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Basin & back nut wrench review
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The Medway Handyman
Aug 25, 2012, 7:39:33 AM8/25/12
to
Maybe one for the Wiki, feel free to chip in.
-------------------------------
Back nuts & tap connectors can be really difficult to remove due to age,
corrosion & tight spaces. Several different tools have been developed
to make this job easier.
A basic back nut wrench, often called a 'crowfoot', can be purchased for
a few pounds; http://www.screwfix.com/p/basin-wrench/13294
These are however quite basic, don't always fit and are cumbersome in
tight spaces. For a one off job they are cheap & cheerful.
Adjustable basin wrenches are the next step up. Relying on a spring
loaded serrated jaw, they will automatically fit any size of tap
connector or back nut. Models with telescopic handles are more
versatile because the length can be adjusted so that the tommy bar is
easier to turn.
The disadvantage is that the head is sometimes too large to get into the
space available and that the jaw often slips off of the nut.
More specialised tools like the Armeg Jaw Dropper solve many of these
problems - but at a price.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/armeg-jaw-dropper-plumbing-wrench/99190?_requestid=1196668
Two wrenches are supplied in a kit, one for basins, one for baths.
They are both double ended and have two 'jaws' at each end, with a
sliding tommy bar in between. The outer 'jaws' are hexagonal to grip
back nuts/tap connectors, the inner 'jaws' are simply curved & can be
slid out of the way.
In use, the appropriate end is selected. For a tap connector the curved
sliding jaw is slid up flush with the hex jaw & locked into place. The
wrench is then slid up the pipe and almost automatically locates itself
on the nut. You can often do this without being able to see the tap
connector and it won't slip off.
For back nuts, the curved jaw is slid back out of the way to give the
tool a smaller profile.
The Jaw Dropper works extremely well in almost all situations. The only
downside is that the tool isn't long enough to always allow the tommy
bar to be rotated fully.
A recent addition is the Todays Tools "Professional 1/2"- 3/4" Tap Back
Nut and 15-22mm Compression Fitting Set" which an be seen here;
http://www.todaystools.ltd.uk/cat2012.pdf Bottom of page 5 in the
catalogue/page 7 in the PDF.
A bit more reasonable in price, I paid around �27 for mine.
You get two split ring spanner heads & two box spanners, all of which
fit a 3/8" drive ratchet with extension bars.
You can't use the box spanners to undo/tighten back nuts without
disconnecting the pipework and you have to make sure the split ring
spanners don't slip off the tap connector nuts, but the ratchet &
extension bars are a real boon in tight spaces with badly corroded fittings.
Which is better? It depends on the job. I'm glad I have both.
The removal of monoblock mixer taps requires a set of box spanners, but
I have just noticed a set of sockets on the next page in the Todays
Tools catalogue which are going on order.
HTH
--
Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
-------------------------------
Back nuts & tap connectors can be really difficult to remove due to age,
corrosion & tight spaces. Several different tools have been developed
to make this job easier.
A basic back nut wrench, often called a 'crowfoot', can be purchased for
a few pounds; http://www.screwfix.com/p/basin-wrench/13294
These are however quite basic, don't always fit and are cumbersome in
tight spaces. For a one off job they are cheap & cheerful.
Adjustable basin wrenches are the next step up. Relying on a spring
loaded serrated jaw, they will automatically fit any size of tap
connector or back nut. Models with telescopic handles are more
versatile because the length can be adjusted so that the tommy bar is
easier to turn.
The disadvantage is that the head is sometimes too large to get into the
space available and that the jaw often slips off of the nut.
More specialised tools like the Armeg Jaw Dropper solve many of these
problems - but at a price.
http://www.screwfix.com/p/armeg-jaw-dropper-plumbing-wrench/99190?_requestid=1196668
Two wrenches are supplied in a kit, one for basins, one for baths.
They are both double ended and have two 'jaws' at each end, with a
sliding tommy bar in between. The outer 'jaws' are hexagonal to grip
back nuts/tap connectors, the inner 'jaws' are simply curved & can be
slid out of the way.
In use, the appropriate end is selected. For a tap connector the curved
sliding jaw is slid up flush with the hex jaw & locked into place. The
wrench is then slid up the pipe and almost automatically locates itself
on the nut. You can often do this without being able to see the tap
connector and it won't slip off.
