How to Make an Internal Pipe Wrench

Whether you have a broken pipe that needs to be replaced or need to install one in a flash, you can make an internal pipe wrench to perform the job. Internal pipe wrenches are inserted into pipes to install or remove them. Instead of removing an entire section of a wall, use an internal pipe wrench for hard-to-reach pipes. Internal pipe wrenches are rotated vertically for tight spaces and contain a nipple on the end of it for torque.

Things You'll Need

• 2-inch-diameter steel rod
• Vice-grip
• Tape measure
• Marker
• Band saw
• Carbide blade
• Metal file
• Power drill
• 1/4-inch-diameter carbide drill bit
• 1/4-inch-diameter steel rod, 4-inch length
• Duct tape
• Metal epoxy
• 1/4-inch-diameter rod with a hexagon-shaped end, 2-inch length
• 5-inch-diameter threaded nipple, hexagon hole

Instructions

1. Make the wrench handle. Place a 2-inch-diameter steel rod into a vice-grip. Tighten the vice-grip to secure the rod in place. Measure and mark the steel rod to a 6-inch length using a tape measure and marker. Cut the steel rod using a band saw and carbide blade.

2. Smooth the cut end of the steel rod using a metal file. The cut end is extremely sharp and cuts skin on contact until filed smooth.

3. Secure the rod in a vice grip. Drill a 1/4-inch-diameter hole into the side of the steel rod, using a power drill and 1/4-inch carbide drill bit. Position the hole 1/2 inch above the end of the rod.

4. Insert a 1/4-inch-diameter steel rod with a 4-inch length into the rotation hole. The 1/4-inch-diameter steel rod is the rotation bit. Wrap the ends of the rotation bit with duct tape to secure it to the handle.

5. Make the nipple hole. Place the rod in a vice grip. Drill a 1/4-inch-diameter hole into the end of the handle using a power drill and 1/4-inch carbide drill bit. Position the nipple hole on the opposite end of the rotation hole.

6. Brush metal epoxy into the nipple hole. Insert a quarter-diameter rod with a hexagon-shaped end into the nipple hole. The hexagon-shaped end should face outward. Let the metal epoxy dry for 30 minutes.

7. Insert a hexagon-shaped rod into the hexagon hole of the 5-inch-diameter threaded nipple. Insert the nipple into the inside of a pipe. Turn the rotation bit to rotate the internal pipe wrench. Remove the internal pipe wrench when the pipe is loosened or tightened the desired amount.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust the length of the wrench handle and diameter of the nipple to the desired length and diameter.

• Wear protective gloves, goggles and mask when handling a band saw, metal file and power drill.