Stuck tap

[hemel]

I have an old basin c/w tap and can't undo its headgear nut. Any suggestions (I live in a hardwater area)

 

[adrianfs1]

hi, i suggest a good pair of mole grips, failing that,turn off water and replace tap.

 

[dontknowitall]

I'm forever taking the taps off then beating them up on the floor. Saves smashing the basin to pieces.

 

[WaterTight]

I agree. If WD40 and some teeth-gritting didn't budge it, isolate, remove and attack the bugger on the floor where a slipped spanner won't crack a sink or tile. The amount of force you sometimes need to apply to loosen the headgear nut can be a hell of a lot and is best done with your bodyweight on top of it on the floor.

 

[hemel]

Thanks dontknowitall and watertight ... the WD 40 didn't work at my initial attempt so a bit of heavy duty violence might help! However, I'd prefer a solution that doesn't involve removing the tap as the underbasin pipework is a bit of a nightmare (plumbers, eh?!)

 

[WaterTight]

How long did you leave WD40 on? Sometimes overnight can make a difference.

If the pipework is a nightmare but is accessible you could always cut a section out and re-pipe. And if you're not into plumbing there's push-fit and flexis to make the job a doddle.

 

[Plumbstar Tom]

you may struggle without taking it off to be honest and end up rounding the nut off

Poor pipework to it could do with being replaced so your best of hitting the two together

 

[Puddle]

I have an old basin c/w tap and can't undo its headgear nut. Any suggestions (I live in a hardwater area)

pair of 36" stilsons usually does the job 😱,try not to drop on your feet though 😀