[JerryF1]

I have a single hole, single handled sink faucet with both hot & cold supply lines feeding up through the bottom inside a larger outside threaded fitting. After installing, you're supposed to use this larger brass lock nut to tighten up from underneath to secure the faucet to the sink deck. Mine keeps coming loose so that the whole assembly above the counter will move around when I swivel either the faucet spout or the separate spray arm. What can I do to ensure this will not come loose again. There are no leaks but this is very annoying. Should I use Loctite on the brass nut or butt up a second lock nut?

[hkstroud]

Should I use Loctite on the brass nut or butt up a second lock nut?

Neither should be necessary.

You either tighten the nut securely, which is best done with tub and shower faucet wrenches, or if the nut has a little small hole in it for a screw, you tighten hand tight and then tighten the screw to put pressure between the nut and the sink.

Look of screw hole in nut.

[Milo Dolezal]

I like Harold's idea of using Stem Socket Wrench. We use Basin Wrench to tighten single column faucets against vanity top. But yes, agree, they will come loose after few months - especially if you are not "gentle" with the faucet.

Milo

[hkstroud]

Yes, I much prefer using the stem socket wrenches. They will stack one in the other, to make them long enough to reach below the sink. When I tighten it down, its not going to come loose. For some reason basin wrenches don't like me.

[JerryF1]

Okay, I basically understand what these responses are saying but I don't see how a "stem" socket will work. The lock nut I'm talking about is about 1 1/8" (maybe a bit larger - haven't measured it yet) and is meant to tighten by threading up against the bottom under the cabinet (the faucet is dropped down through the hole in the sink deck and then through the thickness of a standard counter top). There is no tiny threaded hole to accept a small screw. I have yet to see a basic basin wrench whose jaws will open wide enough to work a nut this size. And besides, pretty tight quarters down there below my sink. Any other suggestions? Wish I knew how to get a picture for it and put it on here for you all to see.

[hkstroud]

Take photo upload to computer. Convert to JPG format.
Make a post of at least 2 characters.
Click on the "Go Advanced" button below the "Answer this question" block.
Scroll down and click on the "Manage Attachments" button.
Brose to find picture, open it.
Click on "Upload" button.

Tub and shower faucet wrenches are large, cheap sockets that are used to install and remove the stems of tub faucets. The nice thing is that one socket will fit inside another and you can "stack" them to make a socket about a foot long. You can slid this up over the supply tubes and reach the mounting nut. They come with a little rod that you slip through the socket for leverage. Or you can use a #2 Phillips screw driver.

[massplumber2008]

Hi Jerry

I am more than familiar with the 1-1/8" (or so) nut that you are talking about and I want to assure you that an adjustable RIDGID basin wrench will work just fine here...barely catches, but it catches the nut fine and tightens it up real good. If you purchase the faucet wrench kit that Hkstroud posted that may also work, but I am not 100% sure the large nut matches up to the faucet wrenches (are you Harold??).

Although I've never used Loctite for this application, if it makes you feel better, you can purchase a "removable" thread locker and apply that to the threads... certainly can't hurt anything!

Good day!

Mark

[hkstroud]

Hi Mark,
No frankly, I'm no sure that the faucet wrenches come as large as 1 1/8" They come close though (horse shoes). As I previously said, a basin wrench just doesn't seem to work for me. Maybe its because I'm a lefty. Oh, the pain of being an oppressed minority. Do you think I could get an disability check? Probably have to claim a mental disability.