What’s difference between Monoblock tap and box spanners?

[MrMrMr]

What’s the difference between monoblock and box spanners please?

I need to tighten tap but after looking it seems it’s a monoblock type fixing? Nut on a threaded bar.

I thought I would just get a box spanner set for future use but don’t want to in case doesn’t fit.

So I’ve searched monoblock and box spanner sets both look same, what’s difference? Is it ok to just get a box spanner set as prefer this as seems more in set and could use for other things

Thanks

[aeromech3]

You might find the wall thickness more in a quality box set and this could impede fitting between the tap tails where generally it is tight. Monoblock clamping don't need a lot of torque.

[MrMrMr]

Yeh that what was thinking this and maybe not solid all the way through? or are all box spanners not solid all the way?

So what would you suggest? Monobloc or box spanner set?

Thanks

[Dave54]

I've got a set, Monument I think.
Never thought about it much. They're box spanners. They're all just a tube basically.
Still if you get the right ones, you know they'll work.

[arco_iris]

There is no difference, both are hollow, if you only have this job to do (and already own a socket set) you may as well go for inexpensive ones. They would only have additional uses if you don't have any sockets & is what was solely used before sockets were developed.

And in spite of what Aeromech correctly says, taps like this usually have a long, tubed nut or a sleeve, so you don't get the spanner close to the flexible hoses anyway.

However, take great care in aligning the horseshoe plate and the rubber washer, get somebody to hold the tap from above in the right place - the rubber is easily distorted.

[MrMrMr]

Thanks, I’ll just get some box spanners then can use for other stuff hopefully.

Tried with various things to tighten the tap with no luck so need proper tool. Thanks I’ll keep an eye out for washer, take it that it should be under the horseshoe washer?

Thanks

[Dave54]

You can get "through" sockets, and extensions as well.
A "nicer" alternative, but of course more expensive.

ETA, apart from taps, I can't remember the last time I used a box spanner. In fact I think all mine are either Whitworth or BA sizes. They were the preferred too at one time where needed, but sockets largely took over.

[MrMrMr]

Yeh probably won’t use again!! Apart from the taps suppose. Yeh I have normal sockets but none fit as the threaded bar is too long. Would have preferred something like this but obviously needs to be hollow.

Thanks

[Dave54]

That's why I say about go through sockets.
You can use them on any length of sticking out bolt.

[aeromech3]

I bought a 32mm box in recent times to get to the back nut on a recessed single tap, however monoblocks with solid tails can be a struggle without a box and no room for go through; one block I fitted recently came with a plastic box type spanner, just as well as it was 9mm.

[fin]

i fit kitchens a lot for my work. ive got a set of those box spanner things from toolstation. does the job fine.

cheap taps are bloody horrendous for tightening up a lot of the time. ive found that using one of those plastic triangular type tap stiffeners is often helpfull

recently ive fitted a few taps with a large nut on a tube to attach it to the sink or worktop. the flexis go through this tube. all i could use then was an adjustable spanner

[adonis]

I got a silverline monobloc tap spanner set off amazon for less than £7 pounds, they are longer than normal box spanners.

4 box spanners plus bar cheap enough to keep in the toolbox.

[fin]

https://www.toolstation.com/minotaur-box-spanner/p96418

sure it was this one that i got

[arco_iris]

recently ive fitted a few taps with a large nut on a tube to attach it to the sink or worktop. the flexis go through this tube. all i could use then was an adjustable spanner

Been there, that type, and well, obviously then, as a joiner you don't have the tools that I do, as an ex- (very ex-) motor engineer with a tool kit to match. I just raided my drawers for a socket, or box spanner, to do that precise job. It's the sort of tool one needs to fit hub nuts, wheel bearings & the like, similar sizings.

Time will come you need to add one to your kit, more and more about.

[fin]

actually.... that type of tap there is like an oval shaped washer with screws in it so that ya can maybe finger tighten the nut then nip the screws up to tighten it maybe?