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Hello people, I've come across a problem with my kitchen sink.
The bracing plate for the tap is catching the top of the worktop, which means the sink doesn't sit flush to the worktop, bracing plate pretudes out slightly pass the sink cut out hole.
The pictures below might help explain the problem better.

The white nylon bracing plate is the problem. As you can see it even sticks out further than the retaining clip brackets.

Above is a close up showing the part that doesn't go past the sink cut out.
I was thinking of cutting a bit of the nylon brace, might prove difficult to get right.
Or can I get another smaller one?
It's a franke bern kitchen tap.

Surely the normal solution would be to cut the worktop?

ayjay wrote:Surely the normal solution would be to cut the worktop?

Agreed. It is difficult to get replacement parts out of manufacturers of sinks and taps at the best of times - as to "alternative sizes", not a chance!

ayjay wrote:Surely the normal solution would be to cut the worktop?

Worktop is installed already. Might be difficult to make such a small cut?

Unless I make a cut just where the taps sits? Eureka!

manny wrote:Unless I make a cut just where the taps sits? Eureka!

I think a multi cutter is needed. Won't be able to get the jigsaw close enough from the front.

manny wrote:

manny wrote:Unless I make a cut just where the taps sits? Eureka!

I think a multi cutter is needed. Won't be able to get the jigsaw close enough from the front.

Never come across a woodworkers rasp (e.g. Bahco - note downwards strokes only) or a keyhole/pad saw? I know - old fashioned, but all we had at one time

Job and Knock wrote:

manny wrote:

manny wrote:Unless I make a cut just where the taps sits? Eureka!

I think a multi cutter is needed. Won't be able to get the jigsaw close enough from the front.

Never come across a woodworkers rasp (e.g. Bahco - note downwards strokes only) or a keyhole/pad saw? I know - old fashioned, but all we had at one time

Rasp yes but not the latter instrument.
I hate fiddly stuff like this. Now I know why tradesmen charge so much.
A job is never as easy as it first seems.

How much material could I take off using a rasp. I need to take off at least 5mm if not more.

manny wrote:

manny wrote:Unless I make a cut just where the taps sits? Eureka!

................. Won't be able to get the jigsaw close enough from the front.

Why won't a jigsaw do the job?

Once the sinktop is removed from the hole in the worktop you should be able to access any part of that hole.

However, if you want to use a rasp (or anything else), I'd suggest:-

remove the tap from the sinktop

put masking tape on the worktop in the area that needs cutting

put the sinktop back in the hole and mark the outer edge on the masking tape - ensure that the sinktop is in it's final position before marking

measure how far back from the edge you need to cut

Have at it with the tool of your choice.

Try and leave enough worktop in place to achieve a waterproof seal between the sinktop and worktop, I wouldn't want less than 5mm, but in reality I expect less would be OK.

managed to cut out a small section which managed to do the job.

Another problem, I have a Franke tap which is heavy. When I move the spout left or right the whole tap moves.
I was thinking of getting a Franke tap brace, anyone used one and does it help solve the problem.

Did you try to swivel the plastic spacer round. It has a flat side for a reason.

If you go for the Franke tap brace then you need to swap the braided tails for copper tails in order for it to work correctly

Colour Republic wrote:Did you try to swivel the plastic spacer round. It has a flat side for a reason.

If you go for the Franke tap brace then you need to swap the braided tails for copper tails in order for it to work correctly

Yes the flat side is up against the underside of the sink as per the instructions. yeh I was going to get copper tails if I got the brace.