Tool for undoing taps

[88v8]

What used to be a normal tap.
Basin tap.
Hot.
Maybe 60 years old.
Half-inch rubber washer, which I need to change.
The cross-head comes off OK and the easy-clean cover, but the body is soooo tight.

I remember there was/is a tool you put over the tap then it levers on itself to undo. Quite pricey iirc.

Before I get out my adjustables and Stilsons and risk breaking something, anyone remember the tool and where I can buy one?

 

[Madrab]

Is it the internal tap washer you're changing?

All you can really do it use a large adjustable spanner and a thick cloth and grip the spout whilst another equally large adjustable to turn the valve body to undo. Have the tool handles clos together so you can use them against each other.

 

[88v8]

I found it.
Tapsplitter, like this.
Levers against itself.
No more bodging around with big spanners.

I remember over forty years ago a tap so tight that I ended up splitting the basin in half.. Araldited back together.

But this tool didn't exist back then.

 

[Jackrae]

Tapsplitter, like this.

You can make your own in the form of a paddle shaped out of a length of 18mm plywood say 75 x 200 Cut out a slot that will allow the paddle to fit over both tap body and spout. You then use the wooden paddle as a reaction lever to counter the torque of the spanner. Been there, made one and got the t-shirt.

 

[Elkato531]

I use my backnut box spanner over the spout to give extra leverage and the correct size ring spanner (usually 17mm) on the valve. Set them close together so you can squeeze between 2 hands.

Monument Tools Tap Backnut Spanner Set 27 x 32mm 2 Pcs - Screwfix

 

[ETAF]

OR as mentioned by @Madrab

All you can really do it use a large adjustable spanner and a thick cloth and grip the spout whilst another equally large adjustable to turn the valve body to undo. Have the tool handles clos together so you can use them against each other.

I have done this, but also applied a lot of limscale remover and WD40

 

[CBW]

I use my backnut box spanner over the spout to give extra leverage and the correct size ring spanner (usually 17mm) on the valve. Set them close together so you can squeeze between 2 hands.

Monument Tools Tap Backnut Spanner Set 27 x 32mm 2 Pcs - Screwfix

Plus 1 for this, if the size isn’t 17mm I use an adjustable or my knipex smooth jaw wrench, more beneficial for a £30 diy rip off tool.