View Full Version : Kitchen Faucet Removal
Jon1959
Sep 3, 2013, 03:04 PM
I know.. old question... I have a double kitchen sink... pf faucet with lever handle and pull out faucet... the nut which holds it all snug under the sink is almost 2" in diameter.. i can't get a crescent wrench on it and my 12" plumbers wrench? (the vertical one that can switch the grip for loosen or tighten) doesn't seem to catch the nut... I've use wd40 and liquid wrench... the nut seems to be made from brass... I thought about using a hack saw to cut the nut but can't really get up in there... any ideas?
ma0641
Sep 3, 2013, 05:58 PM
Sharp metal chisel and a hammer to split the nut.
hkstroud
Sep 3, 2013, 06:49 PM
I think I would start look at removing the sink in order to remove the faucet. May not be as hard as you might think.
Jon1959
Sep 4, 2013, 07:46 AM
Thought about the chisel idea.. I'm afraid I may damage the sink... and as far as removing the sink, NO... its inlaid into the counter tile.. so its not removable... (id have to replace the entire counter top) and if I damage the sink, again, id have to replace the entire counter top... and I'm talking about 15 ft with a range inset too... ugh...
massplumber2008
Sep 4, 2013, 07:58 AM
Hi Jon
Get some goggles and a face mask and purchase a cheap DREMEL TYPE TOOL with a metal cutting wheel/blade and then simply cut the brass nut off... super easy/quick with the right tool!
If you don't want to spend the money then purchase some MINI hacksaw blades and start cutting...
Good luck!
Mark
Jon1959
Sep 5, 2013, 07:44 AM
Yeah.. thought about both of those ideas... browsed home depot for dremels but bought a small hack saw... haven't tried it yet.. found an adjustable wrench in plumbing (kinda looks like a Y) for 1" to 3" bolts... going to try that first...
Jon1959
Sep 5, 2013, 07:45 AM
And you're right... always "quick and easy" with the "right tool"... lol
speedball1
Sep 5, 2013, 10:58 AM
When we install or remove lavatory or kitchen faucets. We use a basin wrench.
Good luck, Tom
hkstroud
Sep 5, 2013, 12:49 PM
The osculating multifunction tool shown below sells for $20 at Harbor Freight. If no Harbor Freight near you, order online. It will work for cutting the nut. Don't even think about using the Harbor Freight blade. A waste of metal.
Before posting, just to be sure about what I was talking about, I found mine, put a 3/4" nut in a vice. I first tried the blade that came with the tool. Granted it was a wood cutting blade but I knew it was of poor quality. Hardly made a scratch in the nut. I then dug thru my truck tool box and found my good blades. These are Imperial brand blades for wood and metal that I purchased from Woodcraft. A bit expensive, the best I can recall, cost about $9 each.
The nut was only a 3/4" diameter nut but was probably thicker (1/2") than your faucet nut. I say that because if your faucet nut was that thick you could probably get a basin wrench on it.
I then cut the nut into. I cut it into on each side, just as you will probably have to do. Took about 30 seconds each cut. After making two cuts the blade still looked as good a new.
Granted the nut I cut was in a vice and easy to get to but the tool is easily controlled by one hand. You should be able to reach up behind the sink and hold the blade in place. Use moderate pressure and let the tool do the work. You don't want to push so hard you override the osculating or vibrating of the blade.
Jon1959
Sep 6, 2013, 06:38 AM
The nut is 1 1/2" ... a standard basin wrench won't work.. only grabs up to 1 1/4"... but before I try to cut it off I think I can buy a bigger basin wrench for about $20...
speedball1
Sep 6, 2013, 10:35 AM
In that case I take chisel and start the not counterclockwise. Since these are brass to brass connections there is no rust. Once started you should be able to back in not out with a set of channel locks. Good luck, Tom
Mike45plus
Sep 7, 2013, 04:35 AM
I use heat often, to help break the seal of tight nuts. If you can safely heat the nut with a small torch tip, it may expand enough to lose its grip. I also have an assortment of deep sockets, you may be able to rent a set from your local rental center. I have had to remove the sink a time or two, not a bad proposition - it allowed me to give the sink rim and countertop a good cleaning, and recaulk the sink upon re - install...