Ultimate tool for removing nut on tap?

[pmx_super]

Hi,

I spent the weekend fighting to undo the copper hex-nut to replace a washer on my mixer tap. The adjustable spanner and mole grips failed miserably (bad workman blames tools etc..).

While there are still enough corners left I was wondering what is the best tool for this job?

I was thinking that something which grips all 6 flats - and has a lever either side of the nut (so you can actually apply a rotational force rather than yanking the whole tap in one direction) would fit the bill. It would need to be a really nice tight fit as well to avoid rounding off all the corners.

Any suggestions very gratefully recieved..

James

 

[DIYIdoit]

How about one of these?

You can also get an adjustable spanner with a tightening lever (like a monkey wrench)

 

[Thermo]

if its a mixer tap with a small nut, then youll need one of these, youre be limited for room to use a tap spanner

http://www.plumbworld.co.uk/618-796

 

[pmx_super]

Just to clarify - it's not the back-nut I'm trying to undo it's the one on the spindle that sticks out from the body of the tap.

A box spanner seems the best choice as long as it's a really nice tight fit. That way I can put a rod (handle) all the way through and pull and push at the same time. Are any specific brands particularly good?

 

[Thermo]

nope, its a tube of steel with a spanner on the end, theyll all do the job, and dont overtighten it!

 

[Scrit]

A box spanner seems the best choice as long as it's a really nice tight fit. That way I can put a rod (handle) all the way through and pull and push at the same time. Are any specific brands particularly good?

Spend a bit more and get a drop-forged tool rather than a stamped tube steel one

Scrit

 

[Nestor_Kelebay]

Just to clarify - it's not the back-nut I'm trying to undo it's the one on the spindle that sticks out from the body of the tap.

A box spanner seems the best choice as long as it's a really nice tight fit. That way I can put a rod (handle) all the way through and pull and push at the same time. Are any specific brands particularly good?

What about:

1. Buying a 12 point deep socket of the correct size

2. Putting it in a vice and cutting the drive end off so that it slips over your spindle, and

3. turning that thing with a pipe wrench. (or welding a larger nut onto the outside or top of it, and using a large adjustable wrench to turn that large nut)
(I once filed the end off a high quality 1/4 inch drive socket, and I was surprised how easily it filed down. I don't think you'd have any trouble cutting through a socket with a hack saw.)

 

[Scrit]

Just a thought about this. Are you sure that the nut isn't slotted at the end to allow a screwdriver to be used? A lot of kitchen taps are.

Scrit