Steering clutch bung removal

[phried]

I just got the machine and I'm pretty mechanically savvy but I've never worked with drum plugs aka bung plugs before. What is the best tool(s) to use for removing and re-installing these?

A full wrench like this?

Is there a socket that is appropriate?

I saw a youtube hack video of using 2 large screwdrivers but that sound annoying if this is needed more than a couple of times.

[Stan Disbrow]

Hi,

There is a bung wrench. About $40 from the usual sources of Cheap Tools (Northern, Harbor Freight). I made one starting with an old pair of channel lock pliers and ground the back sides of the jaw tips down a little so they fit the bung nicely. Just need to pull the handles open when using on bungs. They still work as pliers as well as a crawler bung wrench.

Stan

[phried]

I ordered the Amazon one since it looks similar to the Northern Tool one but at 80% lower cost.

[Paul J]

I used a common pair of pliers on mine. Stick the ends of the handles in position and a large screwdriver thru the jaws for twist leverage. Couple of blood blisters later, and it's loose.

It's a ten minute job to make a decent wrench for barrel bungs, but I've never taken the ten minutes to do it. Maybe today. . .

[Paul Buhler]

Hi: The pliers handles and screwdriver method worked for me to get the steering bungs to open (or use a cold chisel/drift and hammer), then a bit of Anti-Seize on the threads keeps them working fine. New O-rings and finger tight keeps out the rain, which is all that's needed. Good luck. I borrowed a barrel bung wrench from a friend when I needed to get my winch bung open, but didn't want to invest in one. Paul

[Paul J]

A photo posting test.

Bung wrench made from a cracked socket and a 1 7/8" long piece of 1/4" thick scrap.

[phried]

Ha! That is awesome!