Prying flanges apart to replace leaking valves without the right tools is often a time-consuming procedure. It can also be dangerous, as the come-a-longs, wedges, screwdrivers and crowbars typically used for the job can slip out if not operated perfectly. The Valve-Out flange-spreading tool from Specialty Maintenance Products takes the time and danger out of doing the job.
The cold-rolled steel tool consists of four spreader plates, eight bolt-hole pins (two for each spreader plate) that come in various diameters and fit into the flange bolt holes, and two spacer bars, which connect the pairs of spreader plates. Two jack bolts connect the spreader plates, exerting
