prop wrench or socket

[kewlkatdady]

Other than the floating prop wrench (it floats... i get that), I'm not a fan of buying a specific tool for one job. <flame suit on>?

So my question is, should I buy a prop wrench or is a normal socket ok when removing a prop?

If you say i should buy a prop wrench, why?

Its not about the money as they only cost $15 give or take a few dollars. Its the principle in buying a wrench for one nut...

thoughts?

 

[Bondo]

Re: prop wrench or socket

Ayuh,.... I just use any ole 1, 1/16" end-wrench that floats outa my box...
A piece a mason's string from it, to yer wrist keeps it from takin' the long deep swim...

'ell, a big ole crescent wrench, 'n a screw driver works...

 

[90stingray]

Re: prop wrench or socket

I'll tell ya what. I bought one cause i thought it would be handy. They are pretty much junk. I dont know if the nut was torqued to spec... if you would even get it off before the handle snapped off. I tried to torque one down and the handle was bending... i was still a long ways from being tight. Now it sits on the shelf and i use a socket and wratchet. Hey, i'll sell ya a once used prop wrench

 

[Texasmark]

Re: prop wrench or socket

My 90 Merc is spec'd at 55 ft-lbs which I accomplish with a 1 1/16 deep socket, a breakover bar and piece of 2x4 as they are handy. If you want one that floats Bond-0 had the right for on-water changes.
Mark

 

[jkust]

Re: prop wrench or socket

I once bought a floating prop wrench. It made sense but the first use it simply stripped completely when removing the nut. Probably the biggest rip off I've ever boutht as it didn't work at all. I now just carry a large cresent wrench, one piece so no socket to get lost and a small piece of 2x4 with my spare prop. I also carry the correct prop grease.

 

[Bondo]

Re: prop wrench or socket

Ayuh,.... I quit usin' the 2x4,... I just shift into which ever gear I need...

 

[robert graham]

Re: prop wrench or socket

I bought an "X" shaped, chrome plated lug wrench(like for cars and trucks), hacksaw off 2 of the sides of the "X" that I don't need...darn nice prop wrench, shaped like an "L"....they also sell folding lug wrenches that would work nice and fold up!

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: prop wrench or socket

A floating prop wrench aint worth much if you drop the prop nut in the water!

 

[bnicov]

Re: prop wrench or socket

A floating prop wrench aint worth much if you drop the prop nut in the water!

That's why you're supposed to have a spare of the nut, and the cotter pin as well as the retainer. I wouldn't use a plastic prop wrench often, they aren't made to last. I have a breaker bar and a proper sized socket with a piece of wood in my tool box up north now, the spare prop, nut, etc... stays in the boat with a small piece of 2x6 if I ever need to change a prop out on the water.

 

[jkust]

Re: prop wrench or socket

Ayuh,.... I quit usin' the 2x4,... I just shift into which ever gear I need...

I know and call me silly but I feel more comfortable putting the pressure on the 2x4 than the gears. Maybe a little overboard.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: prop wrench or socket

A floating prop wrench aint worth much if you drop the prop nut in the water!

Frank, you are always a blast.....great man.

Mark

 

[kewlkatdady]

Re: prop wrench or socket

just making sure I wasn't missing something here. I have a socket set in the boat most of the time. The 1 1/16" was added this weekend.