Any thoughts on this quick bulkhead mod?

Macdaddynick1 · Jul 1, 2016

I am having an issue with my new build where my bulkhead nuts are countersunk inside of the stand. They are practically impossible to access and tighten, even without the plumbing being installed. The top of the stand is 3/4" plywood plus the foam is another 1/2" , and there aren't any useful tools that could help me tighten the bulkheads.

Besides I believe, that it is suggested to tighten the bulkheads by hand , and it is extremely inconvenient that the bulkhead nuts come only in a hexagon shape.

Here is what I came up with . 1x 3/4" bulkhead nut , 1x 1.5" , permanently glued together as seen in the picture below, the other end of the coupling could be modified for any kind of tool.

This way in case of a minor leak the bulkhead could be easily tightened , or disassembled.

I know this issue does not come up very often , but when it does it could be a major PITA . So if anyone has any suggestions or thoughts on this mod , please feel free to let me know.

cromag27 · Jul 1, 2016

The best fix would be to remove the tank and use a saw to make one big cutout in that corner. if that's not possible, you might be able to fit an oil filter wrench in there.

Is the tank glass or acrylic?

sfmacguy · Jul 1, 2016

The way I've always done it:

Screw Driver and hammer, and tap it until it's tight.

Tom Blevins · Jul 1, 2016

cromag08 said:
The best fix would be to remove the tank and use a saw to make one big cutout in that corner. if that's not possible, you might be able to fit an oil filter wrench in there.
QUOTE]

+1 or myself I have snap on sockets that fit up to 2" bulkheads.

Uliulimaka · Jul 1, 2016

http://www.precisionmarine.com/accessories/bulkhead-wrenches Might try one of these. Tubular deep socket style would probably work perfect for your application.

tonto95 · Jul 2, 2016

For future interest you could use bearing sockets, they come in all sizes. should be able to get them at northern tool or harbor freight.

Wesley Knutsen · Jul 5, 2016

cromag08 said:
The best fix would be to remove the tank and use a saw to make one big cutout in that corner. if that's not possible, you might be able to fit an oil filter wrench in there.

Is the tank glass or acrylic?

like this gentleman said.. make the cut out bigger your not losign any suport in that small of an area to matter

Lionfish Lair · Jul 5, 2016

Uliulimaka said:
http://www.precisionmarine.com/accessories/bulkhead-wrenches Might try one of these. Tubular deep socket style would probably work perfect for your application.

You just saved my knuckles.

Macdaddynick1 · Jul 6, 2016

Update: as my tank is hard plumbed i decided to go ahead and do exactly what cromag suggested , I took down my tank and made a bigger cutout in the stand. I also tried to get the sockets at my local Harbor Freight but they did not have the sizes I needed. So I went ahead and got this adjustable wrench.