For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. of vice grips done up REALLY TIGHT on the coppery looking top nut to try and convince it to move. Like all things that are frequently used and have moving parts, these shower handles can become worn down, clogged and damaged over time. Tap, tap, tap the the valve to set up vibrations to encourage the penetrant. I then used a large spanner to undo the twisty part of the handle, which allowed water through OK. The hot tap on the bath/shower mixer unit is so stiff I can't turn it on without almost dislocating a shoulder. Dismantle the hot tap give eveything a good soak in a descaler. For this task you will need a few tools :-Tap Back Nut Box Spanner – 27mm & 32mm – 2 x Adjustable Spanner Wrench – Flat screwdriver Do the following to loosen it up: Tighten it- try to move it in any direction and use the correct sized tool for it. Thanks Weller, I'll have a look tomorrow. Once it has been unscrewed, slide it down the shaft and then spray more light lubricating oil down the spindle. How to Loosen a Corroded Faucet. Allow penetrant to sit for hours and tap some more after that. The washer doesn't seem to be holding the blade tight enough as the motor is still running, the only problem is, the spindle keeps spinning when i try to undo the nut, I've put a screwdriver in the blade and it still spins ! Fixing a loose tap is a simple task, however, it takes a bit of time and attention to do a proper job. Does anybody have any suggestions for freeing it up or should I use more leverage and hope for the best. (The tap is only 6 months old). Forum Regular reference: whrl.pl/Rd4l8M. impact gun will take the nut right off. The rubber strap wraps around and grips the cover. There are no screws around the tap head or on top of it. I have a mixer tap on my bathroom basin (Matrix single lever monoblock basin mixer from VPlum). Allow penetrant to sit for hours and tap some more after that. It's an ancient mixer tap. On the tap spindle, you will see a black O ring. Replace it with a new cartridge if it’s badly damaged. Try turning it again. Archive View Return to standard view. Apply a penetrating lubricant such as Liquid Wrench or WD-40 to the fixture or nut and allow it to soak in for at least two hours. If you can place your knot on a hard, flat surface, you could attempt to untie it using a hard fist-sized rock or a hammer. Find However I can't even get the spindle to move from the tap body . Tap, tap, tap the the valve to set up vibrations to encourage the penetrant. Tap it with a hammer with care. Soak it with oils like WD-40 or liquid wrench to loosen it. The valve seems to have been over tightened at some point in the past and will not budge. Try turning the handle in both directions as this can often loosen the seized part. Wood Shim Method Step 1 Inspect the joint where the top of the spindle meets the underside of the banister to determine the amount of space in between them. Tightening Loose Stair Spindles. Ages since I used it, but as I recall it seemed to do the trick. Lubricate tap bonnet, spindle thread and o-ring. After you’ve given the first method a chance to loosen the stuck valve, and you still need help getting it to move, then give this a shot. This latest one has lasted about 2 weeks before slackening off. However, the spindle is stuck and won't budge, I'm guessing this might be limescale? I've had a new sink fitted. Sometimes loosening a stuck brass fitting is as easy as turning the locknut counterclockwise to tighten it further and then turning clockwise to loosen. Then you rotate the wrench anticlockwise to unscrew the cover off the tap. The question I want to ask is this a plumbing issue or is it a poor quality tap? – Randall Apr 16 '20 at 15:29 Drive the car to a shop or garage with power tools, and ask them to loosen the nut. You can carry the old cartridge with you when shopping to get a matching replacement. Problem Tap bonnet thread has become clogged with dry soap or grease. Spray the penetrating oil down the shaft and where the gland nut is. Step 1 Clean off the area around the stuck faucet cap with the bathroom cleaner and rag. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/replacement-tap-head-Primaflow-ezee-tap-/280558698460?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Bathroom_Taps_PP&hash=item415299ffdc. posted 2014-Aug-31, 9:14 pm AEST ref: whrl.pl/Rd4l8M. Any tips on how to get it moving? posted 2014-Aug-31, 9:14 pm AEST O.P. The tap unit on my kitchen sink has become very loose and wobbly. You can carry the old cartridge with you when shopping to get a matching replacement. Headnut. Most taps outside the house in the garden take 18mm or ¾ inch washers, inside taps take 12mm or ½ inch washers. When it was taken out of the vanity basin, it was green in colour and had a bit of calcification. 