Good evening! I am trying to remove the bolts that hold the stems of the hot and cold water faucets on the tub. I'm using a cresent wrench and it's almost rounding the edges of the bolt. I've sprayed WD-40 in between the bolt and water pipes but they haven't budged yet...I'm trying to get the stems out so I can replace the washers as I've got leaking faucets. The diverter is a separate knob for the shower and I've already gotten it's bolt loosened and took it apart and then put it back together. Thanks.
Jeanne

labman

Hit it with WD-40 again. Then take a hammer and pound on the edge of the nut. Work it over good applying more WD-40. Then take a proper wrench, a 6 point socket if it is a hex, otherwise the correct size box wrench. If that doesn't do it, you may have to heat it with a torch. Then quench it with water and try the wrench again.

Once you have it out, you may find it is a cartridge. Not sure they are all they are cracked up to be. They are sensitive to dirt, and cost $5-$10 once you find the right one, as compared to a buck for an assortment that will fit most faucets taking one.

speedball1

Hi Jeanne,

Lab man gave you good advice. Let me add a little more to it. The nuts made of brass and softer the steel so it rounds the corners easier. If the corner's rounded so bad a crescent wrench just slips I take a pipe wrench and go after it. Ya can't tear it up much more.
While you have the valve open check the seats for nicks or rough spots. If they are then putting a new washer in will just get it torn up again. The seats must be changed as well. Good luck, Tom