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Old 05-11-2011, 04:18 PM   #1
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Fresh Water Drain Valve Wrench

A recent poster asked how to turn the stiff plastic fresh water tank drain valve without breaking off the rather flimsy plastic handle.

The following photos illustrate a simple “wrench” I fabricated from a piece of scrap aluminum channel (3/8 inch outside width; 1/16 inch wall thickness) which can be purchased from any hardware store. The inside of the channel has an “almost” interference fit with the valve handle such that it supports the entire handle surface to not allow flexing and stressing of the plastic handle while clearing the frame rail. Just simply cut to length (mine’s 8 inches) and it’s done. If you’re a perfectionist you’ll round and smooth the corners, but that’s just me.
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Old 05-11-2011, 06:39 PM   #2
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Nice - this will help a lot of folks avoid the dreaded "oh, No" moment.

Pat
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Old 05-11-2011, 06:53 PM   #3
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Great idea, thanks.

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Old 05-12-2011, 04:16 PM   #4
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Thank you, pmclemore, a simple solution to an annoying problem.

BTW, I received the replacement valve and I just figured out that the tab does not have to be turned all the way forward to close. It closes as the tab points away from the trailer and opens pointing backwards. So, less turning to do and less chances of breaking it. Regardless, I'll try your aluminum channel idea for less effort.
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Old 05-12-2011, 06:17 PM   #5
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Thanks for the credit, greatlakes - but the credit goes to our new best friend withidl.

Pat
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Old 05-13-2011, 04:44 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pmclemore View Post
Thanks for the credit, greatlakes - but the credit goes to our new best friend withidl.

Pat
I appreciate the "re-direct", and I need ALL the friends I can accumulate.
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Old 05-13-2011, 07:31 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by withidl View Post
I appreciate the "re-direct", and I need ALL the friends I can accumulate.
Keep providing great assists like this one, and you'll be beating us off with a stick.

Pat
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