Removing Slip Nut Discussion for University Project

[John Johnston]

Hello UK Plumbers forums community,

I am currently working as a mechanical technician whilst studying Engineering at Open University. I have to come up with a project proposal answering the question of designing or redesigning a component or product for increased usability.

From my experience both at work and home, I have had difficulty loosening slip nuts connecting pipes together under sinks and hard to reach areas in some cases due to lack of access, inability to get a wrench around the nut or the nut seizing etc.

My initial idea for a project proposal is to redesign the slip nut for easier installation and removal that can be retrofitted on to existing plumbing.

However I need to gauge if this is a real life problem not just for myself but for all range of users from professional plumbers to first time DIYers.

Is this a common occurrences, an annoyance or not an issue for people? I wish to hear your opinions and suggestions of this perceived problems.

Many thanks,

John Johnston

 

[mfgs]

By slip nut do you mean the nut on a compression style fitting? Like on an isolation valve etc? If so, its very rare that I am unable to get one undone to be honest. I can see it being more of an issue for DIYers or people with a lack of experience. Interested to see what ideas you would have though, as that's not to say it cant be improved upon.

 

[kozak1968]

A few pictures of what you mean may help you get an answer.

 

[plumben]

as above if you mean standard nut and olive ive only ever struggled with one or two and i got them undone, and if you mean the back nut on a tap, well ive got about 6 different tools to get them off and dont have a problem really, the bigger problem i have is the customers untidy, dirty house where i dont want to touch the walls

 

[townfanjon]

We are plumbers, we can do owt, tight nuts no problem !! ( well most of the time lol )

 

[PlumbBobBob]

with a big enough shifter you can move any nut

 

[Radioman]

My girlfriend loosens my nuts when they are tight

 

[rpm]

Time for a re think on your project then John going by the above.

 

[John Johnston]

Hello All,

Thanks for all the replies especially Radioman lol. This has saved me from going down the wrong path for my project. For clarification, I should of explained myself better and included a picture. It is the slip nut on the flange tailpipe that I would of redesigned for project.



Thanks for helping me out!

John

 

[kozak1968]

The "slip nut" should only be hand tight. If they are tight then a pair of 5 holes does the business. There are already plenty of options out there at the moment.

 

[Radioman]

Basically there are two designs for this. Mainland Europe and North America use a flat flange with a rubber seal secured with a nut that had 2 or 4 lobes to enable hand tightening. The U.K. and RoI use a flange with an internal extension that locates the rubber seal, the nut has either lobes or grips for tightening. I prefer the second system. The biggest issue I have come across it that the securing nut is too deep so not allowing the flange to be tightened enough.

 

[Ray Stafford]

Well, there you go. 30 years in the business, and I never knew it was called a slip-nut.

You learn something every day!

 

[mfgs]

I cant say I have ever had any issues with the slip nut (that's a new one on me too) when either trying to get it to seal or get it undone.

 

[Best]

I also have never had a problem with slip nuts. The only thing that can be a problem is the washer or the waste fitting having a poor face.
Plastic nuts are always going to slacken using your hand or set of grips very easily