Loosen a tight lock nut on a faulty faucet

5 Parts:

Instructions to Fix Your Faucet

When All Else Fails

Tips Tricks & Warnings

Questions and Answers

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It can be a real pain getting your faucet fixed. It's even a bigger pain living with a broken or leaky faucet."

Even more infuriating is waiting for the repairman to fix the problem. The plumber who comes to fix your pipes is going to cost you something, that's a fact. The thing is that sometimes it's possible for you to fix your own faucet and not have to pay the piper, so to speak. Here are a few tips on how to fix your own faucet -- DIY style!

1. 1
   Inspect your Faucet

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   You have to make sure that your faucet will be able to withstand work. Too much rust, grime or mildew on the faucet can indicate that it is beyond help. To inspect it, try bending the metal pipe near the faucet, or scrape some rust off it so that you can see the condition of your faucet before you begin loosening anything.

   

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2. 2
   Hammer or Unhinge Faucet

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   One of the most reliable ways of loosening a tight lock nut is by hammering it. This method can sometimes loosen the lock instantly and allow you to manually unscrew it. Otherwise you can use a wrench to loosen the lock, breaking off any rust that has accumulated therein. Be careful though, as both these methods can damage your faucet.

   

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3. 3
   Use Heating Material

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   You can also utilize heating materials, such as a hair dryer or even a blowtorch to loosen a tight lock. Metals expand when heat is applied, thus loosening the lock. Turn the open nut before it cools. To do this safely, use working gloves (like the ones on the right).

   

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4. 4
   Soak the Nut in Water

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   If the nut you are loosening is covered with crumbly bits of rust or yellow streaks, which show corrosion, soak it in water and just scrub the corroded parts. You can also use soapy water for easier scrubbing. After this, dry the area and spray a lubricant, like Liquid Wrench, as close to the tight lock as possible and turn hard. For better results you can apply the oil and leave it on for 24 hours. This will give the oil more time to perform.

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If the nut resists all the above attempts, use a hacksaw or a reciprocating saw to cut it off. You can then proceed to have it repaired by a plumber, or do it yourself. You will save a lot of money if you can manage to do it on your own.

• Always wear protective clothing when undertaking repair jobs.
• Work in a well ventilated and lighted area to avoid accidents and hasten your work.
• Use the proper tool for the specific job you are trying to accomplish.

How to loosen a tight bolt on a spigot?

Do the following to loosen it up:

• Tighten it- try to move it in any direction and use the correct sized tool for it.
• Tap it with a hammer with care.
• Apply some heat to it- because metal expands slightly when hot.
• Soak it with oils like WD-40 or liquid wrench to loosen it.
• If all else fails, cut it off.

If you have problems with any of the steps in this article, please ask a question for more help, or post in the comments section below.

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