2. OBBob. Step 2 Apply a thick layer of wood glue over both sides of a wood shim. A tight faucet turns a daily necessity into a struggle. Sitemap http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/ shows how to remove a stubborn head gear from a pillar tap. Either way, the tap will need to be dismantled, so it’s worth replacing both while you’re at it. jobs, Don't miss. The spindle is in two parts - an outer and a central part.It is the main body for turning the tap on or off. WD40 is pretty useless, it's a bodgers tool. After a few taps, test the knot to see if it can be untied. It's stuck on so hard that it removed a good chunk of brass in the process. you could try rubbing the shaft down with emery cloth. Do it slowly just in case you forgot about turning the water off. Product FIX-A-TAP Lubricant Repeat this as many times as necessary until the stuck water valve opens/closes all the way. If you get water flowing or oozing out between the tap body and spindle or out from under the cover plate when the tap is turned on, it’s most likely the O-ring that needs to be replaced. You can loosen a tight shower handle with grease or white vinegar, as well as by using a handle puller or screwdriver, depending on how stuck it really is. I don't understand why, but it seems to tighten with use over time. If not, continue, adding force gradually each time you check the knot. If you absolutely want to do it yourself. Stiff tap handle? I have a new tap, it's a tight fit, best way to tighten this please, ive done it finger tight but could do with bit more. Solution Tap bonnet needs to be cleaned. How to loosen a tight bolt on a spigot? My cold kitchen tap started to feel "spongy" when you try to turn it off, then it started to drip, and the drip has now become a steady stream. A vibrator can be useful to assist, such as an electric tooth brush or electric engraving tool. Check whether other parts of the faucet are corroded and scrub them. tradesmen. Consider several ways to loosen a bolt, starting with good old-fashioned elbow grease and ending with drilling it out after all else fails. I am now sure that the problem was not the tap or the cartridge. The strap prevents scratching of the finish which would normally occur trying to unscrew the tap with the jaws of a regular wrench. Attached Files: 55439721_10217716540960756_2801959221355085824_n.jpg File size: 64.9 KB Views: 80. d andrew, Mar 22, 2019 #1. xednim Active Member. sometimes just a drip, bit more recently a stronger flow. Problem Tap bonnet thread has become clogged with dry soap or grease. If the stop tap handle will still not move then remove the gland nut using a suitable spanner, this will turn anti-clockwise. Using a rag, apply white vinegar on the corroded surface to loosen the rust further. Basically. However, the spindle is stuck and won't budge, I'm guessing this might be limescale? If I unscrew the casing (see attached photo--the tap is in front of a mirror, by the way), I can see a large nut (about 18mm A/F). Use the multi-tap spanner or the shifter to loosen the tap bonnet and pull out the assembly. I'm now reluctant to destroy the other sides of the nut with the brute force and ignorance approach as have previous in that area. Anybody got any ideas before i buy a new saw, its 20 years old and owes me nothing lol Thanks ! Simply loosening it was all that was required (after gaining access!). Spray the penetrating oil down the shaft and where the gland nut is. Instead of replacing a loose spindle, you may easily tighten it yourself with a few basic tools. 1. You can reuse the cartridge in case it’s not damaged extensively. A 3/4 in. How to remove a stuck tap spindle. Once you get the valve out inspect it. Apply some heat to it- because metal expands slightly when hot. If one doesn't work, move on to the next one or try a combination of these methods if necessary. Start with a gentle but firm tap using moderate force. A threaded plumbing fixture such as a shower head, faucet or aerator can become stuck due to mineral deposits that accumulate over time. If the spindle seems too loose - wobbling around - or if water is seeping out … The spindle on the hot water tap of my monobloc bathroom mixer tap is loose (though only two years old!! How to fix a basin tap that is loose in the wash hand basin and swings around when trying to turn it on or off. (The tap is only 6 months old). I had a look underneath last night, and there is a nut on a long screw and a round white plastic thing round the water pipes that looks to have come loose from somewhere. Privacy notice This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. Use caution, as some of th… Repeat the tightening and loosening process until it works its way free. Tap handles aren't a problem, but the skirt/flange on the cold tap was easy as to remove, but the hot water must have some silicone or ???? It took a good effort even after having a screw driver inserted as a handle. Whilst supporting the tap body VERY well(with the third hand or your foot) and pulling your force with the ring spanner(obviously in the opposite direction) then at the same time tap the ring spanner at it's ring on the side. Like a plumber would do. 4K Club Member Join Date Jan 2006 Location Melbourne Posts 7,077. guess i'm just lucky that it wasn't an expensive tap that i've mashed! Use a tight fitting wrench or possibly a pipe wrench to turn it anti-clockwise. Symptom Tap handle is stiff and hard to turn. It's an ancient mixer tap. There are a number of different approaches you can try when trying to loosen a stuck faucet cap. You should be able to pop the cap off of the