Trouble removing decorative shroud from monobloc tap

[djmwr]

Hi there

I have a monobloc tap in my bathroom which is exactly like the one in this video:

For some reason I absolutely cannot get the decorative shroud (so easily unscrewed 37 seconds into the video) undone at all. It's recently started dripping, so need to get it off in order to fix.

Any advice / tips on how to get this off? Any tools I should be using? Brute force (ie: straining and trying to turn it!) is absolutely not working. I'm also worried about using the wrong tool and mangling the shroud itself (being a DIY amateur)...

All help appreciated!

 

[JCplumb]

Because of the shape and smoothness of the shroud it can be very difficult to get it off without marking it if it's been tightened up too much or has seized up.
You can try a piece of leather, like a bit of an old belt between it and your grips, but if it's proper stuck, you're likely to mark it.
I now always put some silicone grease on the threads of the shroud when working on or fitting this style of tap.

 

[Dunlopplumbing]

Once you have removed the lever & head, try pouring some white vinegar into the top and leaving it to soak for a while, and then try not to use force, as JCplumb said use leather or a rubber strap wrench. Good luck.

 

[djmwr]

Thanks guys! I had actually tried to soak it all in vinegar overnight, but it only ended up stinking up the bathroom!

I'll keep trying with some force + leather and see where I get to. We live in a hard water area, so I'm worried that it has actually fused to the tap.

Any more help appreciated. 🙂

 

[Ben-gee]

Try a rubber strap wrench as dunlop said. It's also worth initially trying to tighten it, strange as that may seem.
Then take a leaf out of a cat's book and pretend you've given up, but quickly take it by surprise when it's not looking.

 

[townfanjon]

Thanks guys! I had actually tried to soak it all in vinegar overnight, but it only ended up stinking up the bathroom!

I'll keep trying with some force + leather and see where I get to. We live in a hard water area, so I'm worried that it has actually fused to the tap.

Any more help appreciated. 🙂

White vinegar , not the stuff you put on your chips lol

 

[JCplumb]

Just had a thought.
You could put the handle back on and look to see where on the shroud is always hidden by the handle.
You could then drill a hole there and use something as a tommy bar, you could even cut a couple of notches in the top of it to get some purchase. Won't affect the tap at all and will be hidden by the base of the handle.

 

[djmwr]

Then take a leaf out of a cat's book and pretend you've given up, but quickly take it by surprise when it's not looking.

Haha, will deffo try the cat trick (and have bought a rubber strap wrench).

If all else fails will take JC's advice and get drilling .

Thanks for all your help!

 

[vulcanbomber]

Hi, Have you managed to get it off using the rubber strap wrench?

 

[djmwr]

I've bought the wrench. I will attack at the weekend and let you guys know 🙂

 

[djmwr]

The rubber strap wrench worked an absolute treat. Removed all the bits no problem, cleaned them all up and now no drip 🙂

Thanks for the help as had never heard (or seen) one of those tools before!

 

[JCplumb]

Good stuff 🙂
Out of interest which strap wrench did you get? I've had one for a couple of years and it gets more damaged in my toolbag than when I'm using it, I think I got it at the merchants and it's unbranded, also have one of those things that help pensioners get jar lids off but it's pants. So might treat myself.

 

[Jay will]

Hi I am having trouble too,taking shroud off I have rubber wrench and soaked it in white vinegar still no luck any ideas?

 

[Charlie Diyte]

Hi I am having trouble too,taking shroud off I have rubber wrench and soaked it in white vinegar still no luck any ideas?

Waterpump pliers. Will mark the surface but this can be kept to a minimum with care.