Description
Ratcheting Valve Key with Over 12-Foot Reach for Deep Valve Boxes
Overview
Municipal water crews operating gate valves in deep valve boxes need a tool that reaches below grade and matches the operating nut. The Reed VKR1EXT valve key has a 1-inch square drive, ratchet handle with toggle reversal, and a 6-foot extension shaft for over 12 feet of total reach. This ratcheting valve key closes to 45.5 inches for vehicle storage.
Valve Key with Extension: Features and Components
- Ratcheting Handle with Toggle Reversal. The Reed VKR1EXT valve key uses a ratchet head on the upper shaft that turns the operating nut with short strokes instead of full rotations. A toggle switch on the ratchet reverses direction without removing the key, so crews can open and close valves from one position.
- 6-Foot Extension Shaft. The extension shaft adds 6 feet of length, giving the VKR1EXT over 12 feet of open reach. Standard valve keys top out at 5 to 6 feet. This valve key with extension covers deep installations where shorter tools stop short of the operating nut.
- 1 Inch Square Key for Duvalco and Similar Valves. The 1-inch square valve key fits Duvalco gate valve operating nuts and other valves with 1" square drives. It installs at the required height on the upper shaft and locks in place with the VK Pin.
- Compact Storage at 45.5 Inches. When disassembled, the full assembly closes to 45.5 inches. Utility crews store it in the bed of a service truck, behind a pickup seat, or in a car trunk between calls.
Specifications
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Catalog No. | VKR1EXT |
| Item Code | 02351 |
| Key Size | 1" Square |
| Closed Length | 45.5 in (1156 mm) |
| Open Length | 12' 6" (3.81 m) |
| Weight | 26.8 lbs (12.2 kg) |
| Components | VK Pin (32340), VKR Upper Shaft (92343), VKR Ratchet (92356), 6' Extension Shaft (92358), 1" Square Key (92336) |
| Compatible Valves | Duvalco® gate valves and other valves with 1" square operating nuts |
| Direction Reversal | Toggle switch on ratchet head |
| Not Suitable For | 2" operating nuts, pentagon nuts, AWWA standard nuts |
Reed VKR1EXT vs VKREXT: 1 Inch Square vs 2 Inch Valve Key
The Reed VKR1EXT vs VKREXT choice comes down to operating nut size. The VKR1EXT carries a 1 inch square valve key for Duvalco and similar 1" square drives. The VKREXT (02350) uses a 2" key for standard 2" operating nuts on most municipal gate valves. Both share the same ratchet valve wrench mechanism with toggle reversal, 6-foot extension shaft, and VK Pin assembly.
Weight: 26.8 lbs (VKR1EXT) vs 26.6 lbs (VKREXT). Check operating nut size before ordering.
Cleanflow stocks additional Reed curb and valve keys in 1" and 2" configurations.
Water Main Valve Key Applications
What is a ratcheting valve key used for?
Operating buried gate valves on water mains, hydrant laterals, and distribution loops. Crews use this water main valve key to isolate valves during repairs, shutoffs, and emergency line breaks without entering the box.
The ratcheting vs standard valve key advantage is reduced fatigue: quarter-turn ratchet strokes replace full-arm T-handle rotations that wear on the back over a shift.
Some crews call this tool a ratchet valve wrench. This deep valve box key reaches operating nuts 8 to 12 feet below grade where standard tools fall short.
Buy Reed VKR1EXT Valve Key Online from Cleanflow
Cleanflow Utility Supply Company is an authorized distributor of Reed. The Reed VKR1EXT valve key includes the ratchet handle, 6-foot extension shaft, and 1-inch square key. Municipal crews and contractors across Canada and the USA buy this water main valve key, along with other Reed tools and pipe tools, from Cleanflow. Free shipping on orders over $199. Returns accepted within 30 days. Email info@cleanflow.ca for returns or exchanges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Reed VKR1EXT and VKREXT?
The operating nut size. The Reed VKR1EXT valve key fits 1-inch square nuts, including Duvalco and similar drives. The VKREXT fits 2" nuts. Both use identical ratchet, extension, and pin assemblies. Choose based on the operating nut in your system.
How deep can a valve key reach?
This valve key with extension reaches 12 feet 6 inches when fully assembled. Without the 6-foot extension shaft, the upper shaft alone reaches approximately 6 feet. Additional extension shafts are available from Reed for greater depth.
What is the best valve key for deep valve boxes?
For 1" square operating nuts below 6 feet, you need a deep valve box key with ratcheting action. The VKR1EXT combines a 6-foot extension for over 12 feet of reach with a ratchet handle. For 2" nuts, the Reed VKREXT covers the same depth.
Does the ratcheting valve key work on all valve types?
No. The VKR1EXT fits 1" square operating nuts only, including Duvalco gate valves. It does not fit 2", pentagon, or AWWA standard nuts. Check the nut shape and size on your valves before selecting a model.
How do you reverse direction on a ratcheting valve key?
Flip the toggle switch on the VKR Ratchet head. The toggle sits on the side of the ratchet and switches between clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. No need to lift the key out of the valve box to change direction.
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