Advice needed

[gwaithcoed]

I need to replace the tap washer but cannot remove the cap to get to the screw which holds the knob on .
The knob is loose on the splines but cannot get anything under the cap,even the thinist of tools to remove the cap
Any advice please
Alan

 

[gwaithcoed]

Here's the tap

 

[Spectric]

Is it a push fit or is it a screw in type ?

 

[Spectric]

Does not look screw in ! Have you tried a small screw driver to just prise it off nice and gently ?

 

[gwaithcoed]

Does not look screw in ! Have you tried a small screw driver to just prise it off nice and gently ?

Yes , also tried with old butter knife. I'm at my daughters 120 miles away from my workshop where I would have tried an old chisel and gentle tapping.
Alan

 

[TRITON]

I take it you mean the copper covered bit. And are you sure thats the part that comes off ? as usually tap turny bits are push on and come off as a whole.

Like drawing excaliber from the stone, get a good grip on the main part and try to pull it straight off

 

[Distinterior]

I think that gold top cover threads on to the chrome knob......I seem to remember fitting a brand new pair of similar taps back in the early 90's.....
Known as "Mixage" colour. Try gripping the chrome knob firmly and twist the gold top in the opposite direction....

 

[gwaithcoed]

The turny bit is loose on the spinesand rock back and forth so is definitely held on with screw. It's been 20 odd years since I installed the taps
Alan

 

[gwaithcoed]

I think that gold top cover threads on to the chrome knob......I seem to remember fitting a brand new pair of similar taps back in the early 90's.....
Known as "Mixage" colour. Try gripping the chrome knob firmly and twist the gold top in the opposite

Just tried that, also on the hot tap but without success
Alan

 

[Cabinetman]

I think the whole top is one piece too, don’t suppose there’s an Allen/grub screw which you get at underneath?

 

[gwaithcoed]

I think the whole top is one piece too, don’t suppose there’s an Allen/grub screw which you get at underneath?

Checked , but unfortunately no grub screw. Apparently my grandson has a plumber friend and he will ask him to come and have a look.

Thank you for your replies
Alan

 

[Stigmorgan]

It's amazing how much "stuff" builds up over the years making it harder to get stuff like this undone, do you have a Stanley or craft knife blade handy? Gently tapping the blade edge under the little lip of the cap should loosen it enough to start lifting, providing it is a push fit and not a screw. Some vinegar or lemon juice will help loosen any dirt build up too.

 

[gwaithcoed]

It's amazing how much "stuff" builds up over the years making it harder to get stuff like this undone, do you have a Stanley or craft knife blade handy? Gently tapping the blade edge under the little lip of the cap should loosen it enough to start lifting, providing it is a push fit and not a screw. Some vinegar or lemon juice will help loosen any dirt build up too.

Thanks will get some blades tomorrow and give it a go
Alan

 

[Sachakins]

Got a similar tap on sink, turned out that the dome top unscrewed 9n mine.
Ended up covering top and gentle persuasion with pipe wrench. Had to turn water off, open tap fully first then hope I didn't mark the shallow domed top. Came off OK then.

 

[okeydokey]

Ive had a similar tap in my case a toothbrush and vinegar to clean off the joint between cap and handle then water pump pliers and turned anti clockwise and it came off - but try the stanley knife blade first as it might have fingers gripping the internal part of the chrome bit and need a surprising amount of levering,
Most unlikely but with the tap full on can you get a spanner on the tap to unscrew the spindle assembly

 

[Fergie 307]

Marigolds are good for getting a good grip on it, I am with the probably unscrews group.

 

[BC'er]

If it's the hot tap, turn it on and leave it on until the whole body of the tap is good and hot. If it's not, as it appears in this case, trickle some boiling water over it from a kettle. Try one of those rubber or plastic devices made for undoing bottle or jar tops. Make a discreet mark with a pen or pencil or put a sticky label on the top to give you some way of seeing if the top is actually turning. As you don't know(?) which way the thread turns, if there is a thread, some close attention will be needed to see which way you get "give" as you work at it; from which the direction can hopefully be deduced. Working back and forth is usually a good start until the direction of the thread becomes clear. Hold onto the tap handle as you attempt to turn off the cap, don't simply force it against its end-stop.

If all else fails contact the manufacturer or google the name via an image search until you find the same model and hopefully instructions on how to proceed.

 

[gwaithcoed]

My 23 year grandson came round today, wanted to know what the problem was. He went into the bathroom and came out with the knob in his hand and a big smile. (They were pull off )In my defence I did point out that I am 87 years old.
He then attempted to remove the cartridge but with the limited tools we had it would not budge.
Plumber coming tomorrow
Thank you all for your advice
Alan