Calling all my handy brethren [Spark, Scott, Al, Bski, et al]...

The good news: Finished moving all rock [by hand] from former SMB beds to the new SMB reproduction ponds and she's ready to fill.

The bad news: As you might recall I was having issues removing the 8' long 8" standpipe from the 90 elbow - we couldn't get a grip on it to twist or pull even though it's greased well. Punched a 2" hole through the top of the pipe and fit a 2' stick of 2" PVC to act as a handle. Gave it all we had, didn't budge! I think the standpipe is so heavy and is flexing as we're trying to twist and we cannot remove. As you might recall, this essentially defeats the entire purpose of the SMB solo collection efforts. I have obviously used too large diameter standpipe, but I wanted to ensure the fish would not be injured during their short journey to the collection tank.

I have to figure a fix over the next few months. Here are the only ideas coming to mind - hopeful someone can shed their experience and provide some solutions.

1. Cut the standpipe into 24" sections and use unglued, greased couplers when I piece it back together. The smaller pieces will be lighter and easier to pull apart/disassemble. Problem - will the joints/couplers leak? Also, how will I grip to twist/remove?

2. Anyone with strap wrench experience? I see they make them large enough to fit 8", think this might be the tool I'm missing to enable me to twist the pipe?

Any feedback is appreciated - and if the strap wrench is the ticket, any suggestions on models/brands/online sources?

Thanks in advance guys...


Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. ~ Henry David Thoreau

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