Stuck kitchen tap shroud

[SteveE]

Please can you help. I’m trying to replace the cartridge on our monobloc kitchen mixer tap. I’ve found the secret hexnut and removed the handle cover, but can’t get the shroud ring to budge. So far I’ve tried lots of WD40, descaler (vinegar, lemon juice, oust) & boiling water. Unfortunately it’s on the side so difficult to fully soak it. My pump pliers fit, but won’t grip it so I bought a belt wrench, but this also slips off. There’s no flat edge to grip! Any ideas- should I try hitting it gently with a hammer to try to free it or would this do more harm than good? We live in a very hard water area so I think it’s welded solid with limescale where it’s been leaking for ages (although I’m also starting to wonder if the threads are crossed).
I saw on another similar thread, someone suggested drilling a hole but there’s only about 3mm from the edge to the inner brass nut so I can’t quite picture how this would work- I think I might end up drilling the two pieces together.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

It’s not reverse thread is it ?

 

[SteveE]

It’s not reverse thread is it ?

I don’t think so. I’ve focused mostly on turning it anti-clockwise, but I did try turning it away from me too as I’d seen someone suggesting that this can also free up stuck tap shrouds. It wouldn’t budge in either direction. Just wondered if there were any other tricks?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Other than boiling water and then use some crack it spray eg very cold quick

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Photo of said tap? One remedy might be to soak (I feel you’re able) with Coca Cola, or Cillit Bang?

 

[SteveE]

I hadn’t heard of crack-it sounds like it’s worth a shot. I can only unscrew with my hand. Can you leave 30 mins to warm up again-will it still work or do you have to unscrew whilst it’s frozen? Sorry I thought I’d attached a photo with my first post but it isn’t showing (think I forgot to hit save!) so have reattached. Might also try Coca Cola. It’s hard to fully soak as it’s on the side of the tap- as hopefully you can now see in photo.

Not sure how much to persevere- was prepared for failure at cartridge stage & not finding a match, but hoped to at least get it out!

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Regards soaking it, are you able to fill a small tie handle bag around it with the fluid inside the bag?

 

[SteveE]

Regards soaking it, are you able to fill a small tie handle bag around it with the fluid inside the bag?

That’s a good idea, not sure if I can get it tight enough to hold the liquid, but maybe if I tape it with gaffer tape.

 

[Ben-gee]

I love those with the chamfer so all tools slide off!

Have you tried prising it off? This type sometimes just push on over an o-ring, gets surprisingly tight over time.

If not try cutting a small slot in the edge of the shroud (at bottom/back so not too visible) the put an old screwdriver etc in the slot and drive it round by tapping with a hammer.

Or get a new tap….

 

[Basher]

I hadn’t heard of crack-it sounds like it’s worth a shot. I can only unscrew with my hand. Can you leave 30 mins to warm up again-will it still work or do you have to unscrew whilst it’s frozen?

Apologies for stating the obvious, but the idea is to make the tap body as hot as practicable, and the collar as cold as possible, at the same time, and try unscrewing immediately while the thermal difference has in theory opened up the gap between the male and female threads. Careful use of a blow-torch and freezer spay might do it