[hayley3]

I bought a shower arm and I"m adding a delta extension arm.
I need to tighten the delta extension arm but I need to hold the shower arm while I turn the extension. I've put masking tape on the jaws but I still scratched it and I haven't even got it tight yet.
What do plumbers use to not scratch the chrome?

Also I am using vice grips? Is there anything better? I'm a woman and weak so keep that in mind. :biggrin2:
Thanks..thanks..thanks!!

 

[Windows on Wash]

Strap wrench.

 

[Ghostmaker]

Stick a screw driver into the shower arm

 

[hayley3]

@Windows on Wash, any brand you recommend?
@Ghostmaker...it's the extension I need to turn and it is not hollow.

 

[hayley3]

Soooo the end is approx 1 inch..same size as the shower arm...I don't see any straps that small.

 

[Windows on Wash]

https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-Tools-6-in-Rubber-Strap-Wrench-1566/309676287

 

[jmon]

vice wrench is ok. But you need 2 of them or 2 channel locks. one on the arm and one on the extension.


Use a thick towel or washcloth around chrome so you don't scratch or ruin it with the vice grips/channel locks. Any homeowner should be able to do this without any problems or scratches on the chrome.

 

[jmon]

video shows how to remove/replace the shower arm. then you are adding an extension on that. so Instead of hooking up shower head you would hook your extension to the arm. Hope you get it working the way you want soon hayley.


The longer handle channel locks work best imo. but you can do it with the vice grips.

 

[hayley3]

vice wrench is ok. But you need 2 of them or 2 channel locks. one on the arm and one on the extension.


Use a thick towel or washcloth around chrome so you don't scratch or ruin it with the vice grips/channel locks. Any homeowner should be able to do this without any problems or scratches on the chrome.

Thanks, I have the shower arm on but I don't want it to twist while I'm tightenting the extension. I 'll try a wet washcloth...didn't think of that. :smile:

 

[chandler48]

Just an aside, if your shower arm will absolutely NOT get tight in the right position in the wall, you can use an electrical 3/8" strain relief nut on the end and use it as a jam nut to keep the arm in the right position. I could not find a picture of just the nut, but you can see it on the associated fitting. It will fit the shower arm.

 

[jmon]

Thanks, I have the shower arm on but I don't want it to twist while I'm tightenting the extension. :smile:

Exactly, That is why you use 2 wrenches and place them as stated using the washcloth so you don't scratch the chrome.

The wrench placement on the arm is so you don't twist it while you tighten the extension using the other wrench. I'm sure you'll figured it out.

 

[hayley3]

So the washcloth just spins around the chrome...didn't work for me.

 

[jmon]

So the washcloth just spins around the chrome...didn't work for me.

you may not have your vice grips set properly.

 

[huesmann]

Try scrap leather instead of a washcloth, or wrap a bunch of wide rubber bands around the thing before you wrap the washcloth. Might not even need the vise grips with the rubber bands.

 

[miamicuse]

Two options.

You can use a strap wrench on one holding it steady while hand tight the other.

Is the extension straight or bent/angled? If so you are dealing with having to not only tighten the extension but to tighten it to six O clock in relation to the existing arm and not more not less. This may be a bit of a challenge if you are not tall. I would consider removing the original shower arm from the wall, then tighten the extension on the ground such that the extension is aligned with the arm, then remake the wall connection turning only the original arm by hand...assuming the wall 90 elbow is properly secured to the framing.