Can't free 1/4 turn ceramic cylinder

Deleted member 112212 · Jan 6, 2020

Dripping hot tap on 1/4 turn ceramic mixer so replaced the cylinder. No problem until I decided to replace the cold too. I'm assuming one is clockwise and the other is anti?? No joy either way and now I have gnarled the nut by using a wrench instead of the dedicated spanner. I've soaked with WD40 a few times. Any advice please. Thanks.

moonlight · Jan 7, 2020

I have a piece of thick leather, I wrap around the body. Then I can grip the body without damage, and also use it to pull against.
You could gently tap around the tap where the cartridge with a hammer first, again insuring you do not damage the tap.

If all else fails, leave the cold. New tap next time.

Deleted member 112212 · Jan 7, 2020

Good ideas thanks. If unsuccessful, I'll put it together again until I think of, or receive, a solution.

steadyon · Jan 7, 2020

If you are talking about the brass hexagon nuts, they normally both undo the normal (right hand) way. Anti-clockwise looking down on them.
Don't use WD40 - if it gets to the internal it can rot the rubber parts. Try pouring a kettle of very hot water over the head of the tap. The expansion / contraction can loosen stubborn nuts.

Deleted member 112212 · Jan 7, 2020

steadyon said:
If you are talking about the brass hexagon nuts, they normally both undo the normal (right hand) way. Anti-clockwise looking down on them.
Don't use WD40 - if it gets to the internal it can rot the rubber parts. Try pouring a kettle of very hot water over the head of the tap. The expansion / contraction can loosen stubborn nuts.

Thanks for advice, will try later.

JCplumb · Jan 7, 2020

As above, to remove the valves turn them anti-clockwise as you look down on them. It's the spindles that turn in opposite directions to open and close the valves.
If all else fails and you really don't want new taps then the easy tap splitter can come with an attatchment for gnarled nuts.

Deleted member 112212 · Jan 7, 2020

JCplumb said:
As above, to remove the valves turn them anti-clockwise as you look down on them. It's the spindles that turn in opposite directions to open and close the valves.
If all else fails and you really don't want new taps then the easy tap splitter can come with an attatchment for gnarled nuts.

Thanks. Gnarled nuts - OUCH!