Stuck Nut on Widespread Sink Bathroom Faucet Handle -

[caddams]

I'm a DIYer and I have a Widespread Bathroom sink that i'm working on. The cold water handle is loose and turns on top of the countertop. I've looked under the countertop and can see that the nut that is used to snug the fixture isn't all the way tight. The problem is there is water corrosion on the nut and it won't come loose. I've sprayed it with a WD-40 type solution to loosen it, but it still won't budge. Any suggestions?

 

[Roy_66]

Unless in a rush keep squirting for a few days (put a drip tray underneath). If you have a basin wrench with Tommy bar, try an extension tube on the bar. Remember they built the pyramids with leverage. The wrench may well fail though. Heat would be another option, but be careful and you might not want to melt the soldered tap connector if that is the case, also the fibre washer may well need replacement. If you have removed the plumbing then box spanner or sockets might help. Stillsons to hold the tap.

All this is where a professional has the balance of strength and gentleness to get it undone without breaking either the plumbing or themselves.

Best of luck.

Cheers,

Roy. (amateur with no hand strength)

 

[caddams]

Unless in a rush keep squirting for a few days (put a drip tray underneath). If you have a basin wrench with Tommy bar, try an extension tube on the bar. Remember they built the pyramids with leverage. The wrench may well fail though. Heat would be another option, but be careful and you might not want to melt the soldered tap connector if that is the case, also the fibre washer may well need replacement. If you have removed the plumbing then box spanner or sockets might help. Stillsons to hold the tap.

All this is where a professional has the balance of strength and gentleness to get it undone without breaking either the plumbing or themselves.

Best of luck.

Cheers,

Roy. (amateur with no hand strength)

Thanks Roy, i'll keep at it. It may ultimately come down to calling in the professional. Luckily the bathroom has 2 sinks, so I have time on my side, at the moment!

 

[Ben-gee]

Loosen the nut further to give more room then clean up the threads with a small wire brush, eg a little brass one sold as a suede shoe brush.
Once the threads are clear it’ll be easy.

 

[caddams]

Loosen the nut further to give more room then clean up the threads with a small wire brush, eg a little brass one sold as a suede shoe brush.
Once the threads are clear it’ll be easy.

Ben-gee. thanks for the info. My problem is the nut won't loosen or tighten.