Replacing part of a mixer tap

[Murmansk]

Some friends who live out in the country miles from anywhere have a kitchen mixer tap that's faulty.

Last time I was there I took the tap apart to find the bit that needs replacing and the attached photo shows what it's like. I put it back in the tap so they can still use until my next visit.

I took the photo to the plumbers merchant who said I needed to take the head of the tap in as the splines are all different on these things.

So, any suggestions as to how I can get an accurate impression of the splines without my friend having to post me the head of his tap?

Best I can come up with so far is for him to do it with Blue Tack

[Scott M]

Just count the splines and (probably unnecessary) measure the overall diameter.

[The Medway Handyman]

They are 'sometimes' different, but 90% of the time they are standard. Wilkinsons sell them cheaply enough.

[GB]

Why not just fit one of these?

For around £15, you get two complete tap handles with all the mechanical bits that go with. A piece of cake to replace both in 5 minutes.

[The Medway Handyman]

SF have them for less.

[.]

I measured mine with an electronic vernier gauge. Outer diameter and inner diameter to bottom of splines.

[.]

But in my bathroom they would no longer match the bath taps, so it would look weird when I come to sell the house.

[The Medway Handyman]

SF do three types;

any of those match?

[.]

No, mine have a little blue or red "flash" indent down the side of the tap head, quite distinctive. The taps in the downstairs lav are the same. Obviously, only a minor problem, but why change the tap heads if unnecessary? I found the right spline size after a bit of searching.

[DerbyBorn]

This site will help you to identify what you need:

[GB]

Nice find! What are my chances of finding that link when I need to?

[DerbyBorn]

GB wrote in news:52ce8d0d$0$1158$5b6aafb4 @news.zen.co.uk:

It is one of those sites that I saw years ago and thought "this will come in handy one day" A bit like Shower Doctor in Edinburgh. A marvellous reference - and I hope it seves them well with business.

[DerbyBorn]

GB wrote in news:52ce8d0d$0$1158$5b6aafb4 @news.zen.co.uk:

I think this site should be on all of our "Favourites"