suggestions needed for loosening this true union

[Gary Majchrzak]

an installer must have over-tightened the two true union connections seen at the bottom of this picture. They are very large plastic connections. (Smaller of the two is at least 4" diameter so you can easily wrap two hands around it. The larger one has those breakable plastic fins on it.)

I'm no wimp but I cannot unscrew either one to clean the screen inside.
I don't have any tool that's large enough to wrap around either connection nor can I imagine the price of a wrench that's the proper size and, besides- I'm pretty sure these connections were designed so that they're HAND UNDONE. I've tried wrapping connections with a towel, rubber grips etc.
What else is there to try before I go spend money on a huge wrench?

 

[EllieSuz]

I'd call the installer and have them make the proper adjustment. If it should have been done "hand tight", they should make it so.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

the unit was installed when it was cold outside and now that it's warmed up everything's gotten tighter as it expanded.

It's the only explanation I can think of.

 

[Dave VG]

I'd call the installer and have them make the proper adjustment. If it should have been done "hand tight", they should make it so.

x2

 

[Srixon]

Gary....you could try a strap wrench or a large set of channel lock's but make sure you have another wrench holding in the opposite direction of the fitting you are trying to loosen.

 

[BenJay]

I was also thinking strap wrench

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

thanks for the suggestion!

thanks for the suggestion!

I don't have a strap wrench. I like Eileen's suggestion- I wanna get the installer over here while I watch him with a cold beer in my hands :beer:

 

[naprestsleep]

Strap wrench, the cheap ones at HD will barely do a 2 inch fitting though. I got a rubber on online, and think it could do 4 inches.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

now I need some good news

:mad2:

 

[pascal32]

Strap wrench - really cheap at harbor freight. I had the same issue with my pool connections one year.

 

[Henry Colf]

Gary I have a pipe wrench that opens up to 4" and a strap wrench as well your more than welcome to use them if you want. LMk....

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

thanks for the offer, Henry.

I'll let you know. Since it's Father's Day I'm ready to save this for another day!

 

[Henry Colf]

No problem, if you want to I can bring em out next weekend and give you a hand.

 

[Stusdesktop]

Tighten a ratchet strap (the car luggage style) down onto it as tight as you can and then insert a large screwdriver/ bar/ lever into the metal portion of the strap mechanism to give you the turning leverage.

 

[jfl14609]

I have tons of pipe wrenches feel free to let me know if you want one what size is it looks like 2 inch

 

[Blugobi]

Gary...got an old leather belt.?....use it like a strp wrench. Worked for me

 

[Conesus_Kid]

I also have a strap wrench that you're more than welcome to borrow.

 

[acdraindrps]

Hammer and a flat head screwdriver. Tap those fins in the direction you want to loosen it.

 

[superkat]

ok guys...all you GUYS with the strap wrench suggestions....BAD IDEA. Because what if something goes wrong?

GARY.....please call the place that did this for you and have them come to readjust so that you don't end up with a bigger problem on your hands.

 

[RandyO]

Hey Gary,
If you can get another person to help you, have them gently wiggle the top part of the pipes back and forth while you give it the ol college try.

I've found this helps sometimes when I encounter a stubborn Union.