How to dismantle kitchen mixer tap? (quarter turn)

[lateintheday]

Hi all, new to the forum.
Just bought my own place so new to DIY, so will be asking for various helps from now on

I'm trying to get at my quarter turn cartridges in my kitchen mixer tap but I can't figure out how to get this cover/sleeve thing off. Is is threaded on there or just pushed on?

The tap has lots of limescale etc, I even had to drill the screws out because they were locked solid and rounded off lol!

I'm concerned about using mole grips on this incase I dent it/scratch it, etc. I've tried soaking it in vinegar and then WD40 but still doesn't seem to want to budge at all!

 

[HERTS P&D]

Just buy a new tap, it will be quicker and cheaper in the long run.

Andy

 

[hanns21]

They are usauly screwed . Wrap a cloth around it and put ur grips on

 

[lateintheday]

I finally managed to get the cover thing off. Got annoyed in the end and just put the mole grips straight on it, wasn't bothered about scratches now because I noticed a hole has corroded through it lol! I also used a lighter to heat it up then it removed!

Now I'm stuck on the cartridge bit! Seems even more solid than the cover was!

I definitely will get a new tap at some point, I've just got no money and looking online they seem to cost £50 - £100!!!

This is just a bodge in the mean time so my hot water runs faster.

Any clues on getting the cartridge out please? My adjustable spanner has already slipped and chewed up the nut a bit. I've tried a leverage bar too. Might try and borrow my mates socket set as that won't slip...