Watts 3/4 PRV strainer plug socket size or special tool?

[Pghsebring]

I have a 3/4" Watts LFU5B PRV valve that has a strainer that is removed after the plug is removed. The strainer plug is 12 sided and measures 1.24" flat to flat but a 12 point 1 - 1/4" socket is not correct. Is there a specialized tool or anyone know off the top of their head (I don't own every socket in a range over 1") what size socket is used? I want to use a socket and not try to turn on it with channel locks, etc? I also don't see a nominal dimension listed in any specs I can find.

 

[Jeff H Young]

so what size exactly should a 1 1/4 1.250" socket be that it wont fit a 1.240 nut? I don't make a practice of measuring the wrenches or exact bolt head sizes. its too sloppy? the nut is 12 sided not 6? 32 mm is 1.260 inches so if 1 1/4 is too small try 32 mm

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Reach4]

I don't know the answer to your question.
I found a photo, but not that sharp. It does look like 12 flats/points. Maybe you could post a better photo.

Also, on your 12 point socket, which way was the size off?

A shower valve socket set might have a better fit available. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Shower-Valve-Socket-Set-16PL0132/304217601 has
Fits 21/32 in. x 27/32 in., 29/32 in. x 31/32 in., 1-1/32 in. x 1-3/32 in., 1-5/32 in. x 1-9/32 in., 1-11/32 in. x 1-7/16 in. tub and shower fittings and nuts

 

[Jeff H Young]

I don't know the answer to your question.
I found a photo, but not that sharp. It does look like 12 flats/points. Maybe you could post a better photo.

Also, on your 12 point socket, which way was the size off?

A shower valve socket set might have a better fit available. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Shower-Valve-Socket-Set-16PL0132/304217601 has
Fits 21/32 in. x 27/32 in., 29/32 in. x 31/32 in., 1-1/32 in. x 1-3/32 in., 1-5/32 in. x 1-9/32 in., 1-11/32 in. x 1-7/16 in. tub and shower fittings and nuts

Especialy since the OP didnt tell us he needed bigger or smaller but 32 mm theoreticaly should be .010 " larger than 1 1/4

 

[Pghsebring]

The picture Reach4 posted is exactly what it looks like (right side plug.) Unfortunately the 6 sided tool kit they posted won't work.

The 1-1/4" socket was too big. The plug is 12 flats as shown in the picture, 1.24" side to side. The problem is the 12 point socket is sized so that the flats would have a "bump" centered in the middle of the flats and the "points" of the 12 sided plug don't fit in the corners (ie, it is 1-1/4" from bump to bump, not point to point, see left diagram). I now think a smaller 12 point socket would have the "bumps" too close together to allow the flats to fit inside of them - the socket really is made for either a 12 point double hex head (which isn't 12 flats) or for use with a normal hex head but allowing multiple orientations. I was wondering if there was a tool y'all had for this specific situation with 12 flats or if this is just a brilliant plan by the valve manufacturer to put a reallllly shallow plug that easily strips and requires a ton of force so you just replace the whole valve after you try using channel locks, a pipe wrench, or an open end wrench on it. Its looking like I have my answer.

 

[Breplum]

I agree that the shallow profile sucks big time.
We only use standard large crescent wrenches.

 

[Fitter30]

Trace the nut cut it out take it to the store for a match. Could also use a box end wrench. Like with a electric water heater element had to machine the end to get more of the socket on the element because sockets have a rolled edge.
1.24 = 31.496 mmq

 

[Jeff H Young]

Trace the nut cut it out take it to the store for a match. Could also use a box end wrench. Like with a electric water heater element had to machine the end to get more of the socket on the element because sockets have a rolled edge.
1.24 = 31.496 mmq

32 too big 1 1/4 too big 31 looks small 1.220 inches ? just going to have to go through the legwork buy a couple sockets return them if dont fit or spend days trying to figure it out, or call watts.