Tool Tips: Tightening flanges, removing broken threads, extending hose life
Nothing can be more frustrating than tightening circulator flanges on pipe with wrenches. I fabricated myself a handy tool for just this purpose. I took a piece of shallow slotted strut about 18” long. I inserted a couple of 3/8” x 2” grade 5 or better bolts in the slot using flat washers, lock washers, and nuts. The slots allow you to fine tune the 3/8” bolts to match the on center dimensions for the bolt holes on the flanges.
Depending on the strut manufacturer, you may have to grind one end of the slot slightly to line up with the bolt patterns on some manufacturers. Tack welding one of the 3/8” bolts makes adjustment quicker. Dress up the raw ends of the strut slightly with a small grinder and you have a handy tool. The 18” length fits easily in a tool box, and the materials are cheap enough to remake the tool if you should misplace it.