Why Is My Hilmor Tap Wrench So Rubbish?

[plumbandplumber]

I've used my Hilmor tap wrench quite a few times over the last few years - mainly on basin and sink taps. I've come to the conclusion that it's utter carp.

I offer it up to the tap connector, and have to hold the curved, hinged bit against the side of the nut. More often than not, assoon as I try to turn the wrench, it slips off.

Am I doing something wrong? What tap wrenches do plumbers use?

Irwin Hilmor Adjustable Basin Wrench (Tap Spanner) Yellow 10" » Product

 

[Ermintrude]

Armeg jaw droppers not a whole lot better.... Do as I do and avoid sanitary

 

[stevetheplumber]

ive not found one better than the monument ones

 

[Whyme]

Ive given up on those and just use my old mans hand me down crows foot.

 

[solutions]

Yep crows foot and ratchet here. Toolstation do a cheapset that is passable. Just wish tap connector muts and tap back nuts were all a standard size they seem to be digferent every time I fit a tap.

 

[wetdrip]

Ive given up on those and just use my old mans hand me down crows foot.

Server error double post.

 

[wetdrip]

Ive given up on those and just use my old mans hand me down crows foot.

For the life of me, I can't figure out why they called it a crows foot.
Anyway, in a confined space when you're bent double, backwards, with your nose squashed against floor or wall with one ball hanging out your y-fronts plus a tight wedgie and sweating cobs, no tool works properly. There's never anyone around to punch, I always get my hair off.

 

[Ermintrude]

I like other peoples hair, generally toilet next to bath with a lovely pile of pubes between

 

[gasmanrob]

I used to have the yellow ones featured above don't think I've used anything worse as a tool.

for me the jaw droppers are the daddy. Love me and wouldn't recommend anything other

 

[AWheating]

The reason the hilmor is rubbish is because it's not a hilmor. It's junk Chinese carp that many so called tool manufacturers put there names to. There is a serious lack of quality from a lot of companies that had good stuff once. Even bacho have cheapened there adjustable.

personally I'd rather pay extra for good quality, but it seems the market is fading into cheap and cheerful.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

This is the 'nuts' not failed me yet and a joy to use

TODAYS TOOLS PROFFESSIONAL BACKNUT TAP SPANNER SET PTBNSS C/W FOC MONOTAPSKT SET | Carvers

 

[WHPES]

Britool have sadly gone down the road of foreign imports now.

For quality gear nowadays it's been reduced to a toss-up between King Dick and Snap-on, though second to none in quality, neither of them can be described as readily affordable.

I did splash out over £30 for a basic King Dick screwdriver set about 10 years ago and they're still hardly showing any wear despite almos daily use so you do generally get what you pay for.

 

[Ermintrude]

Britool have sadly gone down the road of foreign imports now.

For quality gear nowadays it's been reduced to a toss-up between King Dick and Snap-on, though second to none in quality, neither of them can be described as readily affordable.

I did splash out over £30 for a basic King Dick screwdriver set about 10 years ago and they're still hardly showing any wear despite almos daily use so you do generally get what you pay for.

Got a set of king dick plodgers £0 squired them when building Sheds few years ago

 

[kris]

Ive the rothy one but i think monument better grip,
Rothenberger USA - HAND TOOLS: Wrenches and Pipe Service Kit

 

[glasgowplumber]

Trtttt

 

[plumbandplumber]

For the life of me, I can't figure out why they called it a crows foot.
Anyway, in a confined space when you're bent double, backwards, with your nose squashed against floor or wall with one ball hanging out your y-fronts plus a tight wedgie and sweating cobs, no tool works properly. There's never anyone around to punch, I always get my hair off.

Got to be quote of the week! Laughed so much, I think both baubles came out the Y-fronts briefly!

Thanks for everyone's advice. I have a 3/4" drive ratchet and long extensions, so reckon that a crows foot would be better for tap connector nuts. What sizes do I need for standard basin and bath tap connector nuts? May also have a look at the Monument tap wrench as it seems a popular choice on here.

 

[plumbandplumber]

Also, anyone used the Rigid extending shaft one?

Ridgid 31180 (1019) Telescopic Basin Wrench 30-60mm

 

[kris]

Yeh i do. Although its not that model u show but the rothenberger one. I posted a link of it earlier on this thread. The jaw works on like a spring bases so u can do it one handed.