[judy6213]

Outside faucet drips when turned off. I can't get the nut loose to try to put in a washer. When I try to loosen it, the whole faucet wants to turn and I am afraid I will break it. It is probably about 30 years old.

[rsain2004]

Try using two wrenches... one to hold the faucet by gripping it against the force of the other wrench, which is turning the packing nut. In some more difficult csses, two people are better than one.

[hkstroud]

No, it isn't that hard. What nut you trying to turn? Remove bonnet or packing nut. Remove stem by turning just like turning on the water.

[speedball1]

outside faucet drips when turned off. I can't get the nut loose to try to put in a washer. When I try to loosen it, the whole faucet wants to turn and I am afraid I will break it. It is probably about 30 years old.

If the old hose bib will turn, and since they're so cheap, why not simply shut the house down at the housee shut off and replace the old one. Hose bibs come in two flavers, male and female, (see images) after you remove the old one you will see which one will replace it. Good luck, Tom

[hkstroud]

How about if this is a sweat fit , Tom?

[speedball1]

How about if this is a sweat fit , Tom?

Judy said in her post,

the whole faucet wants to turn

and she also called it old.
That's why I thought it was threaded. Cheers, tom

[judy6213]

Update: I used the penetrating oil to loosen the nut on the faucet. Guess what? IT WORKED. I replaced the washer and now no leak. I wish I knew how to replace the whole thing but I don't. It may be sweated in?? Anyway, some success is great. Thank everyone for your help.

[speedball1]

Hey Judy,
Glad you got it repaired.

I wish I knew how to replace the whole thing but I don't. It may be sweated in??

You already answered that question when you said,

When I try to loosen it, the whole faucet wants to turn

If the faucet turns then it's threaded. A sweat fitting will give when you twist it but it will not turn. Regards, Tom