wrench modification

Ted in NE-OH

Well-known Member
I need a 2 1/4 in open end wrench but don't have one. Could I take a 2 in wrench and take 1/8 in off of each side. How hard is the metal and can it be machined??
 
I have done that with a smaller size wrench. Used a side grinder. But remember, the metal you are taking off reduces the strength of what is left.
 
I have 2 or 3 wrenches that where home made. Some one took a piece of 1/4 inch flat bar and then welded parts on to it to be where ever size they needed. If you where closer I would hand you what you need if you made sure to bring it back LOL.
 
How big do the Harbor Freight ones go ? They sell a BIG wrench set cheap price and good for these things that only need once in awhile.
 
I took a cheap 1" wrench to work so that I could convert it to 1 and a sixteenth, but I never got around to it. Yesterday I needed the inch and a sixteenth and grabbed that cheap wrench. It had been spread enough from previous use that it worked without it having been modified. I might need to weld a bead around the edge to get it to stop spreading.
SDE
 
While working on the F4 Phantom Fighter Jet in Thailand I had a couple wrenches cut and welded at different angles to facilitate easy access to the bolt heads and nuts. I also had a deep socket welded on flatstock handle to adjust the clutch on my Harley.
 
as others said, many of us have cut or bent or custom made wrenches. torch or plasma cut out of 1." or 3/8" flat stock etc.

if you grind yours, might want to add weld beads to outer radius and side faces to prevent spread.

I'd only cut on a cheap one.. not a spendy one.
 
Good Morning Glenn

Where & when were you Stationed in Thailand ? I was Stationed at Ubon from 69 to 70 . I was on the F 4 s also . I was in the 497 Nite Owls . We flew night Missions for support.


John

E Mail [email protected].
 
Hello John
I was at Ubon RTAFB 1969-70 assigned to the 8th field maint squad. I worked in the M/A (Mech Access) shop working on the press,anti-g,canopy seal,Oxygen, Aircond,heating. I also worked the Spectre AC130 gunship. One of the wrenches I had altered to worked on replacing the boundary control duct after you guys removed the flap. I guess your night missions also entailed protecting the gunships. I have an ejection seat out of an F4D Phantom in my den. I worked primarily on the F4D, with some work on F4C and F4E.
 
If you end up with a wrench which is too big, it works well to weld strap of the correct thickness to the inside of the jaws to make the wrench a new smaller size.
 
I have a set of the big HF wrenches as there is no way I could afford a name brand set for as often as they are used by me. They worth ok but in typical HF fashion they are very thick and heavy to I guess gain strength so sometimes they don't fit where you need them. Mine have some grind marks on them that's for sure but work k most of the time.
 

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