Bath Tap Backnut problem - what size are they?

lipidicman

I am having some trouble changing my bath taps.

The plastic backnut is very tight. I have loosened the tap, but the nut is tight all the way down the thread if you see what I mean.

I used a pipe wrench (the one with the hinged claw) to move it, but it will take all year to get it all the way down with this.

I have a cast iron basin wrench - this fit my basin backnuts (and handily the bath unions) but not the bath backnuts - I am having trouble finding one to fit the bath - do they exist and what size are bath backnuts? (is there a standard size)

Mr_Warren_2

Measure the distance between 2 opposite flats on the bath backnut and you will have your dimension.

lipidicman

Oh yeah, I hadn't thought of that! :rolleyes:

Seriously, I am at work and need to get a wrench on the way home. If somebody had said 'oh they are 22mm' it would have saved me a journey!

Anyway, my fault being in a rush this morning and not measuring them!

grumbler

lipidicman wrote:

The plastic backnut is very tight. I have loosened the tap, but the nut is tight all the way down the thread if you see what I mean

Yes, I see ...:rolleyes: Is it the nut that you started moving on the 9th of May? :rotfl:

lipidicman

You been looking at the B&Q high prices thread Grumbler?!?

I have wanted to remove the tap for about a year but have been seriously trying for just a week. However the last laugh goes to......ME! I did it last night. With a new tool from Wickes. It looks like a flat piece of steel, bent at the ends to an S shape with half a hex fitting cut into the ends - easier to twist right round than the tap spanner (which is only really good for final tightening).

Right now I have another problem - the hole in the bath is nearly as big as the backnut. Cant get a suitable washer - rigid plastic, hole to fit over the tap but bigger than the backnut so I can silicone it in place. My father has recommended a template of lead or marine plywood. Any other ideas?

Mr_Warren_2

A neat piece of Stainless Steel?

lipidicman

Yeah, stainless steel wont rust. Brass would be OK as well. The problem here is getting it made, I dont have the tools to cut 3/4" in steel. So a big stainless stell washer would be fine - I just can find one!

grumbler

lipidicman wrote:

You been looking at the B&Q high prices thread Grumbler?!?

I meant 'How much for a plumber to change my bath taps?' thread....
Washer:
1. Stainless steel. If you have a piece of steel you can always make a big hole by means of drilling a series of small halls. You don't need a perfect round hole.
2. Plastic. The most available plastic now is CDs. You can use 2-3 of them to make the washer thicker and stronger.

lipidicman

grumbler wrote:

I meant 'How much for a plumber to change my bath taps?' thread....
Washer:
1. Stainless steel. If you have a peace of steel you can always make a big hole by means of drilling a series of small halls. You don't need a perfect round hole.
2. Plastic. The most available plastic now is CDs. You can use 2-3 of them to make the washer thicker and stronger.

Oh yeah, that was a long time ago wasn't it?

I'm pretty stubborn and determined.

I have found some washers that have holes in the middle that are a little too large. However they should be of some help. I will use several in order to increase the thickness.

It is frustrating that I have to remove the pipes again to get them off. My shoulders are killing me from getting the old ones off!

The stainless steel is a no go. I just cant be arsed to find some and cut/drill it. The CD's? A little brittle for my liking, but that might just work.