tappy tap tap

[WaterTight]

What do you use for undoing tap backnuts when they're recessed in shapes on the underside of baths and basins that make them difficult to get at? I've seen various things on market.


I have is a basin wrench like this...

Which never seems to fit any flipping backnut. All I use it for is tweeking the nuts on flexi's a quater-turn after hand-tight. I've also got normal adjustable spanners, different size grips and a monoblock box spanner.

Also got one of these but again it's not good for very tight recesses..Don't think I've ever succesfully used it...

Wondering what to buy. I see you can buy box spanners in tap-back-nut sizes like this:

Any good?

Any other suggestions. I'm sure mechanics must have tools that would do the job easier than this lot.

Half the time I just end up wrestling with my grips.

 

[tamz]

The first type basin wrench is ok for 1/2" but to fit 3/4" you need to bend it in a bit by giving it a tap with a hammer, not too much or it will break. Generally shyte. Avoid.

The monument crowfoot is about the best of these. The spring loaded ones are too chunky to fit easily in many basins though can be used one handed. There is a knack to working these and is the best tool once mastered. You can also get large hooks for waste pipes.

Box spanners are great for fitting taps. The easiest and best of the lot BUT cannot be used to tighten a backnut once a pipe is connected.

When i was young i had an adjustable that i got my mate who worked in a machine shop, to bend to an angle of about 60 odd deg just after the wheel. It worked great on the basins but i lost it many years ago.

 

[easyt]

OK so I'm only an amateur. I have fitted 4 bathrooms, and changed the odd tap. I have a basin wrench. As far as I can tell it is more use as a hammer.

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

i use the bottom pictured one mostly, a tap box spanner

 

[kirkgas]

monument basin wrench every time, i only use a box key for monobloc taps, a 1/2" x 3/4" box key is just something else to have in the tool box, the basin wrench has never let me down yet

 

[danielp]

i use the jaw dropper kit but still even that sometimes doesnt fit and have to go back to the trusty tap spanner in the second picture.

 

[tamz]

Had a lad work for me who had a set of bearhug things. Seemed to work pretty well but never used them myself.
B.E.S Ltd, Plumbing and Gas supplies