Remove tap back nut

[johnw6761]

Hi

I am hoping someone can help.

I am trying to replace a tap but I am having real trouble getting the tap back nut off. I bought a basin wrench similar to this one:
http://www.diy.com/departments/rothenberger-basin-wrench/139416_BQ.prd

The problem is the space is so tight I cant open up the clamp enough to get it around the nut. It doesnt help that the pipework is solid so isn't really movable and makes it more awkward. There also seems to be some old glue or sealant around the back nut which again doesn't help.

I have attached a couple of images to try and show the problem.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks
John

 

[bernardgreen]

This type of wrench gets into most basin tap recesses.

http://www.diy.com/departments/rothenberger-basin-wrench/191171_BQ.prd

 

[Burnerman]

Remove the water pipe and pull it clear ( you just need a fraction of 'give') - and get in there with a box spanner or deep drive socket.
John

 

[polesapart]

I use a "jaw-dropper" wrench, but agree that these jobs can be a s*d if gummed up with compo.

Sometimes heat is required.

 

[Madrab]

Yup, you'll be lucky get that off without removing the feed pipe 1st, pull it to the side and get a box tap spanner on it,

you'll find it relatively easy doing it that way. You have to remove the feed pipe anyways as you're changing the tap.

 

[dilalio]

Works every time

 

[jeff the gasman]

Lie in your back with goggles and a drill with small hss drill bit. Make a series of holes. Then move to a larger bit until you cut through the nut.
Looks like it's made in with putty, you have to persevere with these.
I've got about 5 different basin spanners but this method works if they don't.

 

[dreadnoughtheating]

Oh yeah, as and when you do get the back nut off, get a replacement brass nut(do not even think about the carp plastic ones that seem to come with most sets of taps these days....) and some 'top-hat' washers just google them, to give you a chance to keep tap steady when giving the final half-a turn and minimising risk it coming undone.

 

[johnw6761]

Tried the box spanner and the thing still wouldn't budge! It was only supposed to be a 'quick job'. Had I known it was going to be so much hassle I never would have started, I definitely don't want to get involved with cutting the feed pipes etc. I also got a basin wrench but one end seemed to big and the other too small. I think I will have to write this project off or get a professional in

 

[HERTS P&D]

Put the box spanner on the nut and turn the tap.

Andy

 

[adlplumbing]

ether of these will do it.

 

[dilalio]

Sacrifice the basin and use the sledgehammer

 

[Newboy]

Top hat washers on a ceramic basin?

 

[WabbitPoo]

I have never found a basin that you can get either of those two tools into position.... must be unlucky!

 

[Newboy]

Agreed - this type is much better (narrow jaw)

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p63844?table=no