Plumbing Tools - Long Reach Tool for Plastic Mount Nut

Plastic Mount Nut Tool

I've been doing a bit of research into the tools required to fit / remove basin or sink faucets.

There are various types of attachment nut and hoses being used these days, not just the standard brass nut.

I've discovered, through some local forums, that these special tools can be difficult to find in Thailand, and if you can, they are expensive for a tool you would only use a few times.

In my research, I found a couple of references to special tools from America that can handle most, but not all, of the fittings used. Again, expensive.

Through our old friend Google and YouTube, I've come up with a few designs that might help out.

So, I think I will need the following types of tools.
1. Something for the standard plastic mount nut that hold the faucet in the basin. Seems there are at least two different style / size that I can see. Maybe more.
2.Something for the standard brass nut. It must have a long reach and be of crows foot or box socket style.
3. Something to attach the metal braided flex pipes used these days.

Here is the first tool.

1. Long Reach Tool for Plastic Mount Nut:

Credit for this one goes to masguapoako for his YouTube video. I have used his basic design, and tried a couple of my own ideas to make it a little more easy to use.

Materials:

50cm length PVC Pipe nominal 1" Blue - 40 baht for 2m off cut from local hardware.
2 x TS Socket nominal 1" Blue - 15 baht each from local 20 baht shop.
4 x small screws - From Screw Box

Total cost = 70 baht

How It Was Done:

1. Cut the PVC pipe to approx. 50cm.
Using a cutting disc on my angle grinder, I cut a slot the full length of the pipe approx. 12mm wide to allow the flex hose to be passed through.

2. Taking one of the TS Sockets, I marked out the location of the 4 slots using a spare plastic mount nut. Extending the marks perpendicular along the outside surface long enough to allow the nut to be fully encased by the pipe when fitted, I then drill 4 holes the diameter of the slots. Using my hacksaw, I cut from the pipe end to the drill holes. Not as easy as I thought to get them equidistant. Bit of filing required. Again using my angle grinder, I cut a similar slot of 12mm the full length of the socket for the hose to slip through.

3. Using the 2nd TS Socket, I filed out the ridge inside smooth to allow the 1" PVC pipe to slide through without restriction. This was done with a rough half-round file.

4. The removal of the material in pipe and sockets for the hose slots, allows to pipe to twist and collapse when exerting force to tighten or loosen the mounting nut. I have tried to over come this by using a couple of small screws in each socket to hold them in place and make the tube more rigid. The mounting nut socket at the end of the pipe, and the other approx. in the middle of the pipe. The screws in the top socket also prevent it turning when using the tool.

Testing and use of the tool was done recently during a faucet change in the kitchen.
The tool worked a treat. Looks a bit rough, but does the trick.

I'll be making a few minor alterations. I'll manufacture another pipe without he slot for the hose. This feature is not always needed, and the rigidity of the pipe will make it's operation easier. Probably the same for the top socket. Also another socket of different dimensions will be need for the varying sizes of mount nuts.

I'll be designing and building the other tools mentioned here. Come back and check them out

Ratings
Ease Of Build
Usability
Value
Total

Links:

uPCV Pipe (Thailand)
Thai & English available
This site has a good table with dimensions and specs.
Interesting to note that measurements printed on pipe outer surface are nominal measurements. ie. a 1" dia pipe is actually lager, approx 1 11/16".