When I started in the biz (Star Sprinkler, 1990s), we shipped heads with a thread sealant (Vibraseal was the trade name - sort of a burnt umber color). The stuff worked great installing the heads leak-free, but from all accounts was just a beast to remove. I know other manufacturers used the stuff before migrating to uncoated threads or charging a premium for pre-taping the threads with Teflon tape. Regardless if this describes your situation, I'm with Mr. Mote on using a standard wrench for removal, then using the manufacturer-designed wrench for installation. The manufacturer wrenches are designed to put heads into a pristine system while minimizing over-torqueing...not the same conditions you are facing taking them out of an existing system. I know using 2 wrenches is a pain, but it should save on wear and tear and speed up head removal.
John Corcoran Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation John Corcoran -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Douglas Hicks Sent: Monday, March 31, 2014 1:28 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Sprinkler Wrenches We have a job replacing sprinkler heads. So I ordered the specified wrench, so we could change heads w/o damage to the new heads. My guys changed 6 heads before the wrench wore out. We have had the same problem with all the brands. What is the solution? The last wrench cost me $150.00, that is an additional cost of $25.00 per head. I have been thinking of having the welding shop build up the wrench with hard face powder and then having the machine shop mill the wrench to the right size. Any other options? _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org _______________________________________________ Sprinklerforum mailing list [email protected] http://lists.firesprinkler.org/listinfo.cgi/sprinklerforum-firesprinkler.org