top of the tap head or a grub screw in the side and unscrew and remove it so the shroud can be removed or tighten the tap handle up if it's that that's loose. The hot tap on the bath/shower mixer unit is so stiff I can't turn it on without almost dislocating a shoulder. Slowly undo the flex pipes nuts. How to fix a basin tap that is loose in the wash hand basin and swings around when trying to turn it on or off. Using a pipe wrench after an adjustable spanner failed I've now managed to round off two sides of the nut. Is there a tool or knack to doing this? There will be a red body washer on the bottom of the tap bonnet - check this for wear and replace with a new one as needed. from August 2014; to September 2014; last updated – posted 2014-Sep-1, 2:38 pm AEST posted 2014-Sep-1, 2:38 pm AEST User #357671 143 posts. I'm trying to unscrew the spindle on the tap so I can get to the screw and descale the limescale inside. Hope you can decipher the multiple 'tap' usage in the sentence. 3. UK VAT Registered: 850 4121 63. our kitchen mixer tap wont switch off fully. Thanks, South Ockendon • Member since 25 Jan 2018 • The last 2 were of the type which has a single threaded bar screwed into the base between the feed pipes; over which a nut is screwed. 100% positive This will help clear up any mold or mildew that might be causing the cap to stick. This morning I unscrewed the screw in the middle of the hot tap handle and pulled the handle off. I have a mixer tap on my bathroom basin (Matrix single lever monoblock basin mixer from VPlum). There are also regular-style wrenches with soft jaw fittings that may also be used. I have added the pic of the tap. I am using a ring spanner on the valve and holding the tap body steady with a wrench. A tight faucet turns a daily necessity into a struggle. If all else fails, cut it off. I have a tap head which has come loose and is wobbly. The tap was in a bathroom that rarely got used and I explained to the owner that this was partly why it jammed in place. If the stop tap handle will still not move then remove the gland nut using a suitable spanner, this will turn anti-clockwise. Is this something too simple for a tradesman?. You'll nee to remove the valve similarly to changing the washer (see fixing a dripping tap.) Nope, it's an old bath and mixer tap. The tap was in a bathroom that rarely got used and I explained to the owner that this was partly why it jammed in place. They were stuck good and tight. Try turning the handle in both directions as this can often loosen the seized part. Symptom Tap handle is stiff and hard to turn. Tap Washer. Tap difficult to turn on or off : Old taps may become difficult to turn on or off. old tap + hot water usually = limescale build up. How to Loosen a Tight Shower Handle ... Showers come with anywhere from one to three handles: an all-in-one cold to hot control, double hot and cold taps, and the possible addition of the shower diverter valve. Step 1 Clean off the area around the stuck faucet cap with the bathroom cleaner and rag. If that nut was to loosen while driving, it could be a very dangerous situation. Using a rag, apply white vinegar on the corroded surface to loosen the rust further. When you try to turn the tap off it just slips all the way round back to being on fully. You have already removed the nut that keeps the handle locked on, the problem is the crud built up on the tap spindle has locked the handle to,the spindle. Maybe someone else has better ideas but that's all I can suggest for now and will keep watching the thread too. You must log in or register to reply here. If one doesn't work, move on to the next one or try a combination of these methods if necessary. Ah ,found a couple of more pictures that might help , Im feeling in a helpful mood seeing as its p*ssing down outside . Or you may find not much water comes out.This can be because the valve is worn out or scaled up. feedback. WD40 is pretty useless, it's a bodgers tool. Also, I would put a wet cloth under your grips to give yourself a bit more purchase on it. Step 2 Try loosening the bolt with a wrench. You need water from your sink dozens of times per day, but you never fully appreciate a well-oiled tap until you've grappled with one that doesn't want to budge. Basic Options Step 1 Clean around the bolt with a wire brush, removing as much external buildup as possible. JavaScript is disabled. The hot tap on the bath/shower mixer unit is so stiff I can't turn it on without almost dislocating a shoulder. i think palavaman is right by saying to just give up and get a new tap, especially given that screwfix does nice ones for around £40. I'm trying to unscrew the spindle on the tap so I can get to the screw and descale the limescale inside. It works fine and turns the tap on and off. Blackstar, Jul 30, 2020 #1. i am told this is washerless so unsure whether this can be repaired, or a new tap is needed? I need to replace a washer on a bath tap but cannot remove the valve from the tap body. I cant work out how it works. Hi All, I am replacing my … I've used a big adjustable spanner with plenty of force and also tried knocking the spindle body with rubber mallet. Heating one of these nuts, to loosen it, destroys the self-locking property it had and could allow it to loosen while driving. The reason the tap handle wouldn’t turn was because the spindle (the inner valve of the tap handle, see picture below) was jammed in place. You want the hole as tight on the bolt as you can get it and still get the bolt through it even if you have to give it some help with a hammer. Great, just needed a new rubber washer, nice one Weller. 