Chainplate nut size

[mregan]

Anyone know the nut size on the ends of the chainplate rods.  Wanted to pick up a ratcheting box wrench before I went to the boat again.

[Stu Jackson]

Because of the limited space underneath, I bought a short handled adjustable wrench.  It only takes a couple of turns to loosen the bottom lock nut, then the upper one comes off by hand.

On my forward port lower chainplate, a ratchet, even a deep well, wouldn't work, because there were a dozen or more lock washers and then the two nuts on a looong threaded end of the rod.

I hope I am understanding where exactly you mean.  Even if not, an adjustable wrench works for everything having to do with the chainplates (except where you need a screwdriver!  )

[mregan]

Thanks but I meant the big nuts on the end of the rods that screw into the bottom of the chainplates.  They are located in the cubby spaces on the cabin seatbacks.

[Stu Jackson]

Me, too.  Hence, the short handled part.   

[mregan]

I couldn't get the adjustable to fit very well in the space.  Maybe I'll try the short handle.  I went out and bought a 15/16 and 1" box end wrench.  The 15/16 had a ratcheting side to it.  I'll let you know which size works next time I'm onsite.
Also, how much do you tighten the rods/nuts  I have the chainplates themselves in place and tightened.  I screwed the rods into the chainplates by hand as much as possible.  Re-tightening the nuts/rods, can I be worried about overtightening them?

[Stu Jackson]

There are a bunch of lock washers below the aluminum beveled bushing.  I had a dozen lock washers PLUS two nuts on mine.  Tighten it up very snug, but it is designed to keep the chainplate connection on the deck in the proper position.  The chainplate is fastened to the deck, right?  Where's it gonna go?   

http://c34.org/wiki/index.php?title=Inspecting_and_Re-bedding_Chainplates#Correction_Note

[mregan]

Was able to take a swing by today.  Nuts on the end of the rods are 15/16".  The 15/16" ratcheting box wrench fit perfectly and works pretty well.  Should be able to tighten/loosed much quicker than the adjustable.

[Stu Jackson]

Great idea.  Now I'll have to find some more 15/16" nuts so you have a "more-than-one-use" tool.