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Tap Bonnet dramas

TLDR

Any ideas how to get this tap bonnet off?

Hi everyone, the tap set installed across our house is my nemesis. If I had the money I would replace them all with something I could easily take on and off.

Right now I’m struggling to unscrew this tap bonnet. I’m certain I’m screwing it the correct way and I’ve managed to get a paint scraper in between the bonnet and the tiles. I think the thread is just stuck and I can’t grip it well enough to force it to turn because of the design.

Any help would be MASSIVELY appreciated. 🙏🏻

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MitchellMc

Hi @timjeffries,

Many thanks for your question, I'd be pleased to assist. This is a fairly common issue with tapered tap flanges. The angular nature makes it quite hard to grip when unscrewing them. I would advise running a blade under the flange in the gap you have created as occasionally silicone is applied before it is screwed on. In the discussion Plumbing issue unable to unscrew faucet flange you'll note @AndrewL managed to remove theirs by spraying WD40 several times to loosen the silicon/corrosion and purchased a Haron 160mm Strap Wrench which allowed the flange to be unscrewed.

After removing the taps they replaced them with quarter turn ceramic ones which didn't have tapered flanges.

Please let me know how you go and we can continue to find a solution if this doesn't assist.

Mitchell

timjeffries

Thanks Mitchell, I’ve been able to run a knife behind the flange comfortably so I’m confident it’s not stuck with silicone.

The angle makes it difficult to be sure the WD40 is actually getting to the thread which I think is where it’s stuck. Previously I resorted to cutting one of these off with a hacksaw. 😂

timjeffries

Also do you have a guide about how to use the strap wrench on the tapered flange? I struggle to get any tension with it but suspect it’s my technique. Thanks.

MitchellMc

@timjeffries,

In the previously mentioned thread, @redracer01 suggests if it comes to a destructive solution some Vice-grips can be used to crush the flange. Although I typically wouldn't advise it, I have been able to remove the whole tap spindle (including the flange) by attaching Vise-grips to the end of the spindle and un-screwing it anti-clockwise. Then, of course, you are still left with the flange attached to the spindle but once it is out there are more areas to grab onto.

Mitchell

MitchellMc

@timjeffries,

I can't think of any specific guide on its use on tapered flanges. It can be quite difficult at the best of times, just try to pull the rubber strap as tight as possible before engaging the handle. Another method you could try is taking Gaffer tape and wrapping it multiple times around the tapered flange creating something more cylindrical to grip onto. I've heard of this method working for several people before.

Mitchell

redracer01

Hello @timjeffries

Wrap your hammer head with a tshirt and gently tap around the bonnet to loosen calcium deposit. Tap all around sotly then twist on bonnet. Tap tap tap and twist when the calcium loosens then it come off.

Cheers,

Red

Jason

Hey Tim (@timjeffries)

Just wanted to reach out and say hello. It's fantastic to see you back on the site. Hope you and the family are staying safe and well, and have been coping OK during this most challenging year.

Have you had the chance to get stuck into any projects around the house or garden lately?

Jason

timjeffries

Thanks Red, I've been persisting with this method but have still had no luck. I'm kind of unsure when to just call it and cut the damn things off. :🤣

timjeffries

Hi Jason,

It has been a while since I've been active on here. I actually had a head injury that kept me from any projects for quite a while. I'm back in the game now though and have just finished building this beauty. I'll get a few photos together and make a post over the weekend while I'm waiting for these tap bonnets to magically come off. 🤦🏻‍♂️

Jason

So sorry to hear of your injury Tim (@timjeffries) - that sounds terrible and I hope you have now made a full recovery. So glad to hear you are back on the tools, I know how passionate you are about designing and creating. The bookshelf looks terrific. Your older projects certainly continue to be really popular with both old and new members alike. I'm sure you've noticed that the community has really grown a lot recently - so lots of new people discovering your great work!

Looking forward to reading more about your projects and plans. I'm sure the rest of the community will be as pleased as I am to have you back on board. Please let us know if you need anything.

Jason

timjeffries

Still no luck with these tap bonnets and I'm thinking I'm going to have to break them off somehow.

So 2 questions:

- what's the easiest way to get these off if I'm going to break them anyway?

- should I replace them with a different style given how much trouble I've been having?

MitchellMc

Hi Tim (@timjeffries),

I'm sorry to hear you are still having difficulties. A pair of Irwin 250mm Vise Grip Curved Jaw Locking Pliers done up tight and locked onto the flange would most likely do it. You might need to tap the flange with a hammer and collapse it inwards to give them something to bite onto.

I would recommend replacing the tap with ceramic disk alternatives that don't have tapered flanges.

Mitchell

Walzz

@timjeffries

In the past I've been able to loosen those surrounds with a hammer and a small cold chisel. A couple of sharp taps downward on the left hand edge with the point of the chisel pointing slightly inwards so that it bites into the brass and causes the surround to loosen as it rotates anticlockwise.

Noyade

I'm with you Mitchell.

Something with crushing potential.

Worked for me.

Tanz

Im having the same problem. I have tried every answer i can find. Nothing is working. I have leaking tap all throughout the house and the same bonnets all stuck.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Tanz. It's fabulous to have you join us, and many thanks for jumping into the conversation.

Have you tried any of the recommendations offered in this discussion yet? Tapered flanges can be quite difficult to remove if they have been siliconed into place or dirt and grime has built up around where they meet the surface. Sometimes destructive removal is the only choice.

I'd suggest you follow the directions mentioned here and then report back to us if you are still having difficulty.

Mitchell

Haydon

Thank you this worked for me - was able to remove a stubborn bonnet.

(Signed up to post this)

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Haydon. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for jumping into the discussion.

Which one of the methods mentioned worked for you? I trust any of our members struggling with a similar issue would appreciate knowing the technique you used.

Many thanks for joining us to let us know you found this discussion useful. Please reach out anytime you need assistance or have something to share with the community.

Mitchell

Haydon

i used all -

knife under the base to ensure no sealant

strap wrench to undo it.

tapping on it with a hammer (use the strap wrench rubber to cushion the surface, hammer all around.

wiggle the tap back and forward, and try and wiggle the shaft in the bonet.

spray wd40 down the shaft.

and repeat 10x over the course of 2 days letting the wd 40 soak into the hole. note to wipe it off before attempting to use the strap wrench. It'll eventually give.

then clean threads with toothbrush / wirebrush

crawhammer

I tried the rubber glove, scraper, hot/cold water, WD40 and the rubber strap clamp. All to no avail (arguably, these all helped...). I got my reciprocating saw (without blade) and pushed the foot (or shoe) against bonnet and vibrated the daylights out of it. Similar to the tap-tap-tap approach with the hammer, this worked a treat.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @crawhammer. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for jumping into the discussion.

That sounds like an interesting approach to a common issue; thanks for sharing.

We look forward to hearing all about your projects and plans around the house and garden. Feel free to reach out anytime you need assistance or have something to share with the community.

Mitchell

cjhfield

I managed to get the strap wrench to work by winding on thin strips of Gorilla tape so that the strap could get a hold without slipping

EricL

Hello @cjhfield

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us.

Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience in regards to bonnet removal. What a clever idea, the tape provides both grip and mass to anchor onto to allow you to properly grip and turn the bonnet! This has to be one of the most non-destructive methods I've seen to anchor and turn the bonnet.

Were keen to hear more about all your projects and plans around the house and garden. Please feel free to reach out whenever you need assistance or would like to share a project with the community.

Eric

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