Hi

I am trying to replace my faucet and diverter stems.
They are Safeco stems. The faucet bathtub wrench keeps
Slipping when I try to turn it counter clockwise to loose the
Stems. I tried liquid wrench to no avail. How do I get
These stems off. Is there a different type of long locking
Wrench I can buy. It is a tiled bathtub wall.

Take a deep drive socket six point and use impact driver. Those faucets wrench kits are weak.
hawk_eye

Are you talking about a basin wrench? Superior Tool at Lowe's: 11" Standard Basin Wrench (http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=19558-943-03811) If so, do you know that the jaws flip over when switching from tighten to loosen, right?

I am setting here in the hotel in Hong Kong and reading the posts, I agree with Hawk, if your faucet is an old one you would not be able to remove it by the stem socket, you have to use a 15/16" deep socket, open the link below will show you how to remove it, Thanks.

John


Removing the Stem from a Leaky Bathtub Faucet | Expert Village Videos (http://www.expertvillage.com/video/22896_leaky-faucet-stem-off.htm)

Another week out there huh John?

Yep will be here until 26th, Thanks.

John

If the tile man did not allow room to get in socket take a sharp punch and carefully chip away the tile with light taps with hammer. Or if you have a Dremel bit that will cut tile use it.
If you do not have impact driver or stem is tool long for ratchet , then take and grind down two flat spots on socket so you can put a wrench on it or adjustable wrench on the two flat sides. Tap wrench lightly or if necessary put a "cheater bar" (longer pipe on wrench for leverage" on it.
When you get it out better plan on a new stem valve . Put a little plummer's grease on treads so easier next time.
Using the socket you should not have to repair tile unless it was loose already.

hawk_eye

Are you using this socket set ? See image...
Maybe it is not all the way in. Tap it with hammer before you turn...

Are you using this socket set ? See image...
Maybe it is not all the way in. Tap it with hammer before you turn...

Hi Milo,
I agree tapping with hammer and you can put a wrench on socket for leverage. I used to use the sockets in picture but when really stuck they tend to bend out of shape. So I started using higher quality deep drive sockets. Then if stem is too long to get ratchet on I use sockets that I have ground down on two sides to get wrench to grab. If the stem is history you can cut off stem so you can get the socket over it. At this point you pray you do not damage water control. Back in the “good old days” they used to put an access panel on back side of water controls.

hawk_eye

Hello All,

If you open the link in my post #4 will show exactly what needs to be done end of the story, Thanks.

John

I am setting here in the hotel in Hong Kong and reading the posts, I agree with Hawk, if your faucet is an old one you would not be able to remove it by the stem socket, you have to use a 15/16" deep socket, open the link below will show you how to remove it, Thanks.

John


Removing
the Stem from a Leaky Bathtub Faucet | Expert Village Videos (http://www.expertvillage.com/video/22896_leaky-faucet-stem-off.htm)
Hi John,
I was interested in your link but a spyware warning popped up.

hawk_eye

Sure, it can be pain taking it off especially if you deal with older faucet. However, I don't think service access panel would be too much of a help to you in this situation...

They sell deep socket that has opening in the middle that goes all the way through the other end which is then shaped to accept wrench. That opening would allow the stem to penetrate w/o cutting it. I had to use it once on some weird brand faucet. I bought it in Auto Parts store.

But yes, I have to agree with you: At this point - I would cut that sucker off..

Thanks Milo,

Sent you a privet message please respond, Thanks.

Regards,
John

Afaroo: as always, great instructional clip !

Hi John and Milo
I got video to open. Great video. One picture is worth a thousand words. Good idea too to get the deep drive sockets that you can put a wrench on. Instead of grinding down the sides like I did in a pinch to "get er done"

I am new here and learning how to use this site still.

Thanks
hawk_eye

Welcome to the plubming website, you responded to a 2 1/2 year old thread please check the date on the left upper corner before you respond to any post, Thanks.

John