Seized backnuts

Calomax · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 9:15 pm Post Subject: Seized backnuts

I'm trying to replace two 1/2" basin taps but can't undo the backnuts with a basin spanner. They're very tight and I can't put a lot of pressure on the spanner because it starts to turn on the nuts.

I thought of trying a hacksaw but I can't get it up to the nut because of the recess in the bottom of the basin.

Anybody got any tips to help me please?

MANDATE · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:31 pm Post Subject:

I think you need a good basin wrench that will not slip off, but even then you will most likely find you can't stop the tap itself from turning.
I have a short piece of timber with a recess cut into one end to accomadate the spout of the tap to prevent it from turning.
You may try putting timber between tap spout and wall to prevent turning.
Also try WD 40 and leaving to soak in.
Another tool to use instead of the basin wrench would be a box spanner.
You will have to push pipe to one side a little but it can't slip.
With enough force on both spanner and tap it will move.
When you get a small movement,stop and turn it back a bit, then repeat the operation. It helps loosen it and allows WD 40 to creep a little further.

Agile · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:37 pm Post Subject:

Where can he buy a tap nut sized box spanners?

Tony

wiggikins · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 10:49 pm Post Subject:

Toolstation do them if there,s one nearby.

Keith.

MANDATE · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:09 pm Post Subject:

Sorry Tony! he didn't ask that question, but box spanners can be purchased (and even modified).

Softus · Posted: Sun Sep 16, 2007 11:16 pm Post Subject:

Agile wrote:

Where can he buy a tap nut sized box spanners?

Seriously. Have you ever actually done any plumbing?

OP - this will fit:

grrinc · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 10:36 pm Post Subject:

If you've got the balls, a very small amount of heat can expand things enough to get the nuts moving. Are the pipes in the way or can they be moved?

Agile · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:10 pm Post Subject:

[quote="Softus"]

Agile wrote:

Seriously. Have you ever actually done any plumbing?

I say often enough that I repair boilers.

Plumbing is for plumbers!

Just as well as there are so many problems that can arise with anything even as simple as a tap!

Like having to remove a bath to undo a bath tap!

As I understand boilers then they are simple and less things to go wrong.

If I wanted to do plumbing then I could do it but then I would be up against the east Europeans who do it cheaper. At least I know with boilers that not many people understand them.

Tony

PS the box spanner in the picture is too small!

Softus · Posted: Mon Sep 17, 2007 11:24 pm Post Subject:

Agile wrote:

Softus wrote:

Seriously. Have you ever actually done any plumbing?

Plumbing is for plumbers!
.
.
.
the box spanner in the picture is too small!

ChrisR · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:42 am Post Subject:

If the tap's scrap, you can use a drill. Sharpened masonry drill will do:

Softus · Posted: Tue Sep 18, 2007 12:52 am Post Subject:

Nice diagram Chris. Again.

Alanka · Posted: Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:31 am Post Subject: Undoing bath/basin taps

You could try using a 'Bearhug' wrench on the tap backnut (and tailnut). This is a newish tool widely available, e.g. from Toolbank or BES.

This tool works on nuts that have become rounded as well.

Cheers, Big Al