Why Is My Hilmor Tap Wrench So Rubbish?

[plumbandplumber]

I've used my Hilmor tap wrench quite a few times over the last few years - mainly on basin and sink taps. I've come to the conclusion that it's utter carp.

I offer it up to the tap connector, and have to hold the curved, hinged bit against the side of the nut. More often than not, assoon as I try to turn the wrench, it slips off.

Am I doing something wrong? What tap wrenches do plumbers use?

Irwin Hilmor Adjustable Basin Wrench (Tap Spanner) Yellow 10" » Product

 

[Ermintrude]

Armeg jaw droppers not a whole lot better.... Do as I do and avoid sanitary

 

[stevetheplumber]

ive not found one better than the monument ones

 

[Whyme]

Ive given up on those and just use my old mans hand me down crows foot.

 

[solutions]

Yep crows foot and ratchet here. Toolstation do a cheapset that is passable. Just wish tap connector muts and tap back nuts were all a standard size they seem to be digferent every time I fit a tap.

 

[wetdrip]

Ive given up on those and just use my old mans hand me down crows foot.

Server error double post.

 

[wetdrip]

Ive given up on those and just use my old mans hand me down crows foot.

For the life of me, I can't figure out why they called it a crows foot.
Anyway, in a confined space when you're bent double, backwards, with your nose squashed against floor or wall with one ball hanging out your y-fronts plus a tight wedgie and sweating cobs, no tool works properly. There's never anyone around to punch, I always get my hair off.

 

[Ermintrude]

I like other peoples hair, generally toilet next to bath with a lovely pile of pubes between

 

[gasmanrob]

I used to have the yellow ones featured above don't think I've used anything worse as a tool.

for me the jaw droppers are the daddy. Love me and wouldn't recommend anything other

 

[AWheating]

The reason the hilmor is rubbish is because it's not a hilmor. It's junk Chinese carp that many so called tool manufacturers put there names to. There is a serious lack of quality from a lot of companies that had good stuff once. Even bacho have cheapened there adjustable.

personally I'd rather pay extra for good quality, but it seems the market is fading into cheap and cheerful.