I am trying to replace my bathtub spout that has the plunger to stop the water to the tub and send it to the shower head. The problem is that what I am seeing with a mirror, since the bolt is on the underside of the spout, looks like an Allen wrench but it has more sides to it. It is a female that looks almost round in appearance and it requires an L-shaped design since the space is so close to the tub wall. Does anyone know what type of wrench this is so I can buy it to do the replacement?
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On the down side.........
a rounded off allen set screw looks alot like what it sounds like you see. I don't know if there's an oddball spout wrench, but it there is you might contact the maker (delta, moen, etc)
It was an allen wrench but the problem now is the set screw is frozen. I was turning it counter clockwise so I assume I was turning it in the right direction. What now, a hack saw to get to the screw so that I can use a pair of vise grips on it?
Clockwise looking from above, counter from below.
I probably would dismantle the spout by any means necessary w/o ruining the stubbed out pipe.
Screw extractor might work. A good plumber. This isn't the first froze up set screw on a tub spout.
Welcome to the surprising world of remodeling.
It's vaguely possible it's a spline wrench. But can't imagine anything else, and even the spline would be unlikely.
Have you tried an allen wrench in it? Often the "head" of the allen screw has some extra "character" from forming the recess, so it may not look like an allen at first glance.
The funny part is that I was turning the screw the wrong way. I actually broke the L-shaped Allen Wrench at the 90 degree. I just hope I didn't strip it. Going to HD to get another Allen Wrench and a new tub spout. All else fails the sawsall to cut out the spout housing to get to the set screw with vise grips. Will look at the screw extractor at HD.
Try and pick up some Bondhus ball end allen wrenches. They will insert much easier into a slightly damaged allen screw. But be aware, they will also strip it more easily.
If all else fails get out the Dremel and cut a slot in the screw.
I hope you're really really small...........
You can barely "feel" the wrench insert into that set screw-how the heck are you gonna guide a dremel in that small slot in the spout?
I am amazed he could get a view from a mirror and light.
I'd saw off the spout with a hacksaw. Cut an inch away from the screw. You should be able to determine what to do next from there.
Wrench
Are you sure you don't have a Torx screw in there?
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2213
Replace Spout
Replacing the spout should not require an allen wrench.
Spouts are simply screwed onto a threaded nipple.
To remove the spout, all one needs to do is rotate it counterclockwise using a pipe wrench for leverage to get it started if necessary.
Spouts are not normally held in place with allen, torx or other type screws.
If you are seeing such screws, they are not required to be removed to remove the spout and are generally there only to hold internal parts in place.
no sir.
There are several manufacturers that have spouts with a gasket that slide on and are then secured with a set screw, conveniently located on the bottom, inside a small opening.
View ImageSlip On Diverter Spout Replacement
To replace a slip on diverter spout you will need the new spout, plumber’s grease, possibly plumber’s cloth or, a file if there are burrs on the stub, and an allen wrench. Remove the slip on spout by loosening the set screw with the allen wrench. Slid the spout off the stub using a twisting, turning motion while pulling it off. Inspect the stub making sure there are no sharp burrs that will damage the sealing o-ring on the new slip on spout. If there are any burrs remove them with the plumber’s cloth or file before attempting to slip on the new spout. Apply a light coating of plumber’s grease on the stub to where the o-ring will sit when installed this will help prevent damage to the o-ring. Slide the new spout into position tightly against the wall and level with the spout facing down then use the allen wrench to tighten the set screw, taking care not to over tighter the screw into the copper tube. Test for proper operation and leaks and the job is done. In most cases caulk is not required, and if you caulk the spout, you should only caulk the upper half of the spout where it meets the wall, never caulk the drain at the bottom closed.
Spouts are simply screwed onto a threaded nipple.
The vast majority of spouts haven't been made like that for 30 years. The drop ear elbow and threaded nipple are too expensive and take too long to install. Now spouts just slip onto a copper stub.
stktrader
Well, you'd better report back on how it turned out.
And please include description of what kind of spout you dealt with.
thanks.
Well I bow to your superior knowledge. You are the epigone of sagacity.