated tool with shoulders to engage the pawl dogs on the inside of radiator nipples.

    You want a spud wrench.

    Just don't ask for any ball cocks or they'll look at you really funny...

    ME

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  • John@Reliable
    John@Reliable Member Posts: 379
    Nipple removal tool!

    I have never had much luck with any of them!Try this,cut nipple at rad, and leave about 1/2" stucking out,then make a cut with a sawzall into the wall of nipple JUST as it starts to go though and touch the theads on rad.stop,now move over 3/4" and make one more cut same way,now hit that peace out and hit nipple on side and you will be able to remove by hand,takes less than 5 mins to do it this way.
  • Mark J Strawcutter
    Mark J Strawcutter Member Posts: 625
    spud wrenches

    are also tools used by ironworkers - looks like a single headed open end wrench with a tapered handle for aligning holes in beams/girders.

    I've had good luck with Pasco "radiator spud key". Separate tool for each size.

    If you get the stepped universal tool ME mentioned, try for machined instead of cast.

    Mark
  • Frank_5
    Frank_5 Member Posts: 49
    to a plumber...............

    a spud wrench is a wide, open-end wrench used to tighten the locking nut of a Douglas valve, or a toilet spud. But then again, what do boiler installers know of a Douglas valve? LOL
  • Steamhead
    Steamhead Member Posts: 17,804
    You mean

    like one of these (deluxe model)?

    Found it in a most unlikely place- an '80s Mansfield.

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    Steam, Vapor & Hot-Water Heating Specialists
    Oil & Gas Burner Service
    Consulting
  • Online Sheriff \"Murph\"
    Online Sheriff \"Murph\" Member Posts: 380
    frank i never get to see them

    till thier DOA . by that time the rebuild is a whopping 90$ compared to a new plastic one, its kind of a stretch!!
  • Mark J Strawcutter
    Mark J Strawcutter Member Posts: 625
    klein spud wrench

    pictured below. They also make erection wrench holders :-)
  • corey
    corey Member Posts: 45
    Had one

    Way off topic, but I had one of those odd "Douglas" valves. Had trouble finding the leather gaskets, and just to get the job done, I reluctantly paid $90 for a new one. After a year or so, it started leaking again. In frustration, I pulled off the 'superstructure', and put a regular Flowmaster stick-on valve on it. Flushes just fine, and no problems since!
  • corey
    corey Member Posts: 45
    HD has them

    Home Depot sells stepped spud wrenches.
    They are the cheapo cast type, but it did the job for me.
  • Bob C.
    Bob C. Member Posts: 20


    Wow! I guess the name spud wrench is a common name for a lot of tools. But the tool your looking for is a spud wrench, it is an odd looking tool that has different sized lobes(for lack of better word)on it. I found it use full to install the nipple but useless to remove the nipple, the tits inside usually break off. A sawzall and a chizel works best for removal. Also dont be afraid to cut the wrench to the size you need, for it may not fit into the radiator unless you cut it.
  • Dennis - Reliable Services
    Dennis - Reliable Services Member Posts: 79
    whatsamacallits

    Just ask the counter guy for the wrench that installs and removes, radiator union valves he'll know what you mean.
    He probably doesn't know the right name either.
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