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Rudder Nut Wrench

jimcleary

James M. Cleary
Mitchell

Last week the rudder nut on Dana's rudder packing gland needed to be tightened due to some weepage. In the beginning of the season I used my homemade wrench to repack. This time I decided to use the brand new aluminum wrench you sent me. It appears that the new wrench is exactly 3.25 inches wide. It also appears that I mismeasured the opening required because I had to remove 1/16" from the opening to make the wrench work. Not a big deal to modify but I feel very guilty that my original measurement was wrong. With that slight modification the wrench works fine on Dana. I'm sorry for the misinformation.

Jim
 
Jim,
Thank you for the feed back!
I haven't heard from anyone else that our wrenches are a bit small. Yet.
I'm glad you were able to fix this issue. Fortunately a 1/16" isn't to much trouble.

When I made these, they were waterjet cut and fairly precision even in their "rough cut" state.
Then I put each one in a vise and carefully file the flats to size before sending out. Also, I sand smooth and debur the edges and dress them up a bit.

I still haven't used one on my rudder, so feel a little guilty as well. I can't get to the nut without disassembling the quadrant.
I have tried the prop nut wrenches and while they are snug which is good, I did confirm and feel confident they work well.

So, if anyone else has this issue or any other, I would like to hear of it...

To "Fine tune" the opening, place the wrench handle in a vise with some protection on the vise jaws.
Use a good, sharp file. Apply some kind of wax, or parrafin on the file teeth. WD40 works well too, and is easy.
This will help the file from loading up with aluminum.

Keep the file surface flat to the edge you are removing material from. Also, file stroke away from you only. Files work in one direction. Keep it perpendicular to the wrench so the flats remain true. The opening flats top and bottom are really the only two I feel will need adjustment. Aluminum is easy to work and this should only take a few minutes.

You can check the measurement with a caliper. Harbor Freight sells one cheap and is adequate for this job. Compare the total open dimension to the rudder nut. Give it a few thousandths extra. I suspect that the rudder nuts were not real precision on the outside measurement with all the boats and there may be some variation.

I hope this helps, and PLEASE let me know how it goes.


Thanks,
Mitchell
 
I have also had to remove 1/16” from the 3.25” wrench in order to make it work. Not a big deal at all, in my opinion, as the tool worked great after removing that 1/16”. Beats using a pipe wrench!!!
 
Cody!
Well I am happy your Morgan wrench has worked out for you. I still think that the parts were not held to a really close tolerance when they were made for, or by Morgan. Some seem to be a touch smaller or larger.
But! I am glad you are using your wrench. And I am happy to be able to contribute something here.

For anyone that may still want one or a set, I have some left and can ship asap.

Thanks for the feedback,
Mitchell
 
I would like a rudder wrench. Also, I don't recall, were you working on wrenches for the prop shaft packing nut also? They need adjusting more often than the rudder.
 
Hi Warren, Yes, I have both Rudder, and pairs of Prop shaft wrenches. I will finally be back at the boat the middle of next week. I can bring them along, or mail to you.
Mitchell
 
Is Sonata in Sausalito? I just heard today that Pelican Harbour has an opening coming available so I will be moving there from Richmond in about a month. I don't see a reason to mail them if we are near each other.
 
No, at Brickyard Cove, even closer. I should be there next Tuesday to Thursday night or Friday morning. I'm in the process of looking for another marina too.
It would be nice to finally meet you. And I'll get the wrenches together for you.
Mitchell
 
Sounds good. I'll be working on Sonata too. My work boat.
If you'd like to message me here with contact #, I could text when I'm there.
M
 
Bringing this older thread back up...

I still have a few 3.25" Rudder nut wrenches if anyone would still like one.
$53.00 each plus whatever shipping is.

I can also make other sizes too. For instance Sonata's propeller shaft gland nut measures 2.10". Some other boats also seem to have a 3.38" Rudder nut.
Let me know here.

Here is the "working" thread from the past. You'll be able to see photos there.

Thanks!
Mitchell
 
Last edited:
Hi Warren, Yes, I have both Rudder, and pairs of Prop shaft wrenches. I will finally be back at the boat the middle of next week. I can bring them along, or mail to you.
Mitchell
I should consider getting a set. My friend , there is no dificult job ...is just hard to work with out the right tools ! This is great , good to know these tools are available. Thanks for sharing.
 
No problem! I know there are some new folks here now, so thought I'd put these out there again. Only 5 left ready to ship. Order before Midnight tonight! Operators standing by.
Anyway just let me know what you need.
Thank you
 
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