Just replaced bath tap valve, but old cap won't fit over splines

[MM]

I've measured the diameter of the splined end, old and new and they are practically identical. I haven't counted the splines yet. Maybe they're wider on the new valve.

Any trick I could use to get the cap to fit or must I buy new caps?

I already thought of drilling into the splined brass bushing in the cap for a few millimetres, then forcing the cap on.

The new valve has cured the low flow problem like magic, but I can't turn the ruddy tap on or off! (Currently using pliers with a cloth wrapped around the splines.)

I've seen the plastic spline adapters, but they all look far too chunky.

How about a junior hacksaw blade in each of the spline grooves?

MM

[Roger Mills]

I'm afraid you've bought the wrong valve!

There are several spline variations - and they're not interchangeable.

So you'll either need a different valve or a different cap.

[T i m]

I don't think I would ever have assumed they would be, even if they were supposed to be. ;-)

I think the former sounds safer. ;-)

But why didn't it come with one?

Cheers, T i m

[Tim+]

Because replacement valve innards are generic and fit many styles of types. They never come with a cap.

Tim

[MM]

What I did in the end was "work" the old valve while it was out of the tap body by screwing the shaft in and out multiple times. Then I replaced it back into the tap and the good flow rate is restored. (I should have tried this remedy first before shooting off the Screwfix!)

I'll return the new valve to Screwfix, which is usually very good about refunds.

MM

[T i m]

Ah yes, 'bath tap valve-insert' and 'bath tap head' ... ;-)

Well, some can ...

Unless my taps were a 'good brand', I think I'd either just replace the washer (and possibly reseat) or replace the whole tap. Anything else just sounds like a receipt for disaster!

My basin cold tap needs a new washer by the feel of it so I'll let you know how I get on. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

[Brian Gaff]

Yes though there seems to be no real standard here does there?, I know on my sink we had to replace both as nowhere could you get a top that looked the same as the good tap but fitted the spine. Bah humbug. Brian

[MM]

Seems like the industry is missing a trick here. One rather amazing little tool I saw on eBay is a spline gauge so you can test which splines you have. These templates are available at widely differing prices.

Or this one shows diameter and spline count: The key component in the tap knob is the splined brass bush. If splined bushes were available in different sizes it would be a doddle for any plumber or competent DIY person to judiciously drill out the existing bush and insert the correct one.

Actually, I expect these splined brass bushes are indeed manufactured in the thousands by somebody or other, since I doubt that a tap knob manufacturer is going to be making their own bushes.

MM

[MM]

Sure, but we're talking about what is available to the end consumer here. All the tap valves I've seen (B&Q, Screwfix etc) are either shrink-wrapped or in a sealed plastic bag, which makes counting the splines very difficult, if not impossible.

Since there are up to 23 different combinations of spline count and diameter, as per the above gauges, finding the right one for a particular knob must be nigh on impossible.

MM

[tabbypurr]

why is there no BS standard for this?

[The Natural Philosopher]

Which is why I simply replace complete taps in pairs.

At around £20 a pair it seems not worth the hassle of trying to fix them

[Roger Hayter]

There are online shops that index them by size and also by tap make. Note that the quarter turn ceramic inserts also have length of the capsule as a vital dimension to seal at the bottom, and this isn't standardised either. This seems such an ideal role for a website with good search facilities it is surprising anyone would seek to buy them any other way.

[MM]

Availabilty.

And how would I try whether the tap handle fits via the internet?

By the way, I visited a local bathroom/kitchen specialist and he brought out a box of different tap valves. Only ONE type had the right number of splines, but was too long to fit to the tap.

So put a little effort in to prove your point and find me a full-turn tap valve online that clearly states the number of splines, the length of the splines and the size of the valve.

Money where mouth, so to speak!

MM

[MM]

I did already. And on Amazon.

MM

[Jim K..]

Unless you buy "tap revivers"

[Jim K..]

Theyd just count the splines, measure the other dimensions accurately and "order the right ones" TM.

[Jim K..]

Eh? what is stopping you buying exactly what you needed?

All the tap valves I've seen (B&Q, Screwfix etc) are either

Use the other parts of the internet maybe??

Bollocks, you just need to put a little effort in, or you end up where you've just been....

[Jim K..]

Look on Ebay yourself you lazy sod!

You know what words to search for as you keep using them.....

Search this newsgroup, there's some merchant with a website specialising in these exact things that has been mentioned on here regularly...

Get your head out of your arse! so to speak!