Changed my mind about using a standard wrench on a stubborn flange in the Puget Sound

Spent 4 hours trying to free it before a buddy on the boat handed me his 3-foot cheater bar, and it came loose in 30 seconds. What's your go-to tool for a seized bolt underwater?

3 comments

3 Comments

hart.sage17h ago

Man, that cheater bar is a lifesaver. Honestly, it reminds me of this time my dive buddy, someone like @rubyshah, brought this tiny adjustable wrench for a prop job. We were just stuck there, spinning our fins, until another boat tossed us a big ol' socket set. Sometimes you just need the right leverage, not more muscle. A little heat from a torch can work wonders too, if you're careful down there.

rubyshah19h ago

I mean, is a seized bolt underwater ever really an emergency? Sounds like a lot of work for nothing.

lunaf6717h ago

a lot of work for nothing"? That's wild. A seized bolt underwater can absolutely be an emergency if it's holding something critical, like a through-hull fitting or part of the steering. If that fails while you're out, you're taking on water or losing control. It's not just a random piece of metal, it's often keeping the boat in one piece. Calling that "nothing" is a good way to end up in a real bad situation.