Basin/bath backnut spanners

[leelister6]

Can find absolutely nothing to fit some of the older backnuts or the newer ones which Bristan seem to be fitting. Me old Record crowsfoot too big, no room for basin wrench, bought a box spanner from toolstation and it's a couple of mm too big so gonna end up rounding the nut off. Anyone got any suggestions?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

It might sound silly but I bin all mine and put my own brass on that fit my armeg draw jaw dropper

 

[Harvest Fields]

It might sound silly but I bin all mine and put my own brass on that fit my armeg draw jaw dropper

Not a bad idea that

 

[Harvest Fields]

Can find absolutely nothing to fit some of the older backnuts or the newer ones which Bristan seem to be fitting. Me old Record crowsfoot too big, no room for basin wrench, bought a box spanner from toolstation and it's a couple of mm too big so gonna end up rounding the nut off. Anyone got any suggestions?

I try to only fit Bristan as that is what I like to fit. I measured the nuts and ordered a specific box spanner for both. Initial cost is nothing compared to what you will earn back.

 

[leelister6]

Been trying to replace a pair of taps that were fitted in early 70's. Basin has square tapholes and been filled with putty. Tried heat, brute force and colourful language but nothing! Going to look for a set of box spanners on auto websites. Looks like 24/25mm A/F, all the crap from plumbing supplies are 2-3mm too big

 

[Harvest Fields]

Been trying to replace a pair of taps that were fitted in early 70's. Basin has square tapholes and been filled with putty. Tried heat, brute force and colourful language but nothing! Going to look for a set of box spanners on auto websites. Looks like 24/25mm A/F, all the crap from plumbing supplies are 2-3mm too big

Good look with that. Took me about 45 minutes to undo 1 nut on a set of them about a year ago. The heat will work but it is a slow process. Be patient. Is it a cast bath? If so just be careful with the heat.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Hahaha I love a good set of basin or bath taps

Have used a set of 12" stils before

 

[Harvest Fields]

Hahaha I love a good set of basin or bath taps

Have used a set of 12" stils before

How the hell did you get them in there.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

How the hell did you get them in there.

A lot of you will fit and a bit of skin

 

[JCplumb]

Been trying to replace a pair of taps that were fitted in early 70's. Basin has square tapholes and been filled with putty. Tried heat, brute force and colourful language but nothing! Going to look for a set of box spanners on auto websites. Looks like 24/25mm A/F, all the crap from plumbing supplies are 2-3mm too big

My box spanner has never let me down, no idea of the brand, it's grey though so that narrows it down
If yours is a smidge loose, then as a one off, can you not wedge something in there to make it smaller, glue a couple of pennies on the inside of the spanner to narrow it, you only need to crack the nuts the rest is easy.

 

[Best]

Been trying to replace a pair of taps that were fitted in early 70's. Basin has square tapholes and been filled with putty. Tried heat, brute force and colourful language but nothing! Going to look for a set of box spanners on auto websites. Looks like 24/25mm A/F, all the crap from plumbing supplies are 2-3mm too big

On yours you could still fail to remove the nuts as the putty will have oozed into the back nut threads, - especially on the hot tap.
Had that on some basin and bath taps.
If you can get a drill in and use a brand new steel drill bit to drill a line of holes in the back nut and then open the nut or split it off using a large flat blade screwdriver.
Should only take a few minutes.
The rock hard putty might still hold the taps in, but at least you can then see it and also drill to weaken it.
Obviously wear safety glasses for looking upwards when you drill.

 

[sammathias]

It might sound silly but I bin all mine and put my own brass on that fit my armeg draw jaw dropper

Been trying to replace a pair of taps that were fitted in early 70's. Basin has square tapholes and been filled with putty. Tried heat, brute force and colourful language but nothing! Going to look for a set of box spanners on auto websites. Looks like 24/25mm A/F, all the crap from plumbing supplies are 2-3mm too big

Oscalating tool works wonders cutting the nuts off then chisel away at the putty with a small flat head.

I do the same shaun, any old taps i remove i keep the brass nuts to use in future! Nothing worst tham a loose tap due to a plastic back nut on a flexi

 

[Harvest Fields]

Oscalating tool works wonders cutting the nuts off then chisel away at the putty with a small flat head.

I do the same shaun, any old taps i remove i keep the brass nuts to use in future! Nothing worst tham a loose tap due to a plastic back nut on a flexi

Do taps still come with plastic back nuts? Have not seen them in ages. Presumed they had stopped doing them?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Do taps still come with plastic back nuts? Have not seen them in ages. Presumed they had stopped doing them?

yea still do

 

[king of pipes]

Tape the bath up around the taps and get your multi tool out cut the taps off from above ball ache but can be done . kop

 

[Welder]

I use a selection of deep sockets & a 3/8 ratchet & extension. never once not been able to remove or tighten adequately.