How do you tighten a tap on a wash-hand basin?

[smithy55]

I have one of those small wash-hand basins in our down stairs toilet. When you turn on the tap, the whole tap moves round in the same direction. I've been told there is a tool that fits up the hole under the basin to the bottom of the tap so it can be tightened better and that the tool is called in the trade as the 'funny tool'! Can any one help me with this problem and what the correct name of this 'funny tool' is.

Many Thanks

[pauln90]

Usually something like this works

http://www.screwfix.c...es/Fixed-Basin-Wrench

[Mosaic]

This is should be simple, but because the access to a basin that is already installed is limited, you need to have an elbow with three joints and tiny extra-strong fingers. You can get a basin wrench at DIY stores, but you'll need to know what size the nut is underneath the tap.
It is sometimes possible to use a socket-thingy froma socket set that will fit over the nut.
First, get down and have a good look at what you're dealing with, measure the diameter of the nut if necessary. If that nut will turn in your fingers you could try hand-tightening it - you will need t get someone else to hod the upper part of the tap in position while you do this.
If you can get at the nut with a spanner, or grasp it in pliers or a pipe-wrench, same procedure - get someone to hold the tap while you tighten the nut.

[scotman]

Whatever you do don't over-tighten anything as it is very easy to crack the ceramic basin.

[AlBags]

Yes .. you need a 'blue' (usually) basin wrench. The cheap ones are ok .. Better one have a swivel end.
Hold the tap body with a piece of timber with a big slot cut across it.

[alavahalf]

As nobody has mentioned it ... an alternative depending on your type of tap.
It would'nt be a single monobloc mixer tap would it ? ... (that's one tap in the middle of the basin, with a lever that goes side to side and up and down) .. if it is then you will need one of these http://www.amazon.co....Spanner/dp/B0006JJS1C or as mosaic says a deep socket will do the same job if you have the right size ... 7/16'' is the one I tend to use.
It may be a 'Funny tool' ... http://www.buildsaver...asin-Tap-Wrenches.asp But the cheaper versions of these are usually quite chunky , and often cant be rotated when you have it fitted on the backnut.