Tap washer not quite fitting

[TheBigMatt]

Hi all,
Sorry if it is a dumb question but ..
I just fitted a 1/2inch tap washer to my basin tap and have 2 questions.
1. Is it normal for the washer to not quite fit the valve head, I had to take sandpaper to adjust it as I could not "squish" it in. Is there some kind of metric equivalent I should be using?
2. The washer feels too thick, it works but the tap does not feel right when turning it off.

Any advice gratefully received...cheers

 

[snowhead]

There's a thousand and 1 different washers apart from the standard 1/2"

3/8" would be the next size down if 1/2" is sticking usually available in small selection packs or large bulk packs.
Of it you can find an olde style hardware shop they'd probably have them as singles.

Probably too late now but if you still have the old washer measure across the mark on the washer where it sits on the valve seat to check size.

 

[Deleted member 120897]

Is there a small nut to undo? Tap spindle may want greasing.

 

[TheBigMatt]

There's a thousand and 1 different washers apart from the standard 1/2"

3/8" would be the next size down if 1/2" is sticking usually available in small selection packs or large bulk packs.
Of it you can find an olde style hardware shop they'd probably have them as singles.

Probably too late now but if you still have the old washer measure across the mark on the washer where it sits on the valve seat to check size.

Hi,
Thanks for the reply. I did compare the old washer to the new one and 3/8ths would have been too small. Maybe it is something to do with tolerances between different taps and washers. I suspect a slightly softer washer or one with rounded edges would have fitted. Or maybe I just have cheap crappy taps because the old one looked like it did not fit properly either..
Cheers

 

[Timmy D]

If you used 1/2” and had to squash it in, it’s likely 3/8 would have worked. The seat is often quite a bit smaller than the spindle plate.

And yes, there are loads of different 1/2” shaped washers.