I'm in a bit of a pickle trying to replace my old Valley lavatory faucet, which is from the late 80s. It has a wide-set, three-hole setup with standalone hot and cold handles. The problem is that the locknuts are totally seized up. I've tried using WD-40 and a hammer to loosen them, but when I attempt to use a basin wrench, I just end up turning the entire handle instead of the locknut. Does anyone have suggestions on how to tackle this?
3 Answers
Another option is to cut the faucet from the top and pull the insides out from the bottom. It can be a bit tricky since it's flush to the basin, and you wouldn't want to damage anything down there. Just be careful with your cuts!
One thing you could try is having someone hold the faucet handle steady while you work on the locknut. This way, it won’t turn with the wrench when you’re applying pressure. It might give you the grip you need to loosen it up!
If you're not planning to reuse the faucets, cutting the lock nuts might be your best bet. I know it sounds drastic, but it’s sometimes the fastest solution. Just be cautious when doing it since the space can be tight.
I’m thinking about that option too. But it's really snug in there! Do you have a specific tool in mind for cutting?
That sounds like a solid plan. What kind of tool would you recommend for that, given the tight fit?