Swirl Bathroom Basin Contract Tap Reviver Kit

[Graeme]

Looking at these tap kits, which were mentioned in another thread, I see
the only Swirl kits listed are for bathrooms; basins and baths.

We have a knackered kitchen mixer tap, circa 40 years old. Would the
1/2 inch basin taps be likely to fit the kitchen mixer taps? No idea
what the thread in the mixer taps is, but probably standard 1/2 inch?
Aesthetics are unimportant. What is important is my limited plumbing
ability. Turn off water. Remove old tap tops. Fit new tap tops. Turn
on water. Job done - or not.

[David]

Post by Graeme
Looking at these tap kits, which were mentioned in another thread, I see
the only Swirl kits listed are for bathrooms; basins and baths.
We have a knackered kitchen mixer tap, circa 40 years old.  Would the
1/2 inch basin taps be likely to fit the kitchen mixer taps?  No idea
what the thread in the mixer taps is, but probably standard 1/2 inch?
Aesthetics are unimportant.  What is important is my limited plumbing
ability.  Turn off water.  Remove old tap tops.  Fit new tap tops.  Turn
on water.  Job done - or not.

Taps typically are designed for ceramic inserts or for conventional
rubber washers. The ceramic insert taps are normally quarter turn
between off and full on, whereas the rubber washer taps normally require
a few turns between off and full on.

If you have rubber washer taps, it may be an idea to also recut the seats.

https://www.screwfix.com/p/monument-tools-tap-reseating-tool/89487

[Graeme]

In message <vpc8tq$3tb00$***@dont-email.me>, David <***@nospam.com>
writes

Post by David

Post by Graeme
Looking at these tap kits, which were mentioned in another thread, I
see the only Swirl kits listed are for bathrooms; basins and baths.
We have a knackered kitchen mixer tap, circa 40 years old.  Would
the 1/2 inch basin taps be likely to fit the kitchen mixer taps?

Taps typically are designed for ceramic inserts or for conventional
rubber washers. The ceramic insert taps are normally quarter turn
between off and full on, whereas the rubber washer taps normally
require a few turns between off and full on.
If you have rubber washer taps, it may be an idea to also recut the seats.

Thanks. Yes, the existing taps are rubber washer, and I have recut the
seats, as well as replaced the washers. The problem is mainly that,
whenever I dismantle the tap and rebuild, it is fine for a week or two,
but becomes progressively more difficult to open and close.

I'm tempted, for the sake of a tenner, to try the Swirl kit and see if
that helps.

[The Natural Philosopher]

Thanks.  Yes, the existing taps are rubber washer, and I have recut the
seats, as well as replaced the washers.  The problem is mainly that,
whenever I dismantle the tap and rebuild, it is fine for a week or two,
but becomes progressively more difficult to open and close.

I had issues with a tap that had a badly cast seat that would rip
washers to shreds. I carried on with the cutter a lot past where it felt
smoother

It is possible to replace more than just the washers.
e.g. https://www.toolstation.com/made4trade-threaded-tap-glands/p55418

Depending on how glued together the tap parts are that is often a very
inexpensive solution

I'm tempted, for the sake of a tenner, to try the Swirl kit and see if
that helps.

[Graeme]

Post by The Natural Philosopher

Thanks.  Yes, the existing taps are rubber washer, and I have recut
the seats, as well as replaced the washers.  The problem is mainly
that, whenever I dismantle the tap and rebuild, it is fine for a week
or two, but becomes progressively more difficult to open and close.

I had issues with a tap that had a badly cast seat that would rip
washers to shreds. I carried on with the cutter a lot past where it
felt smoother

OK, thanks. Worth a try, as I cannot make it worse than it is now :-)