Rudder Packing Gland Wrench

[sandspur1966]

Im The proud new owner of a 1979 58 MY with leaky rudder box's. I was wondering if anyone can source wrenches that fit the glands on the rudder posts?

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Not to sound barbaric, but I use an 18" aluminum pipe wrench. They really only need a periodic "tweek" to keep them dry. Otherwise, youll need a $200 3-1/2" wrench that probably wont fit very well anyhow! ws

 

[sandspur1966]

Thanks Bill, that was my first inclination but at 4 and 1/2 inches my 24" stillson didnt fit and before I went out and spent money on a bigger pipe wrench i thought I'd ask if anyone had a better idea.

Guess the old... "get a bigger hammer" wisdom is the right way to go.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

You need the ALUMINUM (single handed operation!) 18" aboard anyway! Mine were gurgling and a half a flat later, they are bone dry. The jamb nut even turns with them so its a no brainer. I also opened up the access panels, so when I need to repack, I can get both hands in there!
Besides, those chinese adjustable sink wrenches break when you look at them sideways! ws

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Thanks Bill, that was my first inclination but at 4 and 1/2 inches my 24" stillson didnt fit and before I went out and spent money on a bigger pipe wrench i thought I'd ask if anyone had a better idea.

Guess the old... "get a bigger hammer" wisdom is the right way to go.

Was that 24" too long or it didnt open enough? Get a RIGID ! Those Stillsons are for Limey yachts! LOL. My glands tightened just fine on the round part... didnt even need to get on the flats! ws

 

[sandspur1966]

It did'nt open wide enough, on the rigid website it says that the 36" wrench opens to 5" cant imagine what else I will need a 36" wrench for... maybe mount it above the mantle of my fiirplace.

 

[Diver Down]

I agree on the packing nut wrench comment. The adjustable models are junk. On my YF, I found that an 18" offset pipe wrench worked best.

 

[Bob Bradley]

You'll find a use for the 36" FWIW, I use a 48" on my prop nuts. And, it's steel. That's one heavy sucka.

 

[LENZ]

I used a 6" chain wrench with about an 10" handle, worked awsome on my 43 dc. Note; I did use a large hammer and large screw driver to break loose the jam nut....

Lenz

 

[REBrueckner]

The chain wrench sounds like a neat idea. Very flexible for getting good position.

I sometimes have to whack the lock nut with a hammer to loosen it, then turn it with a big pair of water pump pliers or an 18" stilsen. The 24" stilsen is ideal for leverage but I can't always get a grip in a decent position. Not at my advancing age!!!

Once you get stuff loose, if you have the patience, loosen components, wipe dry, then wipe with water pump or lithium grease to keep them working easily.

Lucky you with a "new" 58!!!

 

[yachtsmanbill]

Those stupid jamb nuts! A pipe wrench will usually squeeze them and complicate matters. I was lucky that mine turned WITH the gland. If your on the hard, back the gland off and the jamb should come off with channel locks. CLEAN the threads on the box and put a dab of neversieze on them. The jamb nut only needs to be barely snug. Its not like a spinning prop shaft.
Maybe I got lucky (thats odd!) but I got to mine with the 18". I carry a 24 on the boat too but leave the big gunz in the truck or at home. Those offset wrenches have saved the day more than once. I inherited a set that was a gift from the shop manager at the UPRR to my dad on a new EMD unit delivery.
Ive got a 18" Stillson, but rarely use it for more than a hold back. Damn metric pipes! ws

 

[Nonchalant1]

My 53MY came with two flat 8 in. wrenches made out of 1/4 in. steel that you can use with a pipe as a breaker bar. They work great. I wonder if they might be OEM? Maybe call SAMs?

Doug Shuman

 

[sandspur1966]

I did call SAMS and they dont have em. I have a call into Hatt in New Bern but no call back yet.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

My 53MY came with two flat 8 in. wrenches made out of 1/4 in. steel that you can use with a pipe as a breaker bar. They work great. I wonder if they might be OEM? Maybe call SAMs?

Doug Shuman

If youd really feel more comfortable with actual wrenches, have some one blow them out of a piece of plate with the old gas ax. You can actually make a nice pair to bang around in the tool box for cheap! I dont think they need to be any heavier than 1/4". If its a tight squeeze to get at the glands, make them like a six point flare nut wrench with a 15 degree offset. You can flip them over for that last "nudge" that an open end mite miss! ws

 

[mike]

Buck Algonquin sells them. Its a simple cast wrench that allows you to slide pipe cheater bar over it to get some leverage.