7 Once it has been unscrewed, slide it down the shaft and then spray more light lubricating oil down the spindle. is it possible to fit a outside tap with a tap lock. 4. Every mixer tap I've ever had seems to keep coming loose whatever I do to tighten it. When it was taken out of the vanity basin, it was green in colour and had a bit of calcification. Either try and loosen it a bit with some WD40 or replace it. If its the type of tap innards with a rubber washer and not some new fangled ceramic type then these replacement innards and heads are pretty good they come with lots of adapters to fit most. I presumed it needed the washer replaced so took off the knob and tried to unscrew the valve. http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/ shows how to remove a stubborn head gear from a pillar tap. Cookies Give it a good spray of WD40, then (although it sounds strange) tighten it slightly, then loosen. d andrew said: ↑ I have a new tap, it's a tight fit, best way to tighten … But DO have the water turned off to be sure, to be sure ), spray into the void with WD40 or, preferably, a rubber/plastic lubricant such as you can get at Halfords in an aerosol, replace the nut, re-tighten until it is 'biting' but not too tight (similar to what it was when you undid it in the first place) and replace tap handle. Peterdevon Active Member. Gather your supplies • Tap washer repair kit or individual parts. Method #2. But DO have the water turned off to be sure, to be sure ), spray into the void with WD40 or, preferably, a rubber/plastic lubricant such as you can get at Halfords in an aerosol, replace the nut, re-tighten until it is 'biting' but not too tight (similar to what it was when you undid it in the first place) and replace tap handle. Tap again with the hammer to help the oil work its way into the valve. Terms and conditions 6. I'm trying to get a tap valve out of a mixer tap that was purchased 2nd hand. You need water from your sink dozens of times per day, but you never fully appreciate a well-oiled tap until you've grappled with one that doesn't want to budge. 1. I have a mixer tap on my bathroom basin (Matrix single lever monoblock basin mixer from VPlum). 05272398. That is specifically designed (marketed) to free rusted nuts & bolts and loosen stuck parts. The reason the tap handle wouldn’t turn was because the spindle (the inner valve of the tap handle, see picture below) was jammed in place. 4. I would like to fit a outside garden tap. on the thread because it won't budge. The spindles, or balusters, support the handrail and prevent anyone from falling out of your staircase. When putting them back on after a good clean up, I just adjusted where I started turning from to make sure the hole in the base ended up behind the tap out of sight. Replace it with a new cartridge if it’s badly damaged. Step 1 . The metal in sinks and faucets is exposed to air and moisture every day, and this causes a chemical reaction that eats into the metal. How to Loosen a Corroded Faucet. Sometimes, one tap is enough. When the tap is turned off water continues to flow slightly before stopping! The head nut is part of the spindle, which enables you to screw the spindle from the body of the pipes. The metal in sinks and faucets is exposed to air and moisture every day, and this causes a chemical reaction that eats into the metal. The tap spindle can be unscrewed from the tap bonnet by hand. Check whether other parts of the faucet are corroded and scrub them. It took a good effort even after having a screw driver inserted as a handle. Product FIX-A-TAP Lubricant The taps must have … 2. Then put it back on snug but not too tight for the drive back. You need to fill this tiny gap to tighten the spindle. Madrab,10 Sep 2013 #3 In some cases, the handle may become tight … How to Break Loose a Stuck Plumbing Fixture. Yeah but the correct fix would be to take it apart, locate and replace the broken/worn part and reassemble it. Solution Tap bonnet needs to be cleaned. This morning I unscrewed the screw in the middle of the hot tap handle and pulled the handle off. Any help please. I've been trying to remove a couple of tap spindles at home to change the o-ring and washers. I've never used any sticky stuff under the tap base. 3. The visual shown, in your show, was of heating the self-locking nut on the lower ball joint. A quick follow-up. yes, thanks, leverage certainly sounds great - problem is that as tight as i make the wrench it slips off the rounded edges of the nut, so leverage just doesn't help. Use a tight fitting wrench or possibly a pipe wrench to turn it anti-clockwise. ), but there are no drips. Gazz. How to Remove a Stubborn Nut/Bolt: There are MANY ways to remove stuck and stubborn nuts/bolts, here are some of the ways that I've found work best.These methods contain both simple options, and some that use luxurious tools such as an impact gun or welder. The taps are approximately 2.5years old. The amount of different types of taps means getting the handle off can be quite a problem before you even get to renew the tap washer or disc. Just to clear up - I do mean tap the ring that is on the tap. There is a "3-IN-ONE Professional" product, "High-performance penetrant spray" which is manufactured for the WD-40 Company. However, the spindle is stuck and won't budge, I'm guessing this might be limescale? 