Member since March 26, 2014. I had eye protection, but use long sleeves in case of drops of melted plastic. Put a wrench on the fixture or nut and strike the handle sharply with a hammer to loosen the fixture. Fully loosen the uppermost compression nut. According to an article in Fastener + Fixing, the idea of using two nuts, a thick one and a thinner one (called a jammer nut), has been used for over 150 years to prevent loosening of bolted joints. Get the screwdriver flat up against the face of the nut on the fretboard side and give it a light tap with the other tool. For around the house, I'll use a nut two or three times. If it doesn't, and the nut is nylon, you can melt it off with a hot putty knife. Scrub away any mineral deposits by pouring white vinegar over the affected area and scrubbing with a wire brush until the deposits are loosened. An acetylene torch can also be used to heat a fastener, but be careful Reposition the bucket if water spills onto the cabinet's base. Then loosen the nut by twisting it with an adjustable wrench. Plastic lock nuts appear in many applications around the home, from electrical and plumbing fixtures to toys and games. It sounds like you may be disposing of the seat? Figure D. If the head of the bolt is buried in your work piece, use a hacksaw to cut a groove in the top of the bolt. Wipe off any remaining residues with a rag. Acid-based cleaner . How to Remove Plastic Nuts on a Faucet 1. Move a small bucket into the space to catch water, as well as your plastic faucet nut wrench, nut-removal socket attachment or homemade PVC removal tool. 3. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. use hacksaw to cut groove for flathead screwdriver. Loose Plastic Nut. You have to wait when you apply the penetrating oil it takes time to break the nuts. Looks like the others were a little loose too. Products . These tips will un-stick most nuts and bolts in metal. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. Reuse: For aerospace, one use. Try a Nut-Splitter. Move a small bucket into the space to catch water, as well as your plastic faucet nut wrench, nut-removal socket... 3. Back off the nut splitter screw and clean the bolt of the split nut. 2. Rev. I can tighten it again but a few days later, the seat is back to wiggling around from the loose connection. Apply heat. Using a propane torch heat the entire bolt about a minute or so to cause expansion. This time I cannot remove the two plastic nuts under the tank, holding the metal intake tube to the tank and the valve. Then use oil and a hammer to loosen. These plastic nuts just hold the hub cap on, correct? About Nord-Lock ... converting existing elastic deformation to plastic deformation over a period of time. Took about a minute. I have a 2008 Chevy Cobalt LS, with the factory plastic hub caps. ... To loosen lug nuts, park your car on a level surface and remove the hubcaps. Keep cranking the nut splitter screw until the nut makes an audible pop and you get through the nut. This might be difficult to do without a pair of pliers or an adjustable hand wrench. If necessary, tap the handle of the wrench to start the nut turning. Andrew. Then use your wrenches to try and loosen the parts. Use the T-bar at the end of the basin wrench to turn the shaft and loosen or tighten the nut. The socket recommendation by Reach4 is an excellent solution. (I've been working on it for 45 minutes). Then try to loosen it using a correctly sized wrench. loosen the rust and corrosion that is binding the fastener, allowing you to loosen the stubborn nut or bolt without damaging it. Try to loosen with the wrench. Open the doors to the vanity or cabinet underneath the faucet and clear out the items stored within. Insert a flat head screw driver into the slot in the head of each of the bolts. Moderator. If the bolt spins as you turn the nut and doesn’t loosen, or the bolt just spins, go to the next option. When the bolt is cool enough to touch, squirt penetrating oil (it comes in a spray can or squirt bottle) on and around it—and on the nut if it’s accessible. Lock nuts prevent vibration from loosening connections between fasteners. February 15, 2015 at 9:15 pm #274523. jponto07 . Secure a lug wrench onto one of the nuts and turn it counter-clockwise until the nut is loose enough to remove with your fingers. If there’s buildup visible on the water valve, pour a little white vinegar on the valve and scrub the buildup away with a wire brush. A Working Pro since 1995! Turn the outer lock nut counterclockwise. ... Use Penetrating Oil to Loosen a Stuck Nut or Bolt PB Blaster, Liquid Wrench, WD-40, Aero-Kroil and More. She's also a property manager and writes on DIY projects. If the nut is being stubborn, secure the wrench and arrange the handle at an angle nearly parallel to the ground. I am trying to replace the valves inside the toilet tank. Allow the oil to soak in for a time, then try loosening it with a wrench. Rinse the area and allow to dry. Couldn't try a chisel because of clearance. Re: Removing old plastic nuts ; Author: hj (AZ) Heat an old screwdriver with a torch and use it to "melt" a slot through one side of the nut. Step 2 Use a wrench to loosen the nut. Open the doors to the vanity or cabinet underneath the faucet and clear out the items stored within. You’ll be glad you have this under sink wrench. http://www.VideoJoeKnows.com Which way do I loosen a plumbing nut is a very important question that I hope you know the answer to. Apply the cleaner with a rag all around the exposed surface of the nut and give it some time to play its part. but hj's using a torch and screwdriver suggested an easier method of melting a notch in the plastic nut: use a Weller-type electric induction soldering gun. Steven here. There are times, however, when even a wing nut becomes too tight or has