How to Remove Hydraulic Hoses in Tight Spaces? Practical Tips and Tools

[MikePhua]

In this forum post, the original poster (OP) faced a common challenge during excavator maintenance:
They needed to disconnect a group of hydraulic hose fittings located in a very confined space. Ordinary wrenches could not be effectively used due to limited room and surrounding pipes, brackets, and components.

       


1. The Problem
The OP shared photos showing tightly packed hydraulic lines surrounded by steel pipes and supports, making it impossible to get sufficient leverage with standard open-end or adjustable wrenches.

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2. Community Suggestions and Solutions
Experienced users offered practical advice for this typical hydraulic maintenance difficulty, including:

• Use a Flare Nut Wrench (Line Wrench or "抓管扳手")
  This wrench fits more snugly around hydraulic fittings than a regular open-end wrench, reducing slippage and damage to copper or steel fittings. Its thinner jaw profile is better suited for narrow spaces.
  
• Try Short-Handled Hydraulic-Specific Wrenches or Crowfoot Wrenches
  Some recommended using short-handled flare nut wrenches or a combination of crowfoot wrench heads with ratchets. This setup helps in confined spots where full-size wrenches cannot be rotated.
  
• Combine with Universal (Swivel) Joints and Extension Bars
  For awkward angles, attaching a crowfoot wrench to a universal joint plus an extension bar and ratchet provides the leverage and flexibility to reach tight fittings.
  
• Clean Fittings Thoroughly Beforehand
  Wiping away oil and dirt from fittings prevents slipping and improves grip.
  
• Apply Penetrating Lubricant for Rusty Fittings
  Spraying products like PB Blaster or WD-40 and letting them soak for 10 minutes can ease stubborn fittings.
  

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3. Summary of Practical Tips

• The classic combo of Crowfoot Wrench + Ratchet + Extension Bar + Universal Joint solves about 90% of tight hydraulic fitting removals.
  
• In absence of specialized flare nut wrenches, use a correctly sized socket with a universal joint as a makeshift solution.
  
• Apply steady, controlled force—avoid sudden twisting or excessive pressure that could damage fittings or bend hoses.
  
• If necessary, carefully heat the fittings with a heat gun (avoiding flammable vapors) to help loosen stuck joints.
  

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4. User Conclusion

"Having the right tools beats brute force. For machines with tightly packed hydraulic lines, investing in a crowfoot wrench set is key; otherwise, you’ll just end up frustrated."

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Final Advice for Hydraulic Maintenance
Anyone regularly servicing excavators or hydraulic machinery should equip themselves with:

• Flare Nut Wrenches (Line Wrenches)
  
• Crowfoot Wrench Heads
  
• Ratchet with Extension Bars and Universal (Swivel) Joints
  

These tools are invaluable for disassembling fittings in cramped spaces—far better than trying to dismantle half the machine just to get at them!