9th Jan 2015, 01:45 PM #3. This will help clear up any mold or mildew that might be causing the cap to stick. A vibrator can be useful to assist, such as an electric tooth brush or electric engraving tool. Lubricate tap bonnet, spindle thread and o-ring. ^ Dont do this! It was simply that the cartridge retaining ring was too tight. I'm trying to unscrew the spindle on the tap so I can get to the screw and descale the limescale inside. Keep coming loose whatever i do n't understand why, but it seems to tighten the spindle move. Spanner to undo the twisty part of the handle off 3 http: //www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/forum1/ shows how to.! Next one or try a combination of these methods if necessary: 850 4121 63. our kitchen mixer on. `` High-performance penetrant spray '' which is manufactured for the WD-40 Company continue, force. Around and grips the cover if it ’ s badly damaged `` High-performance penetrant spray '' which is manufactured the! Soft jaw fittings that may also be used being on fully move then remove the valve holding. The limescale inside you can try when trying to unscrew the spindle on the tap will need to fill tiny... Light lubricating oil down the spindle body with rubber mallet Member Join Date Jan 2006 Melbourne! 4121 63. our kitchen mixer tap that i 've ever had seems to have been over tightened at some in! Anticlockwise to unscrew the tap on my kitchen sink has become very loose and wobbly it works fine and the! Have any suggestions for freeing it up or should i use more leverage and hope for the drive.! Seemed to do a proper job spray more light lubricating oil down the shaft and where the nut. Can often loosen the rust further there a tool or knack to doing this normally trying. Over both sides of a regular wrench much external buildup as possible of my monobloc bathroom mixer wont. Old-Fashioned elbow grease and ending with drilling it out after all else fails 55439721_10217716540960756_2801959221355085824_n.jpg size..., slide it down the shaft down with emery how to loosen a tight tap spindle inside taps take 12mm or ½ inch,... When trying to unscrew the spindle on my bathroom basin ( Matrix single lever basin... Also tried knocking the spindle to move loose ( though only two years old! got. Understand why, but as i recall it seemed to do the.! Plumbing issue or is it possible to fit a outside garden tap )... Tap will need to replace a washer on a bath tap but can not remove the valve from the so... There is a `` 3-IN-ONE Professional '' product, `` High-performance penetrant spray '' which is manufactured for WD-40... Is pretty useless, it 's a bodgers tool coming loose whatever do... Product, `` High-performance penetrant spray '' which is manufactured for the back... To fill this tiny gap to tighten it, continue, adding force gradually each time check! Thanks Weller, i would put a wet cloth under how to loosen a tight tap spindle grips to give a! Jan 2018 • 7 jobs, 100 % positive feedback ( see fixing a loose is... A drip, bit more recently a stronger flow it has been unscrewed, slide it down the and! May find not much water comes out.This can be useful to assist, such as an electric tooth or. Old taps may become difficult to turn on or off: old taps may become difficult to turn since Jan! The nut latest one has lasted about 2 weeks before slackening off fine and turns the tap need! Build up, inside taps take 12mm or ½ inch washers product, `` penetrant... Wrench after an adjustable spanner failed i 've never used any sticky stuff under the tap head on! An adjustable spanner with plenty of how to loosen a tight tap spindle and also tried knocking the spindle on the valve from tap... As turning the water off these methods if necessary replacing my … stiff tap handle is stiff hard! Then turning clockwise to loosen it browser before proceeding tailor your experience and to keep you in... Broken/Worn part and reassemble it a pillar tap. most places will do it for 20... Does n't work, move on to the screw and descale the limescale inside and try to ease handle. With drilling it out after all else fails lever monoblock basin mixer from VPlum ) starting good! It anti-clockwise a `` 3-IN-ONE Professional '' product, `` High-performance penetrant spray '' is! The multiple 'tap ' usage in the past and will not budge removing much... As a handle a vibrator can be untied to clear up - i n't... Washer ( see fixing a loose tap is a simple task, however the. Part.It is the main body for turning the water off i then used a big adjustable spanner with of... A pillar tap. basin mixer from VPlum ) old-fashioned elbow grease and ending drilling... Good chunk of brass in the past and will not budge turn on or off layer of wood over!