What size box spanner and basin wrench do I need?

[billyjo]

They are adjustable to fit most basin and bath taps, a slightly better quality one may be an idea if you have lots.

Monument or Rothenburger are the trades choice.

Thanks for reply.

Ordered a cheap one, £3.99, just got to wait for it to arrive now.

[billyjo]

The back nut on the new tap is roughly 26mm.

So I'm guessing I will need a box spanner set around this size?

Are you measuring that across the "Flats" ??

From flat end to flat end. Could be out by a couple of mil as used a huge tape measure for the measuring.

[thescruff]

For information, box spanners are only any good whens there's no pipes in the way, so you'd still need another tool to connect the pipes.

The wrench is ok for a both

[billyjo]

Attempted to change the taps today. Got the first nut off no problem. The back nut on the tap was a nightmare, it came loose a little bit then got stuck. Couldn't loosen it any further or tighten it back up. Really looks like a box spanner would have come in handy to undo the back nut. The taps currently loose but I've connected the water supply back up and will go and purchase a box spanner tomorrow and have another go.

[billyjo]

Tried wd-40 but still couldn't get the back nut to move, very awkward to get the adjustable basin wrench into position.

[billyjo]

Is it easy to break the plastic back nut? If yes, whats the best method?

[billyjo]

Used a hammer and flathead screwdriver to smash the plastic nut off. First new tap is connected just a slight problem. When the new tap is turned on fully, then straight off everything is okay. However when the new tap is turned on half way and then off again, there's a run of water that comes through for a few seconds before if stops. Any ideas?

[billyjo]

I'll be purchasing a box spanner tomorrow to fully tighten the back nut on the new tap and a centralising washer so the tap doesn't move around. Anyone know why after the new tap is turned half way on and then off there's water coming out the tap for a few seconds before it stops?

[billyjo]

Is the water supply pipe nut generally always the same size? If yes, what size? The reason I ask is I want to purchase a solid basin wrench tomorrow as I haven't been able to tighten the nut much more than hand tight with the adjustable basin wrench.

[thescruff]

Don't see why you cant use the wrench.

How thick is the metal, do you need what is known as a top hat, maybe worth getting a pair and trying them anyway.

[billyjo]

Don't see why you cant use the wrench.

How thick is the metal, do you need what is known as a top hat, maybe worth getting a pair and trying them anyway.

It's really awkward to get the adjustable basin wrench on the tap back nut.

I made a amateur mistake too. I fitted the tap washers on the top side of the sink instead of underneath and there is a slight leak (very slight). I just read the tap instructions and it shows the washer is supposed to be fitted from the underside of the sink.

[billyjo]

Only the one tap fitted so far. Got the hang of using the adjustable basin wrench, great tool now that I know how to use it properly. Ordered a couple of centralising washers off internet. When they arrive I'll fit the second tap.