Which tool to undo stubborn tap connector?

[Raff]

Hi I am trying to replace my bathroom tap with a new one, I am trying to remove the existing rusty flexible tap connectors from this bit of 22mm copper pipe.

But this thing is not budging at all its like its welded or super glued on, I am using some water pliers on both points here but its not loosening up and grip is not so great trying to do 2 water pliers and turning in opposite direction. I have installed flexible tap connectors before but never this tight.

Are these ??? parts the points I should apply the water plier grips to?

Maybe better tools can be recommended for me also, thanks

 

[Ben-gee]

Yes.
Have you got spanners or adjustable spanners or Stilton wrenches?
Any of these are better that what you have, however it should be possible with those water pump pliers.
If you arrange it so that the one you are trying to keep still is braced against the floor such that as you turn the other one it tends to push the first one towards the floor - you should manage… good luck

 

[Raff]

Yes.
Have you got spanners or adjustable spanners or Stilton wrenches?
Any of these are better that what you have, however it should be possible with those water pump pliers.
If you arrange it so that the one you are trying to keep still is braced against the floor such that as you turn the other one it tends to push the first one towards the floor - you should manage… good luck

thanks for the tool suggestions, I do have a very old stilton wrench but it tends to lose the grip along the teeth so it just slides maybe its not a good tool.

The spanners I have were just 2-3mm short to fit sadly, I think I will invest in some better quality adjustable spanners so have ordered off an wide jaw BAHCO slim wrench and another one off amazon but will also try that trick with pushing it against the floor which is a great idea since were not Dr Octopus.

 

[Jblion]

You have the technique right, but as suggested better tools can be employed. Apart from saving a small piece of copper pipe, why are you trying to undo?
With the greatest respect I would be replacing the flexis, which your post suggests you are. Use a new copper pipe, or possibly join to the existing pipework with an alternative flexi arrangement.

 

[Raff]

You have the technique right, but as suggested better tools can be employed. Apart from saving a small piece of copper pipe, why are you trying to undo?
With the greatest respect I would be replacing the flexis, which your post suggests you are. Use a new copper pipe, or possibly join to the existing pipework with an alternative flexi arrangement.

Yup got a small copper pipe on order, will be much easier as you suggest. The tools I am using are generic store stuff ones I got for a few quid and my adjustable spanner is also poor and not wide grip. I have replaced few taps around the home before but figured better to invest in some quality tools to make the job go smoother.

 

[Raff]

You have the technique right, but as suggested better tools can be employed. Apart from saving a small piece of copper pipe, why are you trying to undo?
With the greatest respect I would be replacing the flexis, which your post suggests you are. Use a new copper pipe, or possibly join to the existing pipework with an alternative flexi arrangement.

Went with both options, my new bacho wide grip spanner worked a treat the grip it gets is much safer and lock tight.

Still you were correct easier to make it simple so I ended up going with jg speed fit flexis that simply connect from bath tap directly to the 15mm copper pipe, job done within minutes. Id guess the plumber didn't have those or saw the flexis were 22mm so had to mcguyer it