Trying to replace the washer but having problems getting the tap apart. I have managed to get the handle off but now need to get the cover (as indicated in the pic) off. I have tried screwing and also tapping it upwards to try and dislodge it, to no avail. Anyone know if its a screw fit or just sits in position or any ideas how to get it off.
Usually they unscrew - you'd be best off with a rubber strap wrench to save marking the chrome. Make sure you hold the spout with your other hand to save damaging the basin or pipework.
Normally screw and can be a right barstewrd due to lime scale getting into the thread and locking it tight.
I have tried a rubber strap wrench that just slips. Anything I could let soak in overnight before I start taking drastic measures. I have some phosphoric acid, this good or bad for soaking in? WD40?
Tie a bag of houdehold vinegar around it, leave overnight.
How soft is the strap? Tried with a bit of paper between the strap and the cover?
Possibly a bit stronger than I'd like for an overnight soak. See if you can get some inside the cover down the side of the shaft hopefully it would make it's way down to the top of the threads inside.
"Dave Liquorice" wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@srv1.howhill.co.uk:
Reminder - put grease on tap threads when they are new. (But we don't)
I will put some vinegar on tonight for an overnight soak, if that fails tomorrow I`ll go with phosphoric acid, maybe dilute a bit.
And don't forget the old trick of trying to tighten it further, anything to break the seal.
You could try hammering all round the rim to break up the limescale before trying to unscrew the top.
Already tried that, think if all else fails I may try something new.....fit a chisel to my SDS and pad the end and pulverise the cover and see what happens. After tomorrow the cosmetic aspect will be diminished ...I will be refurbishing the bathroom within 2 years so desperation may prevail. :-)
OK then how about a blowlamp to expand the cover a bit?
A few seconds with a blow torch sometimes helps.
Update...
Got the sleeve loosened eventually had to use mole grips, also got the valve loosened in its seat. Now to tackle the other tap (hot) may be more of a challenge as the nut under the sink that tightens it to the basin has snapped off (plastic) so will have to careful of not doing some pipe damage with twisting. The center part that hides the screw to take the tap off is locked tight so .....here we go again. Nothing is ever straightforward.
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