External stop cock, what to turn? What key?

[Albumen]

I'm about to do a heap of plumbing. One of which is replacing the internal stop cock. So I'll need to turn off the supply into the house.

The supply into the house was replaced not that long ago, and they fitted a new stop cock in the pavement. It looks like this:

Which is the bit I turn? The oblong or the hex? I just tried turning the oblong thing with pliers and it felt a bit tight, so I didn't force it. Would mole grips do it?

I don't mind buying a proper key. It's not that deep, but it might be easier as I get older, if I ever need to shut the water off in an emergency. Can anybody tell from that photo what size it is?

Thanks.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

The hex plug is removed to fit a meter into the chamber, I wouldn't touch that unless you want a fountain! Shut off should be the oblong part, and I think it may just be a quarter turn from on to off.

 

[CBF]

not long ago ?? yes as above it's just 1/4 turn

 

[Albumen]

Thanks chaps. So is that a 'crutch pattern' key then? And there seem to be 1/2" and 3/4" keys. Measured across the short dimension?

 

[Albumen]

For now, do I really need the 'proper' key. It's not very deep, so if I can get mole grips to it, is that OK?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

I'd go gently with it, it's plastic so wont take much to break it. Not come across that type before, but i'd have expected it to be free enough to turn on/off with fingers only.