What spanners/grips you use for chrome rad valves

[Super Mario]

My bahcos slippin and grips chewing the body what you use?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Nerrad Bilateral Wrench or knipex smooth jaw

 

[tolly]

180mm knipex pliers wrench for chrome rad valves

 

[REDSAW]

adjustable normally! both ends

 

[plumben]

Usually just use either my hand or adjustables , usually tighten valve onto pipe crush olive undo and tighten onto tail, undo then add joining compound and tighten up, but I do have one of these although rarely used as I forget about it, http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDgwWDY0MA==/$(KGrHqZHJFME92Bd,KnpBP6wkK,wTQ~~60_35.JPG

 

[Best]

I highly recommend the Knipex smooth jaw wrench.
The jaws are parallel opening, but most importantly is they keep tightening against the nut as you use pressure on the handles. Excellent for chromed valves and the brass tap glands.
It was Jaytheplumber who on this forum I think first let me know about it

 

[JCplumb]

adjustable normally! both ends

+1.

 

[Best]

This is one I got, 250mm model, but you need to choose the right size for your jobs, or buy a set. They are a bit bulky at the jaw end, although are also fairly slim there.

 

[joni os]

If I can't see where my footie gripped the nut I wouldn't know it was tight. With taps I'm more careful.

 

[Stigster]

I use these (mine aren't actually the same brand but the same idea) Knipex 81 11 250 SB 250mm Black Finish Pipe Grip Plastic Jaw Pliers

 

[lame plumber]

you could try using the correct sized spanner!

 

[Best]

you could try using the correct sized spanner!

But you can never really get any spanner tight enough. Especially on chrome or some designs of nuts with rounded edges. And soft brass will crush a little on edges that pressure is applied to if nut is tight. Brass tap spindles are good example of this.
I know I am a snob but be like me and get into the modern age with a Knipex self constantly tightening smooth jaw spanner.

 

[lame plumber]

But you can never really get any spanner tight enough. Especially on chrome or some designs of nuts with rounded edges. And soft brass will crush a little on edges that pressure is applied to if nut is tight. Brass tap spindles are good example of this.
I know I am a snob but be like me and get into the modern age with a Knipex self constantly tightening smooth jaw spanner.

I am more a technician and engineer, I hate adjustables etc, they slip end of, hence why I use spanners where possible. not everything modern is better imho 🙂

 

[Best]

I am more a technician and engineer, I hate adjustables etc, they slip end of, hence why I use spanners where possible. not everything modern is better imho 🙂

No doubt you are right, - I find adjustables are just a general do all spanner with which I have to make sure they are fully tight on the nut before using them. But they are fine on ordinary fittings. With some oddball fittings the nuts are not standard and a set of open end spanners won't cover it. I do have a set of Teng spanners which are nice quality and used for oil boiler work mainly.
The Knipex spanner just doesn't move on the fittings/nuts and shouldn't slip. That means it also shouldn't slide to the side of a fitting/nut and angle and slip off sideways. It also lets you 'grip' a fitting to hold into position like set of grips can do. And you can manually ratchet it.
Early days with the Knipex for me, but I find I always reach for it with some fittings and tap works. Trouble is it is yet another expensive tool cramming the tool box and making it heavier.