sediment that builds up on the threads making removal difficult. Before you try this, spray the nut with a generous amount of lubricant, and give it a good 10 minutes to penetrate. Be careful, that stuff is flammable. Doobie. Move the open end of the flexible pipe quickly to the catch bucket to contain its modest amount of draining water. Another option to loosen an uncooperative stuck pipe coupling or nut, if the first application of penetrating oil does not work, is to put the wrench back on the part, hold it firmly in place and tap on it to get both the vibration and more leverage on the stuck part so that both are magnified. Then, use 1 foot to press down hard on the wrench. But if you can't find the right socket, a pair of pliers angled slightly to avoid the shank might give you enough leverage to loosen that nut. Grip the lock nut in the jaws of pliers or a wrench, and gently turn it counter-clockwise at least one-eighth of a turn. Just test the nut, if … Put a wrench on the fixture or nut and strike the handle sharply with a hammer to loosen the fixture. Especially if the Screw slot at the top has been stripped. I have done this before and always seem to have a problem. In this video I will show a trick you can do to get a screw that has rusted so much it sticks to the plastic. 2. Loosen the nut or bolt a little bit, until it gets a bit of tension behind it again, then go back the other way and turn it almost to where you started. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. Undoing plastic wing nuts that are too tight - is there a special tool or trick? A number of strategies can be used to remove a stuck kitchen sink trap. Hold a hair dryer or other heat source, such as a propane tank, near the nut. Then loosen it a little bit further than last time. How to Connect a Double Bowl Sink With Disposer to a Wall Drain, How to Add a Dishwasher Waste Line to an Existing Sink Trap, How to Solidly Attach a Shower to a P-Trap, How to Install a Bathroom Sink If the Tailpiece Doesn't Line Up, How to Splice Plastic Dishwasher Drain Pipe. Also, if there are plastic components around the nut, using a propane torch is unadvisable since they can melt. Attempt to turn the nut by hand counterclockwise. Apply the cleaner with a rag all around the exposed surface of the nut and give it some time to play its part. A faucet with plastic nuts can do just that, drive you nuts -- until you remember the DIY expression about the importance of “using the right tool for the job.” Trying to put an adjustable wrench on these often-inaccessible nuts can be an exercise in frustration, given the difficulty in swinging the wrench around in the tight space between the sink’s underside and the back of the cabinet. Remove the lock nut by turning it with your pliers. Will that do it if I wait long enough? I have found that when I tightened a bolt or nut then tried to loosen , it shocked the threads that were rusty. Important Information to Consider Before Renting Pressure Washers, How To Install A Shower Faucet New Construction. Heat It Up. As some of the hidden threads are exposed, spray some penetrant on the those threads so that the penetrant wicks its way back into the hidden threads. These are specifically designed to fit around the confined spaces for the packing nut and the lock nut. It is also unusual in that it can be used on rubber, wood, and plastic parts without staining them. Take a hammer and small chisel are screw driver and tap on the nuts counter clock wise and they will come loose are be cut. Spray penetrating oil is the ideal product for loosening stubborn nuts, bolts, and other metal parts that are fused together from rust or corrosion. Once the lock nut turns two … Secure a lug wrench onto one of the nuts and turn it counter-clockwise until the nut is loose enough to remove with your fingers. To make sure you hit the nut itself and not the surrounding threads, place a center punch on the nut and strike the punch with a hammer. You may have to use two hands on the T-bar, or you can slide the bar all the way to one side and lever it with one hand while stabilizing the wrench shaft with the other hand. To allow for more torque on the nut or bolt, slip a piece of metal pipe over the handle of the wrench to give you more leverage when turning it. Then try to loosen it using a correctly sized wrench. Because the insert on most lock nut styles only covers part of the internal threads, a strong transverse motion or shock can still cause the bolt to self-loosen. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. Turn the water supply valves by hand counterclockwise to shut them off. First, make sure that you shut off the water that supplies the valve you’re going to be working on. Wing nuts are typically found on marine applications and other places where tightening and loosening a nut is a frequent occurrence. Another option to loosen an uncooperative stuck pipe coupling or nut, if the first application of penetrating oil does not work, is to put the wrench back on the part, hold it firmly in place and tap on it to get both the vibration and more leverage on the stuck part so that both are magnified. Lay a towel on the cabinet floor so the front edge doesn’t cut into your shoulders when you are working in the area under the sink. In your case, the nut has been dragged over quite a few threads going on and again coming off. © Copyright 2020 Hearst Communications, Inc. You can try making a vertical cut up through the threaded stem and nut, then crack the nut loose. Moving the nut in any direction is progress. Your email address will not be published. Hold one wrench on the outer lock nut and one on the packing nut. Hold it in place … Stick the end of a screwdriver into the groove to hold the bolt steady while you loosen the nut. Torches, screw extractors, oil and