Can't get return plugs out!! Any hints?

[singerteacher]

I usually open the pool but let "the professionals" close it ... and although we've never had a problem unscrewing the plugs on the returns before, the "pros" seem to have applied extreme torque last year and we can't even budge them this year. No call back from them yet ... so I'm turning to the real pros, TFP.

Any ideas for getting them unscrewed without destroying the threads? I don't mind destroying the plugs themselves. Is there a special tool they used to close the plugs, that we could buy to open them? I'm betting the tool would cost less than a visit.

GRRR ... :x

 

[257WbyMag]

What do your plugs look like?

 

[singerteacher]

I can't find a picture, so I'll try to describe. They are plastic, with two recessed half-moons in the top. Very inexpensive looking.

 

[singerteacher]

Not sure if this will work, but here's a link to a picture:

http://lghttp.18355.nexcesscdn.net/808F ... p1022b.jpg

 

[JasonLion]

What have you already tried to turn them with? They are designed to be turned by hand, but you can grab the central ridge with channel lock pliers at an angle and that will give you quite a bit of leverage. If that doesn't work, they are pretty stuck and may need to be broken apart to get out.

 

[singerteacher]

We have tried channel lock pliers, but they aren't budging. I did find a tool called a Multi-Purpose Wrench by Hayward (I think), but it will take days to get here. Hoping that PB will come by and open it, since they're the ones that torqued it down too tight. I wonder whether drilling into it would relieve the water pressure behind it and make it easier to move? Grasping at straws, really, since I have no idea! If yes, I'm thinking I'd have to drain the pool considerably or ruin a cordless drill attempting to drill underwater ...

http://www.toolsforpools.com/catalog_20 ... epress.pdf

 

[Richard320]

Try something like this. You can use anything that fits - it doesn';t have to be two crescent wrenches.
[attachment=0:za0tlbqh]wrenching.gif[/attachment:za0tlbqh]

 

[singerteacher]

I got them out! Used a roofing crowbar that had a flat end (which fit into the plug slot). The other end of the crowbar had a nailpulling hook that I could use for a grip. Voila!

 

[257WbyMag]

Good. Glad you got them out.

Richard320...you get a C for your artwork because you didn't color it with Crayons.

 

[Leebo]

He's just jealous of your skills......

A non-hater B+ from me.