Unusual mains stop tap key

[oldmanriver]

I have been trying to lay my hands on a street mains stop tap key for my house. Its an unusual variety being a spindle type with a "D" shaped fitting. The flat face of the D is about half an inch across. All my local plumbers and merchants say they have heard of the key but never been able to get one despite thousands of houses hereabouts having that type of tap. The word seems to be that United Utilities are deliberately making it impossible to get hold of them and none have been available to wholesalers for several years.

I have trawled the internet and it does seem to be a fact that they are impossible to find, although I did find a universal friction type that might have worked but the supplier ignored my calls and emails.

I attach a photo of the mains tap in question. If anyone recognises the type and can tell me where I can get hold of one I 'd be really grateful.

Cheers

 

[Jimbob]

i reacon an adjustable tap spanner would work on that. If not id make a tool out of 3/4 mild steel tube and bend or weld a flat side in it... other than that, i havent seen a proper tool

 

[dontknowitall]

To me that looks like a frost cover to protect the stop valve and/or meter with a metal rod to help keep it in place.

Is that "circle" around 4" across with the metal bit near the middle? Because if it is, you'll have to remove it to access the stop tap further down. The stop valve is generally around half an arm to an arm's length below the ground surface.

Of course I could be talking through my hat!

 

[Mike Jackson]

How about using a univeral socket on a long bar.

[DLMURL="http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Wiha-Gripper-Socket-23229.htm"]Gripper Socket : Buy Gripper Socket at Axminster Power Tool Centre[/DLMURL]

Mike

 

[migoplumber]

how about try cheating,
ring the waterboard at about 2pm, "i have a leak on my internal stop tap, and their stop tap in the street wont shut off"
the engineers that attend will enjoy an early finish that day, and if you give them a couple of brews and a bacon butty, may accidentally leave their spanner behind.

ive never seen this fitting before, but that dosnt mean a thing, on the replies above id go for dontknowitall knowing it best...

shaun

 

[oldmanriver]

Thanks for all the really helpful input guys. I am going to try adjustable tap spanner or some other universal grip, but its nearly 3feet below pavement level so a bit of a stretch. Or I may fabricate something. Water coy have been rubbish dont want to know and really unhelpful so if all else fails I am minded to take migoplumbers advice and cry help help and see what I can sort out with the guys who turn up!

 

[PLUMB111]

The "D" type keys are a pain to find, they are only used by the water board.

If you still need a key pls contact me and i may be able to help you out with one.

Use my link below to contact me as I dont always check my msg`s on here.