For back nuts, the curved jaw is slid back out of the way to give the
tool a smaller profile.
The Jaw Dropper works extremely well in almost all situations. The only
downside is that the tool isn't long enough to always allow the tommy
bar to be rotated fully.
A recent addition is the Todays Tools "Professional 1/2"- 3/4" Tap Back
Nut and 15-22mm Compression Fitting Set" which an be seen here;
http://www.todaystools.ltd.uk/cat2012.pdf Bottom of page 5 in the
catalogue/page 7 in the PDF.
A bit more reasonable in price, I paid around �27 for mine.
You get two split ring spanner heads & two box spanners, all of which
fit a 3/8" drive ratchet with extension bars.
You can't use the box spanners to undo/tighten back nuts without
disconnecting the pipework and you have to make sure the split ring
spanners don't slip off the tap connector nuts, but the ratchet &
extension bars are a real boon in tight spaces with badly corroded fittings.
Which is better? It depends on the job. I'm glad I have both.
The removal of monoblock mixer taps requires a set of box spanners, but
I have just noticed a set of sockets on the next page in the Todays
Tools catalogue which are going on order.
HTH
--
Dave - The Medway Handyman www.medwayhandyman.co.uk
PeterC
Aug 25, 2012, 10:18:10 AM8/25/12
to
On Sat, 25 Aug 2012 12:39:33 +0100, The Medway Handyman wrote:
> Back nuts & tap connectors can be really difficult to remove due to age,
> corrosion & tight spaces. Several different tools have been developed
> to make this job easier.
>
> A basic back nut wrench, often called a 'crowfoot', can be purchased for
> a few pounds; http://www.screwfix.com/p/basin-wrench/13294
Might be worth pointing out that, due to restricted space, the
> Back nuts & tap connectors can be really difficult to remove due to age,
> corrosion & tight spaces. Several different tools have been developed
> to make this job easier.
>
> A basic back nut wrench, often called a 'crowfoot', can be purchased for
> a few pounds; http://www.screwfix.com/p/basin-wrench/13294
'square'-headed sort might crack or break the basin if the nut suddenly
loosens. I haven't yet managed to do this but it wouldn't be beyond my
expertise.
--
Peter.
The gods will stay away
whilst religions hold sway
PJK
Aug 27, 2012, 8:52:51 AM8/27/12
to
On 25/08/2012 12:39, The Medway Handyman wrote:
> Maybe one for the Wiki, feel free to chip in.
>
> -------------------------------
>
> Back nuts & tap connectors can be really difficult to remove due to age,
> corrosion & tight spaces. Several different tools have been developed
> to make this job easier.
>
>
I got one of these:
> Maybe one for the Wiki, feel free to chip in.
>
> -------------------------------
>
> Back nuts & tap connectors can be really difficult to remove due to age,
> corrosion & tight spaces. Several different tools have been developed
> to make this job easier.
>
>
http://www.toolstation.com/shop/p52396
after years of using cheap types of varying designs and I find it very good.
The Medway Handyman
Aug 27, 2012, 11:17:14 AM8/27/12
to
includes the box spanners.
Are the jaws adjustable?
Jim K
Aug 27, 2012, 11:37:18 AM8/27/12
to
On 27 Aug, 16:17, The Medway Handyman <davidl...@blueyonder.co.uk>
wrote:
toolsatan's is the "scottool" "bearhug" and a goggle reveals they are
indeed adjustable by means of a thumbscrew
also you can buy the 2 "heads" for 12-15 each... or 23 odd (plus p&p I
expect) for the 2 heads alone, or the whole kit for 35 from toolsatan
Cheers
Jim K
Cheers
Jim K
wrote:
indeed adjustable by means of a thumbscrew
also you can buy the 2 "heads" for 12-15 each... or 23 odd (plus p&p I
expect) for the 2 heads alone, or the whole kit for 35 from toolsatan
Cheers
Jim K
Cheers
Jim K
PJK
Aug 27, 2012, 12:45:15 PM8/27/12
to
Jim K
Aug 28, 2012, 11:48:38 AM8/28/12
to
On Aug 25, 12:39 pm, The Medway Handyman <davidl...@blueyonder.co.uk>
wrote:
did you get yours elsewhere or a while ago?
