Tap Bonnet Stuck - Replace?

[Radam87]

Hi

I've got a dripping tap that I've tried to change the washer on.
I've had grips and spanners on it but the tap bonnet will not turn to remove.

It's a victorian-style monobloc type with the plug attachment. I can get a similar style one for around £90 ... or I could try other methods such as heat gun/strap wrench.

Just wondered if anyone had any tips before I write it off?

Thanks.

 

[dilalio]

A few photos would help us help you.

 

[Radam87]

A few photos would help us help you.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/NKWZrMysh958xqL39 - here are a few.



I don't think there's much chance of getting the tap bonnet off but wondered it I could perhaps break it off and use a tap reviver kit such as this one?

https://www.screwfix.com/p/swirl-bathroom-basin-tap-reviver-kit/32730

 

[dilalio]

It has flats at the base for a wrench.
I'd say protect it from jaws with tissue/cloth but already looks as though the "shroud" has 'prentice marks all over it.

Try wd40 and/or limescale remover 20mins before attempting.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

That chrome cover shouldn't be that tight. As above, wrap some cloth around it to protect it from a spanner, then you need to be pulling up on the spanner/ turning the cover anti-clockwise. A new tap washer might fix it, plus a clean up, but if not you can probably buy a 'tap renovation kit' - just the internal moving parts of the tap plus washer.

 

[Radam87]

It has flats at the base for a wrench.
I'd say protect it from jaws with tissue/cloth but already looks as though the "shroud" has 'prentice marks all over it.

Try wd40 and/or limescale remover 20mins before attempting.

Tried with a cloth previously to no avail. Tried without too as the plan was to replace with a tap reviver kit. Tried boiling water WD40 and cleaning products. It seems completely stuck.

No joy with a spanner at the flats too.

 

[JohnD]

a strap wrench is the best tool.

If you have room, two, so you can use both hands and there is not a sideways force on the tap.

Sold under such names as "Boa"

Quite a small one should do.

 

[Radam87]

a strap wrench is the best tool.

If you have room, two, so you can use both hands and there is not a sideways force on the tap.

Sold under such names as "Boa"

Quite a small one should do.

Cheers - do Screwfix sell them?

 

[JohnD]

dunno.

 

[Radam87]

dunno.

NP. Cannot find one on their website so looks doubtful. Cheers.

 

[JohnD]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...c=1&_osacat=0&_odkw=strap+wrench+-chain&rt=nc

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Tried with a cloth previously to no avail. Tried without too as the plan was to replace with a tap reviver kit. Tried boiling water WD40 and cleaning products. It seems completely stuck.

No joy with a spanner at the flats too.

If you cannot shift it with a spanner, a strap wrench will not move it - they are not strong enough. What sort of spanner are you using?

You can make a strap wrench with rope and a stick, bar or screwdriver. Fold the rope (it would need to be not very thick for that) in half. Wind it round the cover, anti-clockwise, starting with the loose ends of the rope - a bit of tape on sticking ends to cover, will help them stay put. Wind over the top of the ends, then finally put your bar/screwdriver through the looped end of the rope as a lever. You may need to adjust where you begin wrapping the rope round, to get the best angle for the bar.

If you really want a strap wrench, they sell them in car accessory shops for undoing car engine filters. They do a more capable version, which uses bike chain instead of a rubber strap, but you will need to use a cloth under that to avoid damage.

 

[Radam87]

If you cannot shift it with a spanner, a strap wrench will not move it - they are not strong enough. What sort of spanner are you using?

You can make a strap wrench with rope and a stick, bar or screwdriver. Fold the rope (it would need to be not very thick for that) in half. Wind it round the cover, anti-clockwise, starting with the loose ends of the rope - a bit of tape on sticking ends to cover, will help them stay put. Wind over the top of the ends, then finally put your bar/screwdriver through the looped end of the rope as a lever. You may need to adjust where you begin wrapping the rope round, to get the best angle for the bar.

If you really want a strap wrench, they sell them in car accessory shops for undoing car engine filters. They do a more capable version, which uses bike chain instead of a rubber strap, but you will need to use a cloth under that to avoid damage.

Was using an adjustable.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Was using an adjustable.

..and was the adjustable gripping the cover enough and not slipping off? It really couldn't be that tight - if it were, your efforts would be turning the tap body too. To stop the tap body turning, insert a suitable lever between other tap, spout and the wall behind it.

Try shocking the cover, with a hammer and a block of wood to avoid damaging it.

 

[JohnD]

You can make a strap wrench with rope and a stick, bar or screwdriver.

the rubber strap has much better grip on a smooth, shiny surface such as a chromed tap.