How to Use a Basin Wrench
When making plumbing repairs it is important to have all the right tools. Sometimes there are areas that are hard to reach. In cases such as this a basin wrench comes in handy. A basin wrench is used to remove and replace nuts that hold faucets to a sink. These wrenches are small and easy to hold in your hand. They work well in small and tight fitted areas. The wrench is designed like a long steel T.
- Examine your basin wrench so you know the parts you are working with. One part of the wrench is silver and the other part is black. The silver part is the handle and the black part is the wrench claw; this part turns and swivels around.
- Find your water hookup under your sink. Turn your water completely off. Move anything under your sink out of the way.
- Adjust the wrench claw to fit the nut size. Basin wrenches are able to clamp down on nuts that are designed differently. Use your basin wrench to take off any nuts that may be obstructing your view from the pipes.
- Position the wrench claw so it is in the correct direction. This makes it easier to remove the nut from the faucet handle. The wrench automatically clamps on the nut with a spring that is designed in the wrench. Remember one direction removes the nut and the turning in the opposite direction tightens it. It is best to keep the head of the basin wrench in a 90-degree angle.
- Use the extended handle for hard to reach areas. For extremely hard to reach areas the extended handle is most beneficial to use. All basin wrenches come with these handles.
- Remove the faucet and replace it with a new one or new parts.
- Reverse the process with the basin wrench when it is time to replace the nuts on the faucet handle. You should have the basin wrench adjusted for the right direction.