Yesterday I replaced Crane Faucet Stems in a couple of bathtubs and two sinks.
I think Crane plumbing parts are really high quality
Here’s a picture of the type of faucet stems I’m working with
http://deabath.com/Crane_Parts/Crane_Drains/craneid/crane_repair/crane_repair.htm
Anyway when I bought the replacement stems at a local supplier they asked me “do you want a set of left and right turn”
And I said “huh”
I hadn’t thought about this
Anyway I found out there is a rule of thumb for choosing faucet stems.
In some applications you want a left and a right, while in others you want both handles to turn in the same direction.
Does anyone know what the rule of thumb is for this?
Replies
I learned that the hard way years ago after getting the 'wrong way' stem and finally finding out about it....
but I've forgotten since it's been so long....
so, you really already know and this is just some test that I didn't pass....
...cause you probably really did ask the guy at the plumbing supply store, right...
"Never pick a fight with an old man. If he can't beat you he will just kill you." Steinbeck
I was told if the handle is round, use the same stemIn other words both handles turn in the same directionOn the other hand, if the handles are like a lever that point in a specific direction, use left and right pair of stemsMakes sense to me
thanks...
this will be interesting to see what other replies show up
"Never pick a fight with an old man. If he can't beat you he will just kill you." Steinbeck
I've got a friend that bought a new house by a builder that tries to use some period details in their houses. All his faucets (kitchen and bath) have Kohler fixtures with cross handled knobs. The problem is that they use a left and right valve in them, so every time I go to turn on the hot side, I turn it the wrong way. Maybe I'd get used to it if I lived there. I've also installed some Pegasus valves with left and right valves that had lever handles but also had cross handles you could use instead.
Jamie
"I was told if the handle is round, use the same stem"Well some of the new ones come with a couple of styles of handles. So that is not an absolute determination.I think that most of the modern ones that don't use compression washers it does not matter. That the difference is done in the faucet and not the stem. But I am sure that there is an exception.For those with compression washers the hand raises as you open the valve. So you can watch it as you move it even with out water on. The down position if off. If the hot moves different than the cold to rise then it has different stems..
.
A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Bill I ended up replacing the stems in three bathtubs and three sinks in this particular house.It cost $10 for each stem ($20 per unit) to rebuild and I think they (crane faucets) are of higher quality than a lot of new faucets now daysAlso There is no seat to remove and replace(The seat is part of the stem).Thanks to everyone for their input and I think we can close out this thread.
bump
You got it already.
Edited 6/28/2008 12:03 pm ET by MarkH