Metal "lugs" on old taps (for square holes maybe)? Any problem with removing them?

[Plumb Line]

Hi all

Some old taps have what I'm describing as metal lugs (but just because I can't think of any other word to use!!) like these:

Am I right in saying that these are for when fitting to sinks with square tap holes?

If so, besides a hacksaw, are there any ways of making these compatible with sinks that have round holes?

I have actually had a go with a hacksaw and I think it worked well, but from a plumbing point of view could it cause any problems? The taps I tried it on are used so I don't want to do the same on new (old stock) taps if it isn't a good idea.

Here's a couple of photos of what I did.

Many thanks

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Yep that’s fine could use a grinder if your careful

 

[Plumb Line]

I'm not careful... And I play the guitar so value my fingers...

Thanks for the quick response

 

[Plumb Line]

Slightly off topic... But on the subject of those metal "lugs".... If a tap has them, does that mean it is old? If so, when did they stop putting them on taps?

And was their purpose to make for a better for in sinks with square holes, or do they serve another purpose?

Cheers

 

[Ric2013]

Slightly off topic... But on the subject of those metal "lugs"***. If a tap has them, does that mean it is old? If so, when did they stop putting them on taps?

And was their purpose to make for a better for in sinks with square holes, or do they serve another purpose?

Cheers

And yet I have a feeling I've seen them on taps that aren't old, but that presumebly are made to an old pattern. May be wrong - it may have been on a job where I was refitting an existing tap. Sometimes modern tap holes are large enough that the lugs will fit inside the round holes.

My understanding is that they were to prevent tap rotation. Presumably they disappeared after silicone sealant replaced the use of putty for sealing around taps to save money to allow for greater flexibility in installation.

 

[Plumb Line]

Thanks for your response. That's interesting. Certainly with the taps I have hacksawed they did not fit into normal round sink holes. But I don't have brand new sinks so that could be why I guess...

Cheers