How to unscrew stuck spindle?

dweston04

Hey Everyone! 

So I recently purchased a new set of taps for our shower in order to stop it leaking and I’m having a bit of trouble taking the old spindles out 🙁 

The hot water tap was a bit of a struggle to begin with. I was using an adjustable spanner and was finding that because of how deep the spindle was in the wall I couldn’t get a proper grip on it in order to take it out. However I was able to fully open the tap and use the handle as a better place for the spanner to grasp and could unscrew it easily that way. 

The real problem I’m having is with the cold water tap. Same issue with the adjustable spanner with it not being able to get a proper grip on spindle because of how deep it is in the wall. However, because I had accidentally snapped the ridged end bit off the spindle (see below), I couldn’t use the handle to get a proper grip like I did with the hot water. So I went into store and the employee suggested a tap spanner which should work great however the spindle is so corroded and/or screwed on so tightly that the spanner can’t get a proper grip in order to loosen it either (also see below) 

So does anyone have any ideas of what to do? I was reading another article that said if you open the tap all the way it releases a bit of pressure making the spindle easier to unscrew but because I can’t attach the handle I don’t have any idea of how to unscrew the tap - none of the tools that I have can get a good enough grip on the round and smooth chrome finished end bit so if anyone knows what I can do to open the tap too that might help too. 

But is this an easy diy fix? Or should I be calling a plumber? Somebody please help! 🙏

EricL

Hello @dweston04 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your wall spindle.

Please note that it might be necessary to engage the services of a licensed plumber to complete this work. If in doubt consult your local building authority before starting.

Did the team member at the store recommend using the Craftright 6 Piece Tap Spanner Set or did you get another brand? If this is similar to the set that you purchased, I propose using the smallest socket piece that will fit onto the spindle. Normally you would use the spanner extension from the kit to turn the spindle.

Instead of using the extension piece, I suggest using the largest shifter that you have on the socket piece to turn the spindle. If it still refuses to budge, I suggest calling the plumber as they will have specialist tools that can remove this stuck spindle. The important part of using a professional is that should they damage the pipe behind the wall, they will in a position to repair it.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric