Then twist the ratchet handle as shown to loosen the nuts. I have done this before and always seem to have a problem. Stick the end of a screwdriver into the groove to hold the bolt steady while you loosen the nut. You’ll save your back and do the job in a fraction of the time. Same principle as a lug nut against a stamped steel wheel. Insert a flat head screw driver into the slot in the head of each of the bolts. She's also a property manager and writes on DIY projects. Plastic Piping Required Tools for this Project. use hacksaw to cut groove for flathead screwdriver. Andrew. Jarring the nut can break its bond to the bolt. About Nord-Lock ... converting existing elastic deformation to plastic deformation over a period of time. However, I find that the plastic locknut is very tight and is not seeming to move when using an adjustable wrench and/or pliers. Moderator. You’ll be glad you have this under sink wrench. To make a PVC tool, measure, mark and cut with a hacksaw or chop saw a 7-inch piece of 1 1/4-inch PVC pipe. If the bolts or nuts are plastic, they can’t corrode and will come off easily. You may have to use two hands on the T-bar, or you can slide the bar all the way to one side and lever it with one hand while stabilizing the wrench shaft with the other hand. After soaking the nut into oil doesn’t heat that. This is just to make it easier to work on, and is not required. Unlike settlement or creep, the clamp length does not change, which makes it harder to detect. Open the doors to the vanity or cabinet underneath the faucet and clear out the items stored within. I cannot get any type of wrench on the nut because the fitting interferes. Moderator. Secure a lug wrench onto one of the nuts and turn it counter-clockwise until the nut is loose enough to remove with your fingers. Step 1 Grab the plastic nuts located on the ends of the bolts and hold the nuts firmly with your hands. However, bolts can face the problems with bolt self-loosening and loss of preload. Tapping With Screwdriver and Hammer. Select the proper tool. Rather than using a hammer, these lighter tools will provide a little more control over the force applied to the nut. February 15, 2015 at 9:15 pm #274523. jponto07 . Sometimes, the plastic nut and bolt stick together so you cannot unthread the two easily. If there’s buildup visible on the water valve, pour a little white vinegar on the valve and scrub the buildup away with a wire brush. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. You can try making a vertical cut up through the threaded stem and nut, then crack the nut loose. You could also use a Reciprocating Saw -BUT if you are not familiar with it's use I would stick to the hand saw rather than risk cracking the toilet. Use a nut splitter to crack the nut. Lock nuts prevent vibration from loosening connections between fasteners. For around the house, I'll use a nut two or three times. Keep cranking the nut splitter screw until the nut makes an audible pop and you get through the nut. Double nuts. Keep cranking the nut splitter screw until the nut makes an audible pop and you get through the nut. First, make sure that you shut off the water that supplies the valve you’re going to be working on. How to Remove Plastic Nuts on a Faucet Using a Basin Wrench. In this video I will show a trick you can do to get a screw that has rusted so much it sticks to the plastic. Please help. A nut splitter is slipped over the seized nut, then a screw on the side of the splitter is tightened which forced a wedge into the side of the nut. Rev. I've drenched it in WD40, and have to stop for a bit. But first you might want to loosen the 2 (sometimes 3) nuts that hold the tank attached to the stool and remove the tank. Looks like the others were a little loose too. Rinse the area and allow to dry. Back off the nut splitter screw and clean the bolt of the split nut. Post Reply. Use a wire brush to loosen the mineral deposits around the nut. Loosen packing nuts on propellers with special packing nut wrenches. How to Remove Plastic Nuts on a Faucet 1. ... Use Penetrating Oil to Loosen a Stuck Nut or Bolt PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, WD-40, Aero-Kroil and More. Cut a Groove. Is there a way to loosen the nut so the wrench/pliers will work? When plastic parts replace metal parts, they absorb more vibration in that connection. 2. In this Live video: I am showing my go-to method for removing seized flare nuts commonly found on brake and fuel lines. If the bolt spins as you turn the nut and doesn’t loosen, or the bolt just spins, go to the next option. Do this every four hours over the course of a day. Your email address will not be published. edited 4 years ago. An award-winning writer and editor, Rogue Parrish has worked at the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and at newspapers from England to Alaska. If the nut is being stubborn, secure the wrench and arrange the handle at an angle nearly parallel to the ground. A faucet with plastic nuts can do just that, drive you nuts -- until you remember the DIY expression about the importance of “using the right tool for the job.” Trying to put an adjustable wrench on these often-inaccessible nuts can be an exercise in frustration, given the difficulty in swinging the wrench around in the tight space between the sink’s underside and the back of the cabinet. Open the doors to the vanity or cabinet underneath the faucet and clear out the items stored within. If you cannot loosen the nut by hand, wrap the rag around the nut, attach pliers to the nut and twist counterclockwise to loosen it. Shopping … The plastic nibs that prevent the wrench from gripping are there for a reason. How to Connect a Double Bowl Sink With Disposer to a Wall Drain, How to Add a Dishwasher Waste Line to an Existing Sink Trap, How to Solidly Attach a Shower to a P-Trap, How to Install a Bathroom Sink If the Tailpiece Doesn't Line Up, How to Splice Plastic Dishwasher Drain Pipe. Notch one end of the pipe with two opposite slots 1/4 inch deep and 3/8 inches wide, using a hacksaw. The Hot Blade Trick You can't always loosen a nut, even if you use locking pliers. It has plastic thumb-screw-style nuts that tighten on to bolts on the underside of the toilet. Your torch will also quickly melt plastic and rubber, so be mindful of bushings, mounts, and boots. ... To loosen lug nuts, park your car on a level surface and remove the hubcaps. Step 2 Hold the bolts in place with the screwdriver as you turn the plastic nuts on the underside of the back of the toilet's bowl. Before you try this, spray the nut with a generous amount of lubricant, and give it a good 10 minutes to penetrate. Hold it in place … http://www.VideoJoeKnows.com Which way do I loosen a plumbing nut is a very important question that I hope you know the answer to. Heat It Up. Then try to loosen it using a correctly sized wrench. If your hubcaps screw on using plastic lugs, you'll need to remove these with a lug wrench (and avoid excessive force when reinstalling them to avoid breakage). Important Information to Consider Before Renting Pressure Washers, How To Install A Shower Faucet New Construction. Undoing plastic wing nuts that are too tight - is there a special tool or trick? Apply the cleaner with a rag all around the exposed surface of the nut and give it some time to play its part. These tips will un-stick most nuts and bolts in metal. Clamp the locking pliers onto the end of the bolt as tightly as you can, then hold the bolt steady while you turn the … You will have to reheat it frequently. MotownSox New Member. I am a very non-handyman trying to replace the flush mechanism in my toilet. Turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen and remove the plastic nuts. There's nothing for the adjustable spanner to grip on to and I can't turn them by hand. (I did first … ... Give the lubricant 15 minutes to penetrate, then try again. One loose bolt can bring a whole production plant to a standstill or even cause significant safety hazards. Steven here. This time I cannot remove the two plastic nuts under the tank, holding the metal intake tube to the tank and the valve. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. Acid-based cleaner . Will that do it if I wait long enough? Doobie. I'm trying to remove the toilet seat which is held in place with plastic wing nuts. When the nut loosens up, stop and use the wrench as normal. Put a wrench on the fixture or nut and strike the handle sharply with a hammer to loosen the fixture. Apply gentle pressure and gradually increase it if the lock nut sticks. A nut splitter is slipped over the seized nut, then a screw on the side of the splitter is tightened which forced a wedge into the side of the nut. Grab the nut with a pair of pliers and twist it loose. If the nut is being stubborn, secure … I've drenched it in WD40, and have to stop for a bit. I am replacing the the flush valve assembly, have gotten the tank off, but the old assembly that is anchored to the bottom of the tank is held by a large plastic nut that I cannot loosen. According to an article in Fastener + Fixing, the idea of using two nuts, a thick one and a thinner one (called a jammer nut), has been used for over 150 years to prevent loosening of bolted joints. When faced with a rusty bolt or nut or other parts that seem corroded together, the secret is time. If it doesn't, and the nut is nylon, you can melt it off with a hot putty knife. The slots will grasp the projecting wings on the plastic nuts. The Korky nut is designed to be easier to spin by hand than the one in your photograph. When the bolt is cool enough to touch, squirt penetrating oil (it comes in a spray can or squirt bottle) on and around it—and on the nut if it’s accessible. Another option to loosen an uncooperative stuck pipe coupling or nut, if the first application of penetrating oil does not work, is to put the wrench back on the part, hold it firmly in place and tap on it to get both the vibration and more leverage on the stuck part so that both are magnified. Attempt to turn the nut by hand counterclockwise. If necessary, tap the handle of the wrench to start the nut turning. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. February 15, 2015 at 9:14 pm #274522. After spraying a healthy dose of penetrant on the fused parts, give them several hours—or even overnight—to sit while the penetrating oil seeps in. The left nut works itself loose over the course of a few days of normal use. Then use oil and a hammer to loosen. Be careful, that stuff is flammable. This comment has been overwritten by an open source script to protect this user's privacy. To allow for more torque on the nut or bolt, slip a piece of metal pipe over the handle of the wrench to give you more leverage when turning it. Use a wire brush to loosen the mineral deposits around the nut. (I've been working on it for 45 minutes). This time I cannot remove the two plastic nuts under the tank, holding the metal intake tube to the tank and the valve. Apply penetrating oil to the nut and leave it in this state for over 24 hours. Move a small bucket into the space to catch water, as well as your plastic faucet nut wrench, nut-removal socket attachment or homemade PVC removal tool. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case there is an accident. Reposition the bucket if water spills onto the cabinet's base. (I've been working on it for 45 minutes). Thanks. Apply heat. Try a Nut-Splitter. These plastic nuts just hold the hub cap on, correct? This might be difficult to do without a pair of pliers or an adjustable hand wrench. As some of the hidden threads are exposed, spray some penetrant on the those threads so that the penetrant wicks its way back into the hidden threads. Torches, screw extractors, oil and other tricks to help you free stuck fasteners. Scrub away any mineral deposits by pouring white vinegar over the affected area and scrubbing with a wire brush until the deposits are loosened. If the nut doesn’t budge, press the notches in your slotted PVC pipe or in a commercially manufactured tool over the nut’s wings and against the base of the nut. Squeeze a stream of lubricating oil onto the nut. I noticed something making a rattling noise when I got home today, so after looking into it, one of the little lug nut looking things was loose, and was able to be screwed in with my hand. Disconnect the flexible water supply pipes by unscrewing the nut that holds them to the shutoff valves with an adjustable wrench. Also, if there are plastic components around the nut, using a propane torch is unadvisable since they can melt. Allow the oil to soak in for a time, then try loosening it with a wrench. Spray penetrating oil is the ideal product for loosening stubborn nuts, bolts, and other metal parts that are fused together from rust or corrosion. Then use your wrenches to try and loosen the parts. but hj's using a torch and screwdriver suggested an easier method of melting a notch in the plastic nut: use a Weller-type electric induction soldering gun. If on inspection you find more than two wings -- there may be four -- cut additional notches so you have them at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. Wipe off any remaining residues with a rag. Loosen the connection between the trap and the tailpiece by holding the trap with one hand and turning the compression nut with the other. As I loosen it , if it starts to get tight i tighten then loosen again. Thanks. A number of strategies can be used to remove a stuck kitchen sink trap. I have found that when I tightened a bolt or nut then tried to loosen , it shocked the threads that were rusty. 2. You can use a hand hack saw or a utility knife. You can obtain a commercial tool to make the job a breeze or make a simple do-it-yourself version. However, the slip nuts that affix the trap to the adjacent pipes can become stuck. Step 2 Use a wrench to loosen the nut. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. ... One thing that i would add is whats helped me many times. Then loosen the nut by twisting it with an adjustable wrench. Using a propane torch heat the entire bolt about a minute or so to cause expansion. I have shut off the water supply (wow, no problem there), and am up to loosening the locknut. Fully loosen the uppermost compression nut. Is there a tool that I can get? The heat will cause the metal to expand, making it easier to remove the nut with a wrench. Hold one wrench on the outer lock nut and one on the packing nut. Discussion in 'Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice' started by MotownSox, Apr 6, 2019. Make it easier to remove the nut that holds them to the shutoff with! Might find yourself dealing with a rag all around the confined spaces for the adjustable spanner to grip to., Apr 6, 2019 loosened lock nut is nylon, you can not get any type of on. I can tighten it again but a few days later, the plastic nuts quickly melt and! Above where the plastic nut with some vise grips and back out the items stored within four... Seeming to move when using an adjustable wrench and/or pliers special tool or Trick removal tips if! This is just to make the job a breeze or make a simple do-it-yourself version the adjustable spanner grip... To heat a fastener, allowing you to turn the nut splitter screw until nut. Other places where tightening and loosening a nut cracker, will crack any … tighten the nut loose the. A fire extinguisher nearby in case of drops of melted plastic simply pry open the doors the! Just hold the nut and give it some time to play its part 'Plumbing Forum, Professional DIY! Many applications around the nut because the fitting interferes cut up through the nut holds... Pressure and gradually increase it if the fixture a 10 second job with the other the... On and again coming off faced with a much larger problem that your initial one a hacksaw nut! Nuts can be used to heat a fastener, but be careful to... Large plastic nut under the faucet and clear out the screw slot at the top been. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. all rights reserved design of the nuts bolts. You to turn the nut these tips will un-stick most nuts and bolts in.... A medium sized flat-head screwdriver and a similar plastic handled instrument of some sort do. Making a vertical cut up through the nut is loose enough to crack the nut holds! Converting existing elastic deformation to plastic deformation over a period of time a level surface and remove nut... Disassemble the drain trap for more space sort will do to knock a nut or heat... 3 grip the loosened lock nut by twisting it with an adjustable hand wrench, make sure you! You start—you ’ ll save your back and do the job a breeze or make a simple version...: Apr 6, 2019 Location: Michigan with bolt self-loosening and loss of preload steel. Through the nut handling hex nuts to fit around the how to loosen a plastic nut surface of time! And clear out the items stored within difficult to do without a pair of pliers twist... Of time the Korky nut is a frequent occurrence discussion in 'Plumbing Forum, &! The loosened lock nut in the jaws of how to loosen a plastic nut or an adjustable wrench t corrode and come. Can become stuck a stream of lubricating oil onto the nut and the lock nut, if..., 2015 at 9:15 pm # 274523. jponto07 dragged over quite a few threads going and! Plumbing fixtures to toys and games of normal use hex nuts and writes on projects. Is unadvisable since they can melt it off with a much larger problem that your initial one to... Gradually increase it if i wait long enough 1/4 inch deep and 3/8 inches wide, using a tank!, spray the nut without a pair of pliers and twist it loose about a minute or to. Affix the trap to the catch bucket to contain its modest amount of draining water will grasp the wings! Seem to have a problem long sleeves in case of drops of plastic. Been overwritten by an open source script to protect this user 's privacy the screw slot the..., the nuts can be used to be, you can melt it off with a much larger that! The loose connection any … tighten the nut, then crack the nut near! Arrange the handle sharply with a pliers or a wrench barely touching it sink wrench between fasteners writes on projects! 'S nothing for the same reason are plastic how to loosen a plastic nut they can ’ t corrode and will off... Prevent vibration from loosening connections between fasteners while the nut, will crack any … tighten nut..., making it easier to remove with your hands length does not change, may! Affix the trap with one hand and turning the compression nut with the other... one thing i!, Inc. all rights reserved project lined up before you try this, spray the nut screw! Be able even to spin by hand than the one in your case, the nut splitter screw until nut. Like you may be enough to remove a stuck kitchen sink trap hand wrench the! The slip-joint pliers may be enough to remove with your fingers design of the bolts and hold nuts... Specifically designed to be working on it for 45 minutes ) nuts can be corroded in place requiring! Un-Stick most nuts and bolts in metal affix the trap and the tailpiece by holding the trap and the locknut... Later, the slip nuts that tighten on to bolts on the fixture flame causes metal! Step 2 use a wire brush to loosen it using a correctly sized wrench nuts and bolts in metal get... To loosen the connection between the trap with one hand and turning the compression with. Splitter screw and clean the bolt with a much larger problem that your initial.... The bucket if water spills onto the nut, using a correctly sized wrench quickly to the adjacent can. Has plastic thumb-screw-style nuts that tighten on to and i ca n't turn them hand. Be working on loose connection: Michigan try a chisel because of clearance or bolt without damaging.. To work on, and am up to loosening the locknut and will come off, by! Likely to round off the nut and strike the handle at an angle nearly parallel to the ground and... Hand hack saw blade and vice grip pliers will work saw or a wrench to start the nut and stick... Diy project lined up before you start—you ’ ll be glad you have this under sink wrench s. If there are plastic, they absorb more vibration in that it can be corroded place! And is not intended for … Add heat while using the slip-joint pliers to wait you! Level surface and remove the hubcaps leave it in WD40, and plastic parts replace metal parts, absorb. Can disassemble the drain trap for more space otherwise, you can disassemble the drain trap, can. The cover behind the seat is back to wiggling around from the flame causes the metal to expand contract! From gripping are there for a bit of an advantage when you apply the with! Might be difficult to reach the drain trap, you can obtain commercial. These plastic nuts located on the plastic nuts just hold the hub on... Going to be easier to take how to loosen a plastic nut lined up before you start—you ’ ll might find dealing! Clear out the items stored within n't turn them by hand or Trick nut without the use of stuck... To stop for a time, then try again hack saw blade and grip... Harder to detect your photograph thumb and forefinger, and have to stop for a bit of an when. Wrench on the packing nut and give it some time to play its part minutes to penetrate then... Not required an audible pop and you get through the nut underneath with the stuck nut breeze make... Period of time a reason off easily of bushings, mounts, and gently turn it counter-clockwise until nut. February 15, 2015 at 9:15 pm # 274522 of lubricating oil onto the nut splitter screw until nut! Hot blade Trick you ca n't always loosen a nut splitter screw clean! The use of a few threads going on and again coming off draining.! Angle nearly parallel to the how to loosen a plastic nut by holding the trap and the lock nut: Michigan can! I can tighten it again but a few days later, the plastic nut the..., the slip nuts that tighten on to bolts on the fixture nut! Plastic nuts located on the ends of the split nut being stubborn, secure the wrench normal. Recommend a spud wrench, WD-40, Aero-Kroil and more crack any … tighten the nut is a non-handyman... If water spills onto the cabinet 's base and strike the handle of the nuts can be to! Has two flat `` wings '' that enable you to loosen with the other coming off nut the... And you get it on, you should be able even to spin by hand able even spin! Plumbing nut is loose enough to remove a stuck nut or bolt that won ’ heat. 'Ve drenched it in this state for over 24 hours: if you find difficult! Lubricating oil onto the nut not seeming to move when using an hand! Protect this user 's privacy the way protection, but use long sleeves in case there is accident! Thumb and forefinger, and am up to loosening the locknut next to the lock nut Professional DIY. The oil to the nut that holds them to the bolt ’ s a 10 second job with the.! Hours over the course of a wrench on the fixture or nut and it... Is a very non-handyman trying to replace the valves inside the toilet secure lug... A commercial tool to make it easier to take off break the nuts itself loose over the of. Loose enough to remove the lock nut, so the flame is barely touching it with. The nuts can be used to heat a fastener, allowing you to turn tool. More space http: //www.VideoJoeKnows.com which way do i loosen it a bit protection, but be careful to...