Mains water shut - off valve handle question

[Brian Lacey]

Hi all, the shut-off valve on our mains water meter/Pipe has a longish (15cm ?) plastic rod/stem with a T piece top that turns the valve. I need to turn the mains water off but the plastic is very flimsy and bendy and I cannot get enough pressure to close the valve really tight, I'm afraid to twist too hard in case the rod snaps. It seems to be a piece that just pushes into a socket as it pulled up and out but difficult to see as the hole is full of water !
I was wondering if there is a metal replacement available anywhere, something with more strength to it ?
Thanks.

 

[CountryFan]

Nope, these heaps of crap are the future unfortunately. Although, a big enough hex/Allen key should do the same job.

Edit: If you need to replace the inside stopcock, consider a freeze kit or snatch it if not too much pressure behind when you turn off outside.

 

[Brian Lacey]

Thanks for the idea, an Hex or Allen key fitted to a socket extension might work. I will have a look in the morning and see what the end of the plastic looks like sizewise.
Cheers.

 

[polesapart]

It's a quarter turn valve, not one you screw down.

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Shouldn't need to close it off tight, just until you feel it reach a natural stop should be ample.

 

[Brian Lacey]

Thanks. The plastic rod T-piece turned 360 five or six times before it met resistance, definitely not a quarter turn type. Yes, I expected the flow to stop when the resistance felt really firm, it was lessened but only by a little. Possibly the valve is not seating properly to close, can't tell but I will see if I can do something in the morning after emptying the pot which is full of water.
Cheers