What tool to use

JMorris271 · 05/02/2016, 10:40 AM

I need to slightly tighten up on a bulkhead under the tank but there isn't enough room to use channel locks. What do you use on the bulkheads under a tank?
Thanks

flooddc · 05/02/2016, 10:54 AM

Try basin wrench. Be careful not to over tighten that would crack the bulkhead.

MondoBongo · 05/02/2016, 11:02 AM

my hands. i would never use a tool on a bulkhead fitting. real easy to over torque it and cause problems.

Greybeard · 05/02/2016, 11:22 AM

^^^ What they said.

Hand tight is best, but if you can't get a good grip on it, then using a basin wrench might be a good solution... and be careful!

Plastic threads, rubber gaskets, and glass tanks are not overly friendly to heavy handed techniques.

I've seen documents that say to put the rubber gasket on the dry side of the bulkhead... I've never had good results that way, I always put the gasket on the wet side.

donnievaz · 05/02/2016, 11:25 AM

A strap wrench may do the trick if you can get it in there.

JMorris271 · 05/02/2016, 11:39 AM

Thanks for the replies.I know about over torquing a bulkhead but a disability prevents using my hand and my wife can't do it.

05/02/2016, 10:40 AM	#1
JMorris271 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Foothills of SC Posts: 2,010	What tool to use I need to slightly tighten up on a bulkhead under the tank but there isn't enough room to use channel locks. What do you use on the bulkheads under a tank? Thanks __________________ 120 gal mixed tank. Lightly stocked now but....

05/02/2016, 11:02 AM	#3
MondoBongo Obligate Feeder Obsessed Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 4,061	my hands. i would never use a tool on a bulkhead fitting. real easy to over torque it and cause problems. __________________ [Citation Needed] "You don't use science to show that you're right, you use science to become right" - xkcd Current Tank Info: A rectangular shaped money pit.

05/02/2016, 11:25 AM	#5
donnievaz Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Sunderland, MD Posts: 20	A strap wrench may do the trick if you can get it in there. __________________ Donnie Current Tank Info: Biocube 29 HQI

05/02/2016, 11:39 AM	#6
JMorris271 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Foothills of SC Posts: 2,010	Thanks for the replies.I know about over torquing a bulkhead but a disability prevents using my hand and my wife can't do it. __________________ 120 gal mixed tank. Lightly stocked now but....

05/02/2016, 10:54 AM	#2
flooddc Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Maryland Posts: 304	Try basin wrench. Be careful not to over tighten that would crack the bulkhead.

05/02/2016, 11:22 AM	#4
Greybeard Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Buffalo, MO Posts: 651	^^^ What they said. Hand tight is best, but if you can't get a good grip on it, then using a basin wrench might be a good solution... and be careful! Plastic threads, rubber gaskets, and glass tanks are not overly friendly to heavy handed techniques. I've seen documents that say to put the rubber gasket on the dry side of the bulkhead... I've never had good results that way, I always put the gasket on the wet side.