That is the secret to most jobs, having the right tools is essential and a plumber will have something like this
A big part of this problem, like it or not is getting old. We have to accept that what we could do in our younger days like forcing our bodies into tight awkward positions to do something like your bath tap do become really difficult. I find a lot of the time I try to design out these issues so that I can still do the task but no mater how many weetabix we eat it will not improve our stamina.
Appreciate the recommendations here. I had a similar job to Phil's to do on a tap that had been in place for 20+ years and WOULD not come apart. After ripping the brass to shreds I gave up and replaced the taps but had to deal with the same awful access. Old cast pipe spanner is junk, the T bar with a serrated claw little better and non of my crowsfoot spanners were big enough. That Nerrad set might well have helped.
My wife is quite good now. Some years ago she queried what I was about to spend and I said do you want me to spend £100 on a tool or £100 to pay someone to do a job I can do perfectly well but can't because I haven't the correct tool? Well, she said, put like that you'd better buy the tool. She's been fine with money spent on tools since.
Can't quite make out the brand etc. of the kit you show. Can you please say what brand and where to get it?
I’ve found it to be worth the investment after struggling, I always find curved jaw type are ok if the joints aren’t over tight . The traditional ducks foot spanner no longer fit the majority of taps especially any from overseas. Expensive yes but comes in a sturdy case and spares available , the main set is very comprehensive and the top up kit covers anything the main set doesn’t. Word of warning
some sellers offering these at really cheap prices but what they are selling is the empty case or the spare parts kit …
The brand is todays tools, they also do some nice wide jawed spanners.
For many years I’ve used full bore isso valves . They cost 3-4 times more than the cheap ones but I’ve never had to replace them . Often the position of the tap holes is dictated by the maker of bath . This can then be compounded by a customer who wants the bath fitted in a room not suitable for its size or shape . One of the worst I’ve done is a simple quote for a new set of bath taps / basin taps. Standard 1700x700 bath but trapped in an alcove . The taps were fitted in the centre of the 1700 side against the wall . No access via the bath panel due to the belly of said bath . Option 1 cut the wall to access the taps via the kitchen the other side of bathroom or option 2 get the angle grinder out and cut the bath out , repipe so taps and pipework is accessible, new bath , make good tiles etc etc . Cust chose opt 2 . A lot of my advice on bathrooms is how easy will it be for me to fit new taps carry out repairs etc . As said above as you get older it becomes more difficult for you to morph into spaces not designed for you to access.
The compression nut spanner is ace for holding/ tightening. A pair is a must for some old encrusted joints.
They look nice! I might have to spring for some for work….