Cheers
Jim K
wrote:
> Maybe one for the Wiki, feel free to chip in.
>
> -------------------------------
>
> Back nuts & tap connectors can be really difficult to remove due to age,
> corrosion & tight spaces. Several different tools have been developed
> to make this job easier.
>
> A basic back nut wrench, often called a 'crowfoot', can be purchased for
> a few pounds;http://www.screwfix.com/p/basin-wrench/13294
>
> These are however quite basic, don't always fit and are cumbersome in
> tight spaces. For a one off job they are cheap & cheerful.
>
> Adjustable basin wrenches are the next step up. Relying on a spring
> loaded serrated jaw, they will automatically fit any size of tap
> connector or back nut. Models with telescopic handles are more
> versatile because the length can be adjusted so that the tommy bar is
> easier to turn.
>
> The disadvantage is that the head is sometimes too large to get into the
> space available and that the jaw often slips off of the nut.
>
> More specialised tools like the Armeg Jaw Dropper solve many of these
> problems - but at a price.
>
> http://www.screwfix.com/p/armeg-jaw-dropper-plumbing-wrench/99190?_re...
>
> -------------------------------
>
> Back nuts & tap connectors can be really difficult to remove due to age,
> corrosion & tight spaces. Several different tools have been developed
> to make this job easier.
>
> A basic back nut wrench, often called a 'crowfoot', can be purchased for
> a few pounds;http://www.screwfix.com/p/basin-wrench/13294
>
> These are however quite basic, don't always fit and are cumbersome in
> tight spaces. For a one off job they are cheap & cheerful.
>
> Adjustable basin wrenches are the next step up. Relying on a spring
> loaded serrated jaw, they will automatically fit any size of tap
> connector or back nut. Models with telescopic handles are more
> versatile because the length can be adjusted so that the tommy bar is
> easier to turn.
>
> The disadvantage is that the head is sometimes too large to get into the
> space available and that the jaw often slips off of the nut.
>
> More specialised tools like the Armeg Jaw Dropper solve many of these
> problems - but at a price.
>
>
> Two wrenches are supplied in a kit, one for basins, one for baths.
>
> They are both double ended and have two 'jaws' at each end, with a
> sliding tommy bar in between. The outer 'jaws' are hexagonal to grip
> back nuts/tap connectors, the inner 'jaws' are simply curved & can be
> slid out of the way.
>
> In use, the appropriate end is selected. For a tap connector the curved
> sliding jaw is slid up flush with the hex jaw & locked into place. The
> wrench is then slid up the pipe and almost automatically locates itself
> on the nut. You can often do this without being able to see the tap
> connector and it won't slip off.
>
> For back nuts, the curved jaw is slid back out of the way to give the
> tool a smaller profile.
>
> The Jaw Dropper works extremely well in almost all situations. The only
> downside is that the tool isn't long enough to always allow the tommy
> bar to be rotated fully.
>
> A recent addition is the Todays Tools "Professional 1/2"- 3/4" Tap Back
> Nut and 15-22mm Compression Fitting Set" which an be seen here;
>
> http://www.todaystools.ltd.uk/cat2012.pdf Bottom of page 5 in the
> catalogue/page 7 in the PDF.
>
> A bit more reasonable in price, I paid around 27 for mine.
>
> You get two split ring spanner heads & two box spanners, all of which
> fit a 3/8" drive ratchet with extension bars.
Dave, list price appears to be 31.50 no mention of vat plus 7 p&p....
> Two wrenches are supplied in a kit, one for basins, one for baths.
>
> They are both double ended and have two 'jaws' at each end, with a
> sliding tommy bar in between. The outer 'jaws' are hexagonal to grip
> back nuts/tap connectors, the inner 'jaws' are simply curved & can be
> slid out of the way.
>
> In use, the appropriate end is selected. For a tap connector the curved
> sliding jaw is slid up flush with the hex jaw & locked into place. The
> wrench is then slid up the pipe and almost automatically locates itself
> on the nut. You can often do this without being able to see the tap
> connector and it won't slip off.
>
> For back nuts, the curved jaw is slid back out of the way to give the
> tool a smaller profile.
>
> The Jaw Dropper works extremely well in almost all situations. The only
> downside is that the tool isn't long enough to always allow the tommy
> bar to be rotated fully.
