Best tool for underground lawn sprinkler system head removal?

Question

My lawn has an underground sprinkler system. Many of the heads are old, leaking, and hard to adjust. So I've been swapping them with Rainbird 5000 series heads. They look like this:

Here's the thing. These things are impossible to dig up by hand. I spent 3 hours last night replacing 3 of these. They just screw off of the valve beneath them, counter clockwise, but can be a little stiff. I had to use one of those neat grippy jar opener things to get the 3 off, and my hands are now trashed.

The head, as you can see in the picture, has a texture. There must be some wrench or tool that works to quickly grip and twist these things off, without having to dig like crazy all around them in the yard (destroying the lawn in the process).

What tool would work for this? What tool is best for this?

Answer 1

There are a few tools available to help you with this process.

I would suggest getting a donut sod cutter or a Sprinkler Head removal tool.

They're designed to cut a small hole around the sprinkler head to allow easier access without having to dig up a big area around the head.

You can also get a sprinkler head wrench to help free the head from the pipe.

You could get away without having the wrench if you have access to a pair of channellocks, but, the right tool for the job always makes things easier.

_{note: images are from Amazon and Home Depot}

Answer 2

A Strap Wrench would be the generic approach to this (intended as an example of the type, not a specific recommendation of brand or store) (and in my usual process of answer the question then read other answers and comments, I see that's what you did in a comment - If you'd like to post that as an answer I can get rid of this one):

If you don't care about the ones you are removing (because you are removing them to replace them) Chain Locking Pliers would also be an option - more robust, more prone to damaging or marking what they are used on (intended as an example of the type, not a specific recommendation of brand or store):

Answer 3

I dig out enough earth around them to get my hands in there for better leverage. I dig a wider hole about half way down the head then grab and twist.

But your local hardware store, or sprinkler store should have a special tool.