Washbasin Tap

[johnny37]

i need to take the tap apart to clean (it wont turn). The sleeve is held in place by what looks like a tiny hex nut. I have a complete set of allen keys and other fittings but none seem to fit the nut which needs to be removed to release the sleeve. Anyone come across this problem?

[bhg481]

It could be a torx, rather than allen bolt. The difference is that the "flats" are slightly curved. You can buy torx tools either as screwdrivers or to fit socket sets.

[The Builder]

... or these, Johnny ...............

http://www.screwfix.com/p/long-arm-hex-torx-key-set-9pcs/49554

[johnny37]

thanks for the answers. I shall get a set of torx keys from Screwfix and let you know.

[johnny37]

I have looked at Wikipedia and as far as i can see torx drivers have six points like a six pointed star and the inner points are curved as BHG says. They are identified with a T number (T15, T20, etc). a standard driver set only has a few from T10 to T40. I have tried using them. T15 is too small and T20 too large. It is possible the manufacturer provided some sort of key with the original (torx or other) but if they did it is no longer available. It would not have been needed to fit the tap. I'm thinking I might have to replace both taps.

[bhg481]

It's not a security torx, is it? They have a spike in the centre of the hole which stops the tool going in. You can buy the tools easily, which have a hole in the middle of the point to accomodate the spike.
Look at this set on ebay.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/221629721068?limghlpsr=true&hlpv=2&ops=true&viphx=1&;hlpht=true&lpid=108&;chn=ps&device=c&rlsatarget=&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0-L&ff12=67&ff13=80&ff14=108

This is not a recommendation, just an example so that you can see the tool clearly.

[The Builder]

I've come across those "security" ones that bhg mentions. It would seem a bit anal to have a security fastening on a simple tap, though.

Any idea of the make of tap, johnny?

[bhg481]

I agree Builder - I was grasping at straws really. If it's not allen or torx (I can't see any torx sizes between 15 and 20) I can't think what else it can be.

Thought - if it's an old tap could it be Imperial allen?

[Old_Geezer]

Or you could post a link to a photo ?

[The Builder]

Good suggestion, bhg.

Johnny, if it is an Imperial sized allen, or even any other type of hollow head screw, then I have to confess that I usually get by with a distinctly low-tech approach.

Find a normal flathead screwdriver. A small one which tapers slightly to the end of the blade. Tap it in with a hammer until it's a tightly wedged fit. The tapping will also break the "seal". They usually just unscrew then :o)

[TWR]

hadthe same problem a week ago, I could not get the Ceramic cover that is on the top of the tap, I had hold of the sleeve as far as the tap top would allow, sprayed in WD40 & at the same time Opening / closing / Opening / Closing the tap, that cured it, it is the lime scale that causes the problem John, up to now, job sorted.

[johnny37]

i had to clean a tap in another bathroom some time ago. the tap is exactly the same make and design as the one giving the problem. Curiously that one did not have a security bolt in the sleeve and was simple to take apart. For this one I did not notice the bolt at first and wondered why the sleeve would not budge! I bought both sets of basin taps a couple of years ago from B&Q, same day, same shop, same shelf. I shall have a look tomorrow with a magnifying glass.

The tap is no problem to replace which is what i might end up doing. I think i will probably use the builders suggestion first and ram an old screwdriver into it.
BHG -- i tried imperial and metric.