View Full Version : Which direction doe I turn a compression nut?
bigdaddyj
Feb 19, 2011, 12:25 PM
I am trying to take off the old valve knob under the sink. I'm seems to be sealed to the point of where its almost fused? I'm just not sure if I'm going the right direction of counterclose wise while trying to keep the compression nut (if that's what you call it), keeping it in place w/ another wrench. I don't want to screw up the copper tube that's coming from the wall.
hkstroud
Feb 19, 2011, 12:43 PM
Assuming that you are talking about a compression fit type stop valve, you would turn it clockwise as you are looking at it (from the handle side), to loosen.
ma0641
Feb 19, 2011, 01:56 PM
Before you go much further, make sure you turn off the house water supply in case something does break. Compression nuts loosen counterclockwise, to the left. If you are trying to take off a "knob" you don't need to do anything with the compression nut. Are you trying to remove the valve or the knob? The knob has a screw in the middle holding it to the valve stem. Is this what you are trying to remove? Is there a problem? What are you trying to accomplish?
bigdaddyj
Feb 19, 2011, 02:09 PM
I'm trying to remove the entire valve. Not the knob. The valve & the compression nut or wutever you want to call it, doesn't budge. I've tried turning the valve counterclock wise while holding the compression nut/fitting in place but nothings giving.
Should I try to loosen up the compression fit/nut since the valve won't budge?
ma0641
Feb 19, 2011, 02:30 PM
OK, now we're on the same page. Some of this depends on whether the supply comes from the wall or floor. If the valve is facing you and water is from the wall, put 1 wrench on the right side of the valve so the wrench sits against the floor. Put the other wrench on the Cnut and pull the Cnut to the right. That way, the floor holds the wrench and you can apply a lot of torque. If the supply is from the floor, put one wrench on the valve, one on the Cnut and pull the Cnut left. Sometimes you may need to apply a LITTLE heat to the fitting with a torch or a candle lighter.
afaroo
Feb 19, 2011, 02:35 PM
Do as Ma0641 says turn off the water to house and get two wrenches to remove the Angle valve assemblysee the picture below, good luck.
John
bigdaddyj
Feb 20, 2011, 09:38 AM
Thank you all very much for the help. With some heavy duty lubricant & a little elbow grease, I was able to take the valve off.
Thanks again for you guys help.
ma0641
Feb 20, 2011, 02:40 PM
Nice picture!. Brian( ma0641)
afaroo
Feb 22, 2011, 12:37 AM
Thanks Bigdaddyj for the update and Thanks Brian (Ma0641) for your comment.
Best Regards,
John