Remove shroud from tap

[Blackredgold]

Hi all,

I struggle to remove the shroud, highlighted below. It does not have flat surfaces to grip with a spanner.

I assume it can be undone but please let me know if you think this particular shroud is not designed to be removed. I don't want to damage it.

I've sprayed WD40 on it and will wrap it in insulation tape when gripping with pliers. Please let me know if you can think of any other method.
Regards
Blackredgold

 

[opps]

I would try a Boa Strap

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Baby-Boa-Strap-Wrench-Adjustable/dp/B00096JDJY

Plastic and rubber- no metal.

 

[jj4091]

These look very similar to yours so yes you will need to unscrew them. Perhaps giving it a good squirt of limescale remover and letting it soak overnight might help.

 

[oldbuffer]

1. They will unscrew.
2. Quite often they are made of a zinc based alloy. This can corrode so badly that the shrouds collapse when undone, so be prepared to:
2.1 Replace the taps entirely. OR
2.2 Fit tap revivers in their place. E.g. Screwfix item No. 9745P. The handles don't match the existing, but there is a slim chance you could use the old handles.

 

[dilalio]

Try boiling water over it, see if it expands enough to loosen and try tightening it a fraction before unscrewing as this can help break the seal.

 

[Blackredgold]

Thanks everyone, with spraying and tapping the shrouds eventually came off. I'm now going through the same process trying to remove the valves. They're stuck too.

 

[dilalio]

Thanks everyone, with spraying and tapping the shrouds eventually came off. I'm now going through the same process trying to remove the valves. They're stuck too.

View attachment 423675

This is why I don't get involved in tap repairs... Replace only.

It's defo diy territory because the time it can take is usually more than supply and fit a new tap for tradies.

 

[avonmouth]

This is why I don't get involved in tap repairs... Replace only.

It's defo diy territory because the time it can take is usually more than supply and fit a new tap for tradies.

I was replacing bathroom suites near chester (council) on price work and doing one a day no problem. One little old lady decided she only wanted the taps replacing. Cast iron bath tight to the wall took me about 3 hours to change the taps. No money that day lol.

 

[blup]

Use the longest pair of grips you can get hold of, the longer the better. They dramatically increase leverage. Or a pair of stillsons. Tape them up but be prepared for some damage. Or just invest in a new pair of taps.

 

[CountryFan]

As per @dilalio earlier, try pouring boiling water on it

 

[Burnerman]

Can you lay your hands on a mechanics impact driver, and a deep drive socket?
The insert will be free in no time, and a set of tap revivers from Screwfix will sort that out no problem.
I guess it depends on how deep you wish to delve!
John

 

[blup]

Slogging spanner

 

[Mottie]

Pair of marigolds.

 

[dilalio]

I was replacing bathroom suites near chester (council) on price work and doing one a day no problem. One little old lady decided she only wanted the taps replacing. Cast iron bath tight to the wall took me about 3 hours to change the taps. No money that day lol.

At least those old taps can be repaired, not worth it with the 1/4 turn cartridge cheapos.

 

[opps]

Slogging spanner

When searching for that, I came across a £2000+ Bahco spanner

https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/wrenches/0171583

And no, there isn't an error in the price.

Mind you, it is 900mm long and non-sparking.

Forget the man with the golden gun- this is for the man with a golden coloured spanner.