>
> A recent addition is the Todays Tools "Professional 1/2"- 3/4" Tap Back
> Nut and 15-22mm Compression Fitting Set" which an be seen here;
>
> http://www.todaystools.ltd.uk/cat2012.pdf Bottom of page 5 in the
> catalogue/page 7 in the PDF.
>
> A bit more reasonable in price, I paid around 27 for mine.
>
> You get two split ring spanner heads & two box spanners, all of which
> fit a 3/8" drive ratchet with extension bars.
did you get yours elsewhere or a while ago?
Cheers
Jim K
The Medway Handyman
Aug 28, 2012, 12:39:46 PM8/28/12
to
out with a set of spanners :-)
£27 ish?
Jim K
Aug 28, 2012, 1:09:45 PM8/28/12
to
On Aug 28, 5:40 pm, The Medway Handyman <davidl...@blueyonder.co.uk>
> >>http://www.todaystools.ltd.uk/cat2012.pdfBottom of page 5 in the
Jim K
> >> catalogue/page 7 in the PDF.
>
> >> A bit more reasonable in price, I paid around 27 for mine.
>
> >> You get two split ring spanner heads & two box spanners, all of which
> >> fit a 3/8" drive ratchet with extension bars.
>
> > Dave, list price appears to be 31.50 no mention of vat plus 7 p&p....
> > did you get yours elsewhere or a while ago?
>
> > Cheers
> > Jim K
>
> Local plumbers merchant about 6 weeks ago. Popped in for a P trap, came
> out with a set of spanners :-)
>
> £27 ish?
cheers
>
> >> A bit more reasonable in price, I paid around 27 for mine.
>
> >> You get two split ring spanner heads & two box spanners, all of which
> >> fit a 3/8" drive ratchet with extension bars.
>
> > Dave, list price appears to be 31.50 no mention of vat plus 7 p&p....
> > did you get yours elsewhere or a while ago?
>
> > Cheers
> > Jim K
>
> Local plumbers merchant about 6 weeks ago. Popped in for a P trap, came
> out with a set of spanners :-)
>
> £27 ish?
Jim K
Jim K
Sep 2, 2012, 7:37:52 AM9/2/12
to
> > >> catalogue/page 7 in the PDF.
>
> > >> A bit more reasonable in price, I paid around 27 for mine.
>
> > >> You get two split ring spanner heads & two box spanners, all of which
> > >> fit a 3/8" drive ratchet with extension bars.
>
> > > Dave, list price appears to be 31.50 no mention of vat plus 7 p&p....
> > > did you get yours elsewhere or a while ago?
>
> > > Cheers
> > > Jim K
>
> > Local plumbers merchant about 6 weeks ago. Popped in for a P trap, came
> > out with a set of spanners :-)
>
> > £27 ish?
>
> cheers
> Jim K
mmm - well for the record I bought the Scottool set from toolsatan and
>
> > >> A bit more reasonable in price, I paid around 27 for mine.
>
> > >> You get two split ring spanner heads & two box spanners, all of which
> > >> fit a 3/8" drive ratchet with extension bars.
>
> > > Dave, list price appears to be 31.50 no mention of vat plus 7 p&p....
> > > did you get yours elsewhere or a while ago?
>
> > > Cheers
> > > Jim K
>
> > Local plumbers merchant about 6 weeks ago. Popped in for a P trap, came
> > out with a set of spanners :-)
>
> > £27 ish?
>
> cheers
> Jim K
tried it out the other day:-
"claw" adjustment screws - no means of "locking off" and very
susceptible to unadjusting themselves between "turns" of nuts - anyone
any ideas how to make them more resistant to undoing themselves in
service? or am i really looking at washers and additional nuts to lock
them where I need em?
3/8" ratchet and xtension bars feel cheap - after doing one tap the
ball bearing "detent" thing on the male ends of the xt bars had lost
the ability to grip into the sockets of other xt bars, claws etc - so
whole lot tended to "fall apart" regularly in use....
Ratchet reluctant to change direction "cleanly".
However in general a good idea. If i were doing this more often I
think I'd build my own kit - i.e. just buy the "claws" and source
some quality 3/8" bars/ratchets seperately, then deal with the claws
tendency to unadjust....
Cheers
Jim K
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