How to cut tiles in situ?

[Spherehopper]

Whilst cleaning the valves in my shower, I found the tiler cut the tile too close to the valve and I can't get an Allen key in to undo the thermostatic valve. There is plenty of space behind the cover plate to cut 1.5 cm off the right hand edge but what is the best tool?

Reviews for multitool diamond blades don't look good and I think these are porcelain tiles. The job looks a little small for an angle grinder and I don't want to risk cracking the tile. I don't own a Dremel type tool but happy to buy one (or copy version) if there is a suitable blade for it that will cut this tile.

The valve is 5 years old and gettting stiff to operate. If it fails, then there is no way to get it out as the Allen screw is on the right hand side of the housing.

Any tips appreciated!

 

[big-all]

not sure exactly what you mean


but if its the the allen key is too long i wouldnt cut the tile

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Cut the allen key down.

 

[Spherehopper]

not sure exactly what you mean


but if its the the allen key is too long i wouldnt cut the tile

Sounds more sensible. Don't want to butcher my nice set but sure there must be a 2.5mm lurking somewhere.

The screw is in the side of valve body here -

 

[Tigercubrider]

You quote 1.5 cm and 2.5mm.
Quite a difference.

Can’t you cut the Allen key down?

Maybe a dremel could grind enough room but I would try reducing the key first.

 

[Spherehopper]

You quote 1.5 cm and 2.5mm.
Quite a difference.

Can’t you cut the Allen key down?

Maybe a dremel could grind enough room but I would try reducing the key first.

Yes, cutting up to 1.5cm off the tile to fit a 2.5mm allen key in.

Just followed the tip, cut one down, looks like the grub screw is 3mm. Off to try again. Unfortunately the house has almost all Rak plumbing and very little info or installation stuff with dimensions/tool sizes online. Trial and error!

 

[Tigercubrider]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map-L-Shape-Wrenches-Repairing/dp/B0D4HDT67F/ref=sr_1_47?crid=JIEP2Q9TD9SX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PVK5x4MBMuEGVot9lpbsS0Cpwbc1C7k5UqnXJ_SwTRalxrqEra4aOoz21ZNnomAz_tXSk7Bqw02_SCPA4JAoYv7N3M0Jj7uk6rQXuIcRjD7NMroMArBbXfo1fAJdalWisgBcBLw5BSoiPyXj9J067nDpi9f_T0nxHSMODcR8ixI3EIxjjZ94GMxJWTE4n-UE2EZE_CDmt0puxH63nceQJjp-UBLRIa_SXu7I2yGUhFQp1e5WRGMPpONKghKoRnRsGUqy5sWjx-cI2jhZ0PQME_RDudO8GEgmx_xBj7c_hgI.LDtaSQcUfLR2aFxXorvq1e2Ryo4VExsL-cToOGsRu0w&dib_tag=se&keywords=3mm%2BAllen%2Bflexible&qid=1794062692&sprefix=3mm%2Ballen%2Bflexible%2Caps%2C123&sr=8-47&th=1

 

[aveatry]

Use a rasp/ file in a drill, and do similar to the tiles under the two valves on the right,
be careful not to slip and run the rasp across the face of the other tiles

 

[Spherehopper]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map-L-Shape-Wrenches-Repairing/dp/B0D4HDT67F

Thank you for that. I stripped the tracking links but thanks to suggestions, cut down a spare 3mm key I had and managed to remove the valve. Once out, I saw that the allen screw actually needs to be fully removed to be able to unscrew the whole valve. Scant information online but finally got the thing out for cleaning. You can see my attempts at pulling it out which is how many of them seem to be fitted.

Not these, the grub screw fully removed, then unscrew the thermo valve from the body of the shower valve. Thank you for the suggestions everyone.

 

[big-all]

as an aside in an emergency

any say 15+ screwdriver bit sets will have shortish hex bits that you can work with pliers/6mm spanner even an extension bit now wont be as compact as a decent hex bit set but less destructive than cutting a hex key
now with enough slop with 2 or 3 short 6mm extension bars you can often get enough bend to use a small drill driver in awkward places lacking in room for movement