Struggling with tap screw top removal

akh43

My bathroom sink quarter turn tap is trickling/dripping water and I need to change the ceramic disc. I have a replacement ready to put in from previous time I did this job. My problem is I cannot even undo the very slim screw top to get to the screw inside to then remove the ceramic disc. I know how it is supposed to unscrew as I have spare taps under the bath and have previously done this job, but never had a problem removing the screw top then. I have tried WD40, made no difference, rubber gloves to get a grip and a few other tools but as the screw top is so slim I can't even get a grip to turn and it won't budge. I don't really want to get someone out to fix something I know I can fix myself unless I have no other option. My taps look exactly the same the image in link below (taken from an old thread). Any tips on how I can get this undone would be greatly appreciated.


http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/tap_1.jpg

datostar

Heat might expand it sufficiently to enable it to be turned. Use a blowtorch, keep it moving, don't overdo it and wear thick gloves or use a thick cloth.

Moss5

Hammer and chisel or centre-punch to shock-load.
If you have a spare, you can risk damaging the offending item.

Lorian

I'd use mole grips, horizonal, with them set to clamp with quite a lot of pressure. Heat as well if required. Obviously again you risk putting ridges in the covers.

Or just replace the taps :-) (not very MSE I know)

P.S. when you put them back on a smear of petroleum jelly on the threads saves this happening.

akh43

Thanks for all the suggestions.

datostar wrote: »

Heat might expand it sufficiently to enable it to be turned. Use a blowtorch, keep it moving, don't overdo it and wear thick gloves or use a thick cloth.

I dont have a blow torch, but do have a heat gun used for stripping paint would that be worth trying with the nozzle to concentrate the heat? If so, do I aim at the bit I am trying to unscrew or the tap body?

Moss5 wrote: »

Hammer and chisel or centre-punch to shock-load.
If you have a spare, you can risk damaging the offending item.

I did think of trying a hammer and chisel but wasn't sure on the best way to attack it. There are small grooves on the sides of the offending part so would I try to use those to move it? If not, what would be the best way?

Lorian wrote: »

I'd use mole grips, horizonal, with them set to clamp with quite a lot of pressure. Heat as well if required. Obviously again you risk putting ridges in the covers.

Or just replace the taps :-) (not very MSE I know)

P.S. when you put them back on a smear of petroleum jelly on the threads saves this happening.

I had no idea what mole grips are so had to google them, definitely don't have any, but I will see if my friend has.

I dont mind so much if the part I can't unscrew is damaged as long as I get off as I have a spare one, but dont really want to damage the tap so it needs replacing.

If I don't manage to sort it myself over the bank holiday then changing the tap might be the best option, but I think that is probably beyond my capabilities and don't think I have the correct tools, so would just have to pay somone to do it. Thanks for the tip re vaseline.

Lorian

Pump pliers would probably do it too. Easier to slip though given the thin edge to grip.

If heating try and keep the heat to the bit the cap is screwed into, not the cap itself.

Tom99

You could also try some limescale remover round the top of the tap

naf123

Sounds like limescale . If no limescale remover handy then maybe soak vinegar on a cloth and let it soak over the tap...

datostar

akh43 wrote: »

Thanks for all the suggestions.


I dont have a blow torch, but do have a heat gun used for stripping paint would that be worth trying with the nozzle to concentrate the heat? If so, do I aim at the bit I am trying to unscrew or the tap body.

A heatgun might do it but wouldn't give the concentrated directed heat of a blowtorch. The butane/propane mix type using a disposable refill can are pretty cheap and often come in handy for all kinds of things (making creme brûl!e (!), lighting bonfires, freeing off rusted nuts etc. You need to expand the bit that screws off. Expanding the fixed part will make it even tighter.