How to replace tap spindle adaptor?

Bethie

Hi! I recently fixed my laundry tap which just needed a replacement handle as the old one cracked from being old and brittle. 

It was really hard finding a tap to fit the spindle as it's old fashioned and all the ones I was finding were for the spindles with 2 flat sides. I finally found one from bunnings that included adaptors for various spindle shapes.

I fitted it and I was happy as it worked. Except it's only been maybe a month at best and I've found the plastic adaptor has worn out already and now has no grip. I could glue it on but then it would leave an issue down the track for replacing stoppers / washers etc. 

Does anyone know of a reasonably easy solution? I'm pretty handy yet still a bit novice. I'm willing to give things a go, but can't afford to have something fixed if I stuff it up. 

  

JacobZ

Hi @Bethie,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, as the splines on the spindle look to be worn down, I imagine you would continue to have issues if you were to replace the plastic adaptor with a new one.

Gluing it on might work for some time, but due to the pressure applied when rotating the tap, it would likely fail quite quickly. but then, on the other hand, if you used a really strong glue, then it would cause you issues later if you wanted to remove it.

Your best option is likely to replace the spindles. You can grab this Estilo Chrome Wall Top Assembly Set for relatively cheap. The set comes with the correct spindles, so you would just need to swap them out and install the taps.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Jacob