How to tighten this bolt? (tight area)

[exm]

Hi,

So this build-in steam radiator is dripping water. Had two plumbers come over in the past few years, one seemed uninterested to fix, the other said he needed to buy a special tool (but never heard back).

Looks like the total available height is 4.25", and the nut is 3"

My question is, what tool can I use to tighten this nut?

 

[Geofd]

which nut are you talking about the packing nut or the union nut

If your talking about the union nut there is a larger basin
wrench or offset pipe wrench

it would be best it you shut off radiator put thread sealant
on each face of the union

 

[exm]

which nut are you talking about the packing nut or the union nut

If your talking about the union nut there is a larger basin
wrench or offset pipe wrench

it would be best it you shut off radiator put thread sealant
on each face of the union

Just to make sure (since I'm not a professional), I'm talking about the nut on the right (not the one at the bottom). I believe that's the union? It's leaking. A lot.

 

[Geofd]

yes that's the union nut

you need to shut that radiator off

you need 2 wrenches one to tighten the union nut the other to
hold the other brass fitting that theads onto the pipe you don't
want it to move if it still leaks you will have to take it apart and
apply pipe dope to the union faces

 

[exm]

Thanks for the information. I checked Amazon but most tools look way too big for the small area I have to work with. Any specific recommendations?

 

[Mr_David]

Maybe this will work

Chain wrench

 

[Geofd]

look up basin wrench it looks like that would fit another type
of wrench would be a strap wrench even pliers may work
if someone got it In there it should come apart try looking up
offset finish wrench (toothless pipe wrench) 12" long I think
one of those things should work biggest thing with this kind of
repair is patience.......I you get aggregated shut off the radiator
walk away and come back.... You are smarter than the pipe

 

[exm]

Thanks all!

 

[exm]

Had a plumber come over. He cut the pipe right at the nut and installed a new fitting. Much better now. Hopefully this will help with the water usage of my steam boiler.