Bournemouth area - roadside stop cock / water meter key?

[BS3036]

If you have someone with a 3d printer, you could easily make your own 3 vane key

It would probably shear through the layers the first time you used it in anger.

 

[dilalio]

It would probably shear through the layers the first time you used it in anger.

Depends on the material and the printer.

 

[BS3036]

Depends on the material and the printer.

What would you use on your printer for this application then? Interested to learn.

 

[Ric_01]

Aquam refused to discuss this item, & directed to a generic page of theirs, for water taps, none of which fitted this unit. The last query to them was simply unanswered.

Bournemouth Water have now fitted a plastic key to the stop-point.

No idea how, since the engineer arrived & departed unannounced.

One month ago an engineer claimed that recent plumbers had 'broken' the stop-point. That's impossible, because if the centre section shows damage, it would be bright & shiny metal. However, it is thoroughly tarnished with age, so if that was a break, it happened many years ago. And was never logged.

And if that plastic key replaces a metal one, what are the 3 vanes for, at the sides of the stop-point?

View attachment 420480View attachment 420481

 

[Ric_01]

That's the key they left, you can see it has two lugs either side, which prevents it fully engaging with the stop tap point.

 

[dilalio]

That's the key they left, you can see it has two lugs either side, which prevents it fully engaging with the stop tap point.



View attachment 420834

So... It doesn't work then?

 

[dilalio]

What would you use on your printer for this application then? Interested to learn.

I'd just get my son to do it... He has 3 printers and makes all sorts

 

[HERTS P&D]

Call out a plumber who can freeze the pipework under your sink and fit a new lever valve.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/arctic-hayes-pipe-freezing-kit-150ml/433FJ?tc=UB4&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21550393591&gbraid=0AAAAAD8IdPxpHSOg6xBUSj3FV6t4rz82V&gclid=CjwKCAjw7p_UBhBlEiwAhpIs79iKZRXCyxryBwgZp59EJapgKg6nzcBzzJU7wxnNBKrQSAarbZD-sBoCu8IQAvD_BwE

Andy

 

[dilalio]

I'd just get my son to do it... He has 3 printers and makes all sorts

You should see the lady toy he made for his mum!

 

[troy66]

Sounds frustrating when the wrong key shows up. In Bournemouth, the standard water meter key is usually the long silver T‑handle type you mentioned, though some contractors prefer the heavier blue version for durability. Having the silver one on hand should cover most cases. Once isolated, you can replace that jammed stop‑cock without waiting on the water board.

 

[BS3036]

I'd just get my son to do it... He has 3 printers and makes all sorts

OK - fine. From personal experience I would advise anyone trying to make a 3D printed tool that has to withstand heavy torsion, to have some thought to how easily FDM printed objects will shear between layers. Without a novel design approach it would just be a waste of time. The problem is that the shape of the tool implies that the tool orientation is vertical on the print bed, so the shear would be applied directly between layers. And apparently, resin printers are even worst in this respect.

 

[dilalio]

OK - fine. From personal experience I would advise anyone trying to make a 3D printed tool that has to withstand heavy torsion, to have some thought to how easily FDM printed objects will shear between layers. Without a novel design approach it would just be a waste of time. The problem is that the shape of the tool implies that the tool orientation is vertical on the print bed, so the shear would be applied directly between layers. And apparently, resin printers are even worst in this respect.

Could aways bury a rod in it

 

[dilalio]

Could aways bury a rod in it

If I was doing it I'd print it horizontal.
In sections with a scarf joint if necessary.