How do you actually USE a strap wrench?

[Delw]

My husband has a strap wrench and has asked me to find a picture of one in actual use. He can't figure out how the strap gets tight so it won't slip. Any suggestions?

[PLUMBER RICK]

the strap rench i prefer is a cheep rubber strap with a plastic handle.

basically you take the strap, either rubber or the plastic coated cloth, or cloth strap and make a loop around the pipe or object. snug up the strap and pinch it between the heel of the wrench and the pipe. this will allow you to turn in 1 direction only. if it's the wrong direction, turn the wrench over/ reverse, and repeat the process.

what application are you using the wrench on?

the fancy ridgid wrench is too slick (cloth) of a strap. you need a rubber or rubber coated strap to get a good bite.

rick.

[Delw]

Thank you for the quick response!

He's re-installing a bathroom sink that had been leaking and is trying to tighten a chrome pipe in the back. He has a strap wrench with a yellow cloth thing that is not smooth to the touch. We did locate a picture and tried doing what you said. It got really tight when he tried it on my wrist but it keeps slipping on the pipe.

[ToUtahNow]

A Ridgid stap wrench does not work real well on a smooth perfectly round object. You need to have something for the heal of the wrench to bite on. It will still work but it is an acquired skill.

Mark

[drtyhands]

Put some tape on the pipe:)

[plumbdog10]

You're supposed to put rosin on the strap, but even then those things are difficult at best to use. I'm with Rick, those cheesy plastic strap wrenches (available at Sears) work great.

[BHD]

here are a few pictures of one in use,

[Woussko]

Have any of you ever seen or tried the KLEIN S12H or S18H strap wrenches?
http://www.tools-plus.com/klein-s12h.html
http://www.tools-plus.com/klein-s18h.html

[jose]

:) the best way is throw away in rubish bin the strap that comes with
the ridge 31340 and replace by a rubber one


My husband has a strap wrench and has asked me to find a picture of one in actual use. He can't figure out how the strap gets tight so it won't slip. Any suggestions?

[PLUMBER RICK]

:) the best way is throw away in rubish bin the strap that comes with
the ridge 31340 and replace by a rubber one

welcome jose:)

glad to see some more activity from down under.

its been a while since i've been to your country.

have you guys figured out how to get the toilets to swirl in the clockwise direction yet:confused:

we need someone on this forum working the night shift.

welcome and stick around for some real plumbing brain twisters.

rick.