Quick! Is this the right tool for this tap pipe?!

richieboy

richieboy

richieboy

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Trying to sort out replacing this pap tap tonight and before screw fix shuts I was hoping someone could tell me- is this the right tool:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/adjustable-basin-wrench/14631

For undoing the flexible pipe fitting from the copper pipe so I can replace with the same flexible pipe fitting? It's too tight on space to get a big spanner turning in there...but I can get a spanner on the bottom then maybe use this tool to get the top one undone? Photo below!

XhzhGowl.jpg
 
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I think that is too big. Why dont you pop into B&Q and get a small adjustable spanner for the top nut?
 
If you're trying to get the plastic nut off the top in that picture, almost any pair of plumbers/mole grips that you can get in there at an angle will do it. Just be careful not to crush or shred it, as it's plastic. The basin spanner will work, but could be just as awkward in a small space (it's meant to reach up behind basins to get at nuts, rather than those kinds of plastic screws).

You may find that once you've got a grip, you just need to undo it a little at a time and it will soon be loose enough to get off with your fingers. Make sure you lock the isolater valve (screws is flat across the pipe), and empty the pipe above by opening the tap to take the pressure out of it.

In fact, with the pipe empty, you might just be able to wrap a cloth around the nut, and with the extra width get enough leverage to do it with your hands.
 
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I'm thinking I should have taken a better photo...essentially I can get a standard wrench on the nut but I can't move at all as hitting wall/pedestal! That's why I was thinking something that attaches further up and then let's me turn it lower down/at an angle where I'd have more room would work...think I'll give the basin wrench a go first and go from there unless anyone's got a better idea with the limited room?
 
As it is flexible can you not pull it away from wall a bit.

Or, failing that, undo it at the tap?
 
Bit late but that is the correct tool. They are great for getting into tight spots like that.

You need a pair of water pump pliers. That thing you linked is for tightening taps, not nuts.
Click to expand...

:confused:
 
When I undo these would always hold the body of the fitting to make sure that does not rotate as you tighten/loosten the upper connection, otherwise you risk torquing the lower compression fitting .. so you need two tools.
I do not understand why no one said this ?
 
Mark A said:
Bit late but that is the correct tool. They are great for getting into tight spots like that.



:confused:
Click to expand...

If it works, I suppose you can call it the correct tool :p


That's a basin spanner, much like the box one the OP linked above. It's specifically made to tighten the nuts on a tap, hence the hinged top and spring loaded grip.


As a tip to all, no man should be without a pair of water pump pliers. I'm a pipefitter by trade and have been in the maintenance game since forever and I can genuinely say that 99% of the plumbing jobs I do involve a pair.
 
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