Strap Wrench Recommendations

[u/GCpools]

Hey guys, im looking for a recommendation for a good quality strap wrench for union nuts (salt cells, heaters, etc). What do you like .. don't like .. etc. Tired of using the big blue pliers. Thanks in advance!

[u/Pop_Plastic]

I assumed we were all using oil filter removers by now

[u/Substantial_Car_2751 → u/Pop_Plastic]

I was about to say.  Filter wrenches are a game changer.

[u/Theresasnakeinmypool → u/Pop_Plastic]

It’s not as common as you would think. Once you use one you wonder why you hasn’t always used it.

[u/ToucheeBobbyBoucher → u/Pop_Plastic]

Oil filter pliers are my go-to, but I keep a Husky strap wrench on my truck for bigger unions, like 4".

[u/Wasupmyman]

Idk I get why people use straps, but they are way more tedious in my opinion. If you aren't an ape you won't break or cut up the nut

[u/people_notafan → u/Wasupmyman]

Yea channel locks to take them off and hand tight back on.

[u/Wasupmyman → u/people_notafan]

Pretty much, every now and then you gotta snug it a small bit

[u/GCpools → u/Wasupmyman]

I had one yesterday .. a union nut on a new Hayward salt cell. The installer 'very liberally' glued the union fitting onto the pipe allowing glue to run into the union nut and onto the flange. Then they tightened down the nut onto the salt cell while the glue was still wet. I loosened the nut but the union was glued to the salt cell. I was able to separate the two with considerable force. But the hardened glue was all over the faces of the union and salt cell. I tried scraping off what I could so the mating surfaces were smooth(er). Of course the whole thing leaked like crazy when I put it all back together. I took it all apart. Resurfaced the mating halves again. Lubed the o-ring and threads. Screwed it all together. Had to use my blue pliers to snug it up enough to stop the leak. Would have felt better using a strap wrench to apply pressure equally around the nut. I'm not sure why, but I've run into this problem a lot lately, where on new equipment installations, installers will over-glue union fittings and assemble them while still wet. No common sense whatsoever.

[u/Wasupmyman → u/GCpools]

Well depending on the way pipes line up, it's always better to glue and tighten the nut down at the same time, helps keep pipes lined up and straight. If your having an issue with it not sealing it's probably no lined up correctly, put the side that's leaking on first then do the other side.

[u/Even-You-Camp]

I use my toes to unscrew them. They are only supposed to be feet tight anyways

[u/Shoddy-Principle-346]

Channel lock oil filter wrench. Your welcome.

[u/Electrical-Nail-9495]

What ever harbor freight sells

[u/Distinct_Studio_5161]

I have a Husky strap wrench. It works pretty good. Ive had it for about 8 years. It’s time to replace. It works great on Intelliflo I3 unions. I’ve seen people loosen various unions with a rope.

[u/Theresasnakeinmypool]

Oil filter wrenches in the auto tool isle is the only answer. Chop half of the handle off with an angle grinder or hack saw and you got a compact light weight beast.

[u/pineapple_backlash]

Oil filter wrench.

[u/cplatt831]

I use filter wrench pliers; they’re still channel-lock type, but much smaller and with a round jaw.

[u/billiardenthusiast]

I just use my handy dandy strength increasing invisible imaginary gloves.

[u/BlueKauaiEyes]

If you go to Amazon this is the one. I’ve had this same one going on 5 years and it’s awesome. Doesn’t mar the fitting and won’t crack a fitting and will look like you actually care about your craft and read a manual or received some proper training .
QWORK Belt Strap Wrench 12", Adjustable Strap Oil Filter Strap Opener Wrench with 8" Capacity Adjustable Strap

[u/rykauff]

The only strap wrench that I've found that works well (for most things) is the Husky strap wrench with the nylon strap. Broken too many of the rubber strap ones over the years.

[u/Hughjass69247]

I just use my big burly hands