Trying to replace basin tap's cartridge

[akist]

I was trying to replace the cartridge on this Hansgrohe tap.

The retaining nut is plastic and it is very stiff and distorts when I try to undo it. If I press harder it will snap.

Is there anything I can do other than replacing the tap?

 

[jj4091]

Is that a screw going through the front of the tap. you will probably need to remove that if it is. If not you need a box spanner or socket that will cover all the flats and prevent distortion as you undo it.

 

[akist]

Thank you and I thought about that, and then worried it would strip the head right off. But I iwll try, nothing to lose.

 

[jj4091]

No screw?

 

[dilalio]

Try some boiling water on the plastic.

 

[akist]

No screw?

That screw on the photo holds the lever in place, you only need to slacken it a bit.

The cartridge is held in with that plastic "cartridge retaining nut".

The replacement cartridge arrived without a new o-ring seal and nut (being it plastic).

The nut is 30mm, very hard to find box spanners at 30mm. I initially tried my precision adjustable wrench but no way, you can see the nut bending under pressure.

Try some boiling water on the plastic.

Thanks I will try.

 

[jj4091]

Monument GRIP+ Tap Back Nut Spanner Kit for Basin / Bath & Sink

Monument Tools Basin, Bath and Sink tap back nut spanner kit. Allows for extra leverage and swivel head access. Availble for next day delivery.

plumbingsuppliesdirect.co.uk

Perhaps this will do it
Or this

Backnut Spanner

Fits 50mm A/F and 46mm A/F brass and nylon nutsNB: Some modern waste backnuts are slightly larger than 50mm and will need filing to fit and nut must be hexagonal not octagonal

www.toolstation.com

 

[akist]

Perhaps this will do it

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately I need a 30mm box spanner, they are rare or very expensive. I got a 30mm heavy duty socket that I may also use elsewhere. It might not work due to the plastic nut having a very short head. In which case I will need a proper box spanner.

 

[jj4091]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately I need a 30mm box spanner, they are rare or very expensive. I got a 30mm heavy duty socket that I may also use elsewhere. It might not work due to the plastic nut having a very short head. In which case I will need a proper box spanner.

Sorry I misread your 30mm as being 50mm

 

[dilalio]

Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately I need a 30mm box spanner, they are rare or very expensive. I got a 30mm heavy duty socket that I may also use elsewhere. It might not work due to the plastic nut having a very short head. In which case I will need a proper box spanner.

Have you tried the boiling water? It should expand the plastic and release the threads... Also try tightening first then loosening.