How can I ensure that a bathub faucet when screwed into a wall fixture will face downward when tightened so that it doesn't leak?

Hi Needhelp...

You use plenty of teflon tape and then tighten it by hand.

Use a STRAP WRENCH to make the final tightening to line the spout up level... see image. Sold at all home improvement stores.

All that being said, if the adapter for the spout is too long then it's too long and needs to be changed to the proper length for the spout to sit against the wall.

Mark

Thank you massplumber2008. Exactly the info I needed.

It can be done without a strap wrench. Note you will still have the problem of being concerned with over tight vs under tight. Experienced plumbers just have "feel" for this sort of thing. They have done it so many times. Like riding a bike.

An old timer taught me to adjust the amount of teflon tape( got to use tape, not pipe dope) then the will vary just enough( more or less) to correct the adjustmet.

Yea a strap wrench is nice but I've used a thick towel and a big ole pipe wrench for tightning (towel prevents fixture scratch.:)

P.S. You must learn the ways of the "force" Luke!