After spending days in research, assessment, and evaluation, we have concluded that the OTC 1266 Adjustable Gland Nut Wrench is the most recommendable gland nut wrench out there. To put it simply, this product is customizable and adjustable—could fit to a number of diameters. It is very solid and durable, which means it could hold up to any intensity or force applied. And lastly, this one has the sleekest look and most handy feel than the rest of the gland nut wrenches we have tested.
There are a number of types of wrenches out there. And each are designed and made for a specific purpose.
For this reason, even looking for a specific kind of wrench can be challenging. With so many types and kinds out there, you could easily get lost among all of them. This could lead to disastrously purchasing a wrong one.
If you are particularly servicing hydraulic cylinders, then you are in luck because we are here to tell you about the type of wrench for it: the gland nut wrench.
These gland nut wrenches are engineered to fit and work with hydraulic cylinders. But this definition won’t suffice for you to get the right one for the job.
That is why we have set hours into identifying some of the best gland nut wrenches out there. And if you are curious enough, then do continue with this article.
We have below product reviews of gland nut wrenches that we have identified through research and assessment to be of great quality. We also included some buyers’ guide and other basic information for you about this type of wrench.
So head on now and find out more…
Comparison Table
| Compatibility | Display and Design | Battery Life* | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS Zenwatch 2 | Android 4.3+ iPhone (limited functionality) | AMOLED,1.63” Square Display | 48 hours |
| Martian Notifier | Android 2.3+ iOS 6+ | OLED, 1.5” Round Display | 5-6 days |
| LG Watch Urbane | Android 4.3+ iOS 8 (limited functionality) | OLED, 1.3” Round Display | 48 hours |
| Sony Smartwatch 3 | Android 4.3+ iOS 8.2+ | Transflective, 1.6” Square Display | 48 hours |
| Martha MSRM Smartwatch | Android 4.3+ iOS 7 | Touchscreen, 1.54” Square Display | 14-15 hours |
| Pebble Time Steel Smartwatch | Android 4.0+ iOS 8+ | Color ePaper 1.25” display | 7 days |
| Motorolo Moto 360 | Android 4.3+ IOS 8.2+ | LED screen, 1.56” round display | 24-48 hours |
| Garmin Vivoactive | Android 4.3+ iOS 7.0+ | Sunlight-readable, 1.13” Square Display | 3 weeks (10 hours in GPS use) |
| Vallen Sweatproof Smartwatch | Android 4.3+ iOS units (limited functionality) | Touchscreen, 1.54” square display | 14-15 hours |
| Bluetooth Smartwatch | Android 4.3+ iOS units (limited functionality) | Touchscreen, 1.54” square display | 14-15 hours |
How Does a Gland Nut Wrench Work?
A gland nut wrench is undeniably not the most popular type of wrench out there. Nevertheless, its use is not to be ignored for its specific purpose: to provide grip to gland nuts.
Gland nuts are used to seal a rotating or reciprocating shaft against a fluid. This is why when you buy a gland nut wrench; you are most likely going to be wrestling with your faucet or a hydraulic cylinder. On top of that, gland nuts are usually in tight spaces.
Usually, the gland is packed with string that has been soaked in tallow or a similar grease. The gland nut in turn aids in compressing the packing material (or the gland) to form a watertight seal that prevents water leakage.
Now in order to further tighten this or to break loose or remove a gland nut, you will need a wrench that supports just this function: the gland nut wrench.
What Should I Consider Before Buying a Gland Nut Wrench?
1. Measurements
To properly use a gland nut wrench, you need to have the right measurements accordingly since you will also be using other tools. So it has to be in sync with what you have or what you will be using.
For this, you have to take note of the following measurements or fit: pinhole, gland nuts, and square drive.
2. Adjustability
Next, you need to make sure that the gland nut wrench you will be choosing is adjustable. This means that it will not only fit a single type of gland nut. It should allow you enough flexibility to accommodate other sizes or fit.
3. Grip
Lastly, it is very important to have a gland nut wrench that has the right grip. It should be stable enough to actually hold off or on the gland nut that is to be adjusted.
Like so, you need to choose one that is durable and strong that can withstand any force applied to it. Gland nuts are usually hard to budge. So it helps to have a gland nut wrench that can take the intensity.
Basics of a Gland Nut Wrench
A gland nut wrench is like a crowfoot type of wrench. It is basically an open-end wrench that doesn’t have a handle, which means it operates with a ratchet handle/socket extension combination. It is designed to fit on the side of a fastener.
So aside from the wrench itself, you would need a square drive/pinhole to operate it. This is a square screw drive type that uses four-sided fastener heads. Attached together through the hole present in the gland nut wrench, you then turn in a clockwise motion through the drive and adjust the gland nut.
How We Assessed and Evaluated these Gland Nut Wrenches
Tool kits and sets are certainly all over shops and hardware stations. They’re the most basic products found. Which is why, when finding for the most recommendable gland nut wrench around, we found ourselves in a dilemma.
We scoured through a number of wrenches in order to get our hands on a number of gland nut wrenches. Fortunately, we got enough of them to test and assess; leaving us to the task of narrowing down our list.
So we began by establishing a common buying criteria based on the things we have written above in the buyer’s guide—from the measurements down to the grip. We took into consideration how adjustable the gland nut wrenches are that allows them to be flexible to other sizes.
On top of the criteria, we also included the feedbacks of users. We referred to personal feedbacks as well as blogs and forums such as Heavy Equipment Forum and Marine Engine that assessed, in one way or another, the gland nut wrenches. We took out those that have more negative comments than positive.
Once we have compiled all the information we got based on those considerations, we then ranked the gland nut wrenches accordingly. Then only the top five with the most favorable results remained. To know them, continue reading below.
But before anything else, it helps to remind you how throughout the process of researching, assessing, and evaluating the products, we did not receive nor entertained any inducements from brands, vendors, or manufacturers. Our opinions written here are free from any bias.
Product Recommendations
1. OTC 1266 Adjustable Gland Nut Wrench – Editor’s Top Choice
The OTC 1266 Adjustable Gland Nut Wrench tops our list. Many of those servicing their farm shops would love this product. It is ideal for those hydraulic cylinders on farm and construction equipment.
This gland nut wrench offers customized fit to gland nuts that are from 2 to 6 inches in diameter. It is also reversible to fit ¼ inch as well as 5/16 inch diameter pinholes.
For its exterior, you can tell directly with its smooth texture and heavy weight that it can take the intensity of hydraulic cylinders. It is also thick, making it feel even more sturdy and durable.
More than what we expected at first glance, this product truly holds up to shop performance. During product testing, we tried attaching a ¾” breaker bar and it really proves its strength.
Overall, it is well-built plus handy.
In terms of any discouraging aspects, there are only very few that we could point out. One is that we found ourselves needing some extra pins for better grip. And second, as much as we don’t like evaluating the product based on its price, this one is quite expensive. It is twice the price of the rest we found below.
Nevertheless, this gland nut wrench proves to be superior among the ones we tested. It is very strong and reliable for the job.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
2. AMPRO T70566 GL and Nut Wrench – Adjustable Second
Our second pick goes to AMPRO T70566 GL and Nut Wrench. It is great at removing gland nuts from hydraulic cylinders. This one is a solid option for those who want the job done well minus the heavy price.
A characteristic we love with this gland nut wrench is its adjustability. It allows users to fit those diameters from 1 inch to 3 ¾ inch. Also, it is reversible to fit ¼ inch to 7/32 inch pin holes. For its square drive, it uses one with ½ inch.
It is also well-made and solid. Servicing equipment is not that much of a hassle with this gland nut wrench. This product is generally great at removing gland nuts.
However, we found some issues with the pins. It came loose during use, which led us to re-torque the set screws for each pin.
This took some time. Nevertheless, it is a slight mishap that can be easily apprehended since the pins are replaceable.
Furthermore, the square drive of the ratchet protrudes from the tool and sometimes hits the gland nut. This might be an issue for some.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
3. OTC 7463 Small Universal Gland Wrench – Tiny Reliable Third
Following is another one from OTC, their 7463 model Small Universal Gland Wrench. As the name suggests, this one is a slightly smaller version of the first one yet its function is not as limited as one would think. This is great for those who prefer a less bulky gland nut wrench.
This is also fully adjustable that can fit hydraulic cylinders on vehicles to be services that have gland nuts ranging from 1 to 3 ¾ inches in diameter. It reverses also to work on either ¼ or 7/32 inch pinholes. Plus, it accommodates a ½ inch drive ratchet.
A reliable option, this gland nut wrench can be used on almost any piece of heavy duty equipment. It is durable and can take force. We tried using it on a 3” cylinder packing nut with a ½” breaker bar and it definitely held up to its use.
On the other hand, you need to watch out for some issues. The set screws on the pins may not be as snug. So you have to check them and adjust accordingly for the pins to be more stable and less wobbly.
The bolt also may require some attention from time to time. It may not look as steady. You may have to replace it.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
4. AMPRO T70567 Adjustable GL and Nut Wrench – Dependable Tool
Another dependable tool that people can choose from is the AMPRO T70567 Adjustable GL and Nut Wrench. This one is a solid choice for users who are looking for a gland nut wrench that can accommodate a number of purposes.
This product is fully adjustable and can fit diameters from 2 inches to 6 inches. It is reversible to fit ¼ inch to 5/16 inch pin holes. And it can be used with 1 ¾ inch square drive.
In terms of durability, you can count on that with this gland nut wrench. It can hold up the load of intensity in servicing with no problem. We tried it with a ¾” breaker bar to prove its quality.
Some setbacks that we found that pushed this product down to the fourth spot concern some familiar aspects. First, the pins are quite oversized for some cylinders like 50 ton.
Another one is regarding its jaw which is too thick. It may be hard to apply it and the pins that hold it in may not really tighten the wrench securely. This is partially because of the small set screw.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
5. CTA Tools 8605 Large Adjustable Gland Nut Wrench – Large Last Pick
Last on our list is the CTA Tools 8605 Large Adjustable Gland Nut Wrench. For more choices, this one is included for those who prefer something bigger than what is presented. On top of that, it is also a reliable tool that does a good job.
For its measurements and as expected from a large gland nut wrench, this one fits hydraulic cylinders on vehicles that have gland nuts ranging from 2 inches to 6 inches or 51 mm to 152 mm.
Furthermore, it reverses to work on 17/64 inch or 21/64 inch pinholes. You can use it with a ¾ inch square drive ratchet or a breaker bar.
And being a big tool, this one needs to take the intensity or force that will allow the gland nuts to break loose. So we tested it and it was pretty solid and really held quite well.
But for its downsides, this one again needs to have stable pins like some of those above. The pins did not stay in place, which could be time consuming when servicing.
It is not also as tight on the case cylinder during use. So it is challenging to keep the tool in place.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations and How They Compare
With everything written and done, we have come to the final part of this article. And as you may have guessed already, it is here that we formally reveal our top three pick!
Topping our list and getting or Editor’s Pick is the OTC 1266 Adjustable Gland Nut Wrench. This one undeniably embodies the function as well as the look plus its features that would make a great gland nut wrench.
It has a very customizable and adjustable fit that allows for various hydraulic cylinders to be serviced. It is very sturdy and durable. It can hold up to intensity and force.
Lastly, it has a very smooth look that is sleek. On top of that, this tool is quite handy.
Following suit are the second and third pick: the AMPRO T70566 GL and Nut Wrench and the OTC 7463 Small Universal Gland
Wrench, respectively.
These two runners up are also great options for those who are looking for a reliable gland nut wrench. They’re both adjustable as well as solid and durable like the top pick.
Some aspects that made them fell short concerns with loose pins and other minor issues like a protruding square drive and unsteady bolt.