I have tried a wall spanner and I have tried using WD40 and a wall spanner. What else can I do? Does this job require a plumber?
Hi @Andrea39,
If a tap spanner isn't working for you then it could need more force applied to break the seal on the old washer. As with your spout question, make sure you are unscrewing in an anti-clockwise direction. In the tap spanner kit, there is normally a little bar to use as a handle whilst turning it. If you slip a solid pipe over the handle that is longer it will be able to apply more force.
Sometimes tap spindles can become quite stuck and it requires a significant amount of force to remove them. As with @redracer01's advice in your other thread, you don't want to put too much force on them or risk doing damage.
It's a bit hard to tell from the picture, but does the nut on the spindle protrude out from the wall at all? Even if it doesn't you might still be able to get an adjustable spanner on it. That's how I got my last spindle out that was stuck when the tap spanner wasn't working.
Mitchell
Hello @Andrea39
You need to use this tool to remove the spindle.
I just thought I'd check-in to see if you have had any luck with removing your tap spindles.
Please let us know if you are still having issues with them.
I’ve already tried this with no luck. Do you have any other suggestions? I’ve also sprayed WD40 and that hasn’t made it any easier either
I will assume you have turned the water off. If so open the tap ( turn the tap on to drain the water in the pipe) and release the pressure of the valve you should be able to undo the spindle using the tools suggested above.
Hope this helps
I forgot if all else fails use a pipe wrench on the main body and a few gentle taps it will loosen, however you may need to replace the unit
What do you mean by replacing the unit? Is that just replacing the spindles? I tried releasing the pressure and then using the wall spanner but it wouldn’t budge. Is it better to call a plumber rather than trying any other methods in case I destroy the plumbing. The spout and spindles would be about 20 yes old so they seem to be stuck in place. Having said that I don’t have much muscular strength as well
Ok first of all if doubt exist then call the plumber
The unit is the complete part spindle and main body, the spindle passes through the main body. The attached photo is the pipe wrench it has a longer handle giving you the Strength you need. Because the house is around 20 years old the fittings will be harder to get off. So something with a longer handle is needed. A plumber Will use the same sort of tool in this situation. hope this helps
Hi Andrea39
How did you go have you removed the tap assembly?
Hi Mitchell
your advice has been helpful. I went into Bunnings today and got a pipe wrench, hammer and long screwdriver. I managed to get the two and one spindle off and replace it.
ill have to get the other spindle off tomorrow. I might try using the pipe wrench instead of the wall spanner because the spindle doesn’t want to budge
It is fantastic to see you've made progress on the issue.
Were you planning on replacing the taps? If so, it would be great to see the finished taps once you have completed the job.
Please keep us updated on your attempts to remove the last spindle.
Well done.
I have a spindle that requires 6 sided bigger than my 29.5mm....any ideas what tool I need ken
Hello @yakillinme1
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's great to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about removing your spindle.
If the Tap Spanner Set is not suitable, I suggest using a Trojan 300mm Pipe Wrench, see if you can clasp the top body of the spindle and turn it from that point. But if you wish to clasp onto the angled surface, you'll need to chip a bit away from the wall so that you can mount the wrench onto the body of the spindle.
Please keep us updated with your progress, we look forward to seeing your spindle repaired.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
There is always a simple solution to all problems. For issues like these, heavy tools are not necessary a set of tube spanners will resolve most tap problems. in your case it will be a 30mm tube spanner if Bunnings does not have it go to Sydney Tools or total tools.
Bunnings does have a Kincrome set but this could be a special orders.
Kincrome 10 Piece Metric Tube Spanner Set This set has resolved a number of my tap issues over the years
