"Mark" wrote in message
news
On Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:30:04 +0100, "John"
wrote:


"Mark" wrote in message
.. .
Hi,

I've got a really stubborn tap head gear that won't shift. I've tried
penetrating oil and applying heat to the tap but it won't move. I
can't get a ring spanner on it and I will be rounding off the nut or
breaking the whole tap if I keep trying with an open ended spanner.
It's an expensive and fancy mixer tap so I don't want to wreck it.

Any "magic" solutions, please?

TIA, Mark.


Send a photo - or website link to a similar tap then someone will
recognise
the problem. There are many different types.

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/5260/taps1.jpg or
http://yfrog.com/61taps1j

and

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/7718/taps2.jpg or
http://yfrog.com/02taps2j


My money would be on being able to separate the silver coloured extension
piece from the brass that is screwed into the tap.

If you cannot pull it off then get something to go under the extension
(small
jawed spanner or adjustable etc) and give it a sharp upwards whack
(with a heavier spanner or adjustable etc). I reckon the extension will come
off with a clout or two so be ready to catch it.

You would now be able to get a ring spanner or socket on the valve.

You should then find that the brass bit is a normal tap valve. If you should
need to replace that part (if it is not rewaserable) than take that and the
extension piece together to the plumbers merchants so that the splines on
the valve can be matched to the extension.