Backnut Socket Question???

Pete E · Jan 7, 2021

Had to change a couple of monoblock taps a while ago and struggled to do the job untill I bought a set of cheap box spanners..

Although the spanners worked, I would prefer to use sockets where possible. I have now found some 80mm deep reach sockets on line and I am wondering if they would be deep enough in most cases?

Also, what are the common sizes of sockets generally needed for this?

I am not a plumber by trade, and just do simple DIY jobs for myself and family....Trying to see if I can get away with buying two or three of the more common sockets or whether to stump up for a full set...

Ben-gee · Jan 7, 2021

You’re better off with box spanner’s, if you get the double ended ones you can use a socket on the remote end if you wish. The reason being- sockets are often too wide as they are thicker walled, and also not deep enough.
Common sizes are 12/13/10/11/9 in that order I’d say but you always get the odd other size now and then.

Pete E · Jan 7, 2021

Ben-gee said:
You’re better off with box spanner’s, if you get the double ended ones you can use a socket on the remote end if you wish. The reason being- sockets are often too wide as they are thicker walled, and also not deep enough.
Common sizes are 12/13/10/11/9 in that order I’d say but you always get the odd other size now and then.

Thanks for that...I have the double ended box spanners, and although they work, they feel sort of cheap and nasty compared to sockets lol

john the plumber · Jan 7, 2021

Pete E said:
Thanks for that...I have the double ended box spanners, and although they work, they feel sort of cheap and nasty compared to sockets lol

I use the Nerrad tap wrench kit (had mine for ages ,quite pricey but as I use them a lot it’s worth it for me) dunno what they are now but they were about £160.