Reviving a Tap: Stubborn Tap Head

[Rayleigh]

Hi

I have trouble with reviving a leaky tap. the tap head just wouldn't come off with an adjustable wrench. (It slips off the wrench.) Would a Ring Spanner be of more help?? What are the other things I can try?



Cheers
Ray

 

[Simon F]

a deep socket set might do it
do you have a set of grips or stillsons?

 

[zeebeedee]

I had to drill one once! :66:

 

[Puddle]

Get your self a good set of pipe/water pump pliers/grips will do the job

 

[Resolute]

Why is there a condom on the end of the spout?!

 

[Gray0689]

Why is there a condom on the end of the spout?!

To catch the annoying drips I'd say lol

 

[Rayleigh]

I have just got a standard pliers which hasn't got much grip at all. What kind of grips should i be getting? water pump pliers or mole grips?

 

[Roger Welton]

Water pump pliers

 

[Rayleigh]

Any good ones to recommend? or are they all the same?

 

[Roger Welton]

Knipex are very good

 

[andrewcplatt]

Heat with gas gun,and use grips to remove old tap revivor

 

[TBServices]

Deck mixers like this are the easiest! Just get some pump pliers on it!


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[PlumbBobBob]

pair of stillsons or footprints will shift these no probs

 

[Rayleigh]

Knipex are very good

Any difference between the alligator version and the cobra version in terms of function?? They are both quite pricey for a tool that is only going to be used once in a while..i will pop into the local hardware shop to see what they have..

 

[M.Joshi]

They can be a bit stubborn due to limescale build-up etc. Try tightening slightly before loosening. You shouldn't have too much difficulty as it's a vertical tap. Just apply some force slowly when trying to remove the valve - using a cloth around the jaws of the wrench may stop it from slipping. Make sure the wrench is adjusted tight.

Alternatively, you could try a deep socket say from an automotive tool kit or a normal spanner.

Otherwise, just purchase some inexpensive pump pliers if you are only going to use it a couple of times.

 

[alexterry]

Heat with gas gun,and use grips to remove old tap revivor

I would use this as a second option as it has always worked for me on paticularly stubborn ones! My first port of call would always be the pair of water pump pliers your using it should come quite easily.

 

[Rayleigh]

Now I am looking at both of these:
[h=1]Silverline PL22 250 mm Slim Jaw Waterpump Pliers
Draper DIY Series 08670 240 mm Water Pump Pliers[/h]Both look like that will do they job. Any ideas if not I will tend towards the Silverline ones.

 

[Mike Jackson]

Otherwise, just purchase some inexpensive pump pliers if you are only going to use it a couple of times.

This is very poor advice. Cheap pump pliers won't have a very good locking action and are likely to slip and damage the tap.

The best way to get good tools at a reasonable price is to have a look round boot fairs. You'll often find some very good tools where people have cleared garages and aren't aware of the value. Some years back my wife was looking round a farm sale when she came across a monument stand pipe bender with formers for 15, 22, 28, and 35 but missing the 15 and 22 guides for a fiver. It had barely been used and had a slight coating of rust. After she bought it someone offered her twenty quid for it but she fortunately refused.


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[merv]

I know it might be a silly question, but are you turning it the right way?

 

[Rayleigh]

Tried both ways. If I am not wrong, it should loosen along an anticlockwise direction. I ordered a pair of knipex water pump pliers. Will have another go when it arrives.

 

[glenno1]

Many things you can use that you may have stillsons, footprint, box spanner,ring spanner,long socket

 

[Paulus]

It would be cheaper and take less time to replace the tap, these are not expensive. I used to spend hours trying to repair taps, showers etc and find it difficult to justify the amount of time spent on labour compared to just fitting a new unit.

 

[TBServices]

It would be cheaper and take less time to replace the tap, these are not expensive. I used to spend hours trying to repair taps, showers etc and find it difficult to justify the amount of time spent on labour compared to just fitting a new unit.

Agreed. And buying a pair of pump pliers instead of just getting a professional with the right tools is also nonsensical IMO.


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[PlumbBobBob]

you should be able to get a new set of taps for about £40

 

[mountainman]

And a local professional to do the job for you for about £50.