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MG TD TF 1500 - Rad Cap Tool

I like metal working and decided to make an elegant
rad cap wrench. Also I needed a change in design to allow for a Boyce Motometer temperature guage.

I like an opening in the front of my Rad Cap
Wrench as it allows me to open and close the rad cap with the hood "Bonnet" halves up.

I made one out of wood originally with a cover over the cap opening to reinforce the two arms.

This time I made the new one from .25 inch aluminum plate. Plenty of strength in the new arms and looks a little more "mechanical."
Regards to all
Brian MGTD 18272 turned 70 on July 16 this year. The car,not me!





B.J. Facey

Why do people use wrenches on the radiator caps?
Regards, Tom
tm peterson

First of all, the cap is snugged up slightly (not torqued down) with a wrench. So then it needs a wrench to loosen it up a little.
Secondly, and this is important! I don't like burning my hands in order to open the rad if it is hot.
B.J. Facey

Beautiful workmanship! Yes, the caps get stuck. George
George Butz III

I don't use a wrench, I just use a rag and hand pressure. But nice a looking tool nonetheless.

I do have a strangely large radiator cap tool collection for someone who doesn't use them though. Wood, copper, steel, plastic, etc. I don't know where they keep coming from! Normally I just keep a wood one in the garage toolbox just in case someone comes over and over-tightened theirs.
Steve Simmons

I ask because I have had my car for 20+ years, I have seen cap wrenches on eBay, etc and never could see the need. Sort of like drinking too hot of coffee, I wait until it cools. Never had the need in my years of ownership to open a hot radiator cap. Thus the question.
Regards, Tom
tm peterson

I think Steve nailed it.

Make sure you have a correct O-Ring on the filler and no need to tighten it anymore than just hitting the rubber and going to the next flat to line up artistically. Everything will expand when it gets hotter and these are not pressurized systems. A rag is all you should need.
Christopher Couper

This thread was discussed between 01/01/2023 and 02/01/2023

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