Wonky outside tap!?

[simondyntDBeK]

Hi all,

I bought a DIY outdoor tap kit from B&Q - very easy to fit and relatively successful.

Only problem is that when I screw on the actual tap it ends up at a 45 degree angle. If I straighten it, it's too loose and either water drips out or when you turn the tap on and off the whole tap moves.

Is there anything I can do about this? Is it a fault?

Cheers

Simon

 

[breezer]

i would say the only fault is you didnt put any ptfe tape on it

 

[simondyntDBeK]

i would say the only fault is you didnt put any ptfe tape on it

Ah! I thought that at first - so took it off and put loads on (about half a metre).

Should I try more?

 

[breezer]

no, less

 

[grrinc]

This is a pain in the backside. I now use a two part plumbing resin ( Milliput ) that sets rock hard to make up any big differences.

 

[simondyntDBeK]

I've tried again with no PTFE tape, a little amount (three times round the thread) and loads (about 1m worth) and each time I screw on the tap it's the same:

It is too much to ask that the tap is straight!?

Simon

 

[breezer]

you could try a washer and ptfe tape

 

[Teggs]

The only tip I can offer is don't tighten it past the last point it is straight. PTFE doesn't like to be slackened off after its last tighest point if that makes sense.

Terry

 

[simondyntDBeK]

you could try a washer and ptfe tape

Thanks breezer - I stuck a 3/4" washer on the thread, add some ptfe and it's much better.

Cheers!

Simon

 

[Softus]

Just for the record, putting PTFE on the threads, in this situation, doesn't achieve what you want.

The way to use PTFE to straighten a bibtap is to bulk it up near the flange and of the spigot (the threaded part). Also, gas PTFE is better suited to doing this because it's thicker.

A fibre washer is a much better solution though.

 

[Nige F]

Hemp + boss white

 

[Softus]

Hemp + boss white

... and that's an even better one. I always forget to carry it these days.

 

[simondyntDBeK]

Hemp + boss white

hmmmm - are you sure!?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp

I guess I've got the wrong thing

 

[Softus]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp

I guess I've got the wrong thing

Er, no - the 4th sentence at this web page says: "Hemp is about cultivation and non-drug uses. "

 

[oilman]

Hemp + boss white

hmmmm - are you sure!?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hemp

I guess I've got the wrong thing

er.....have you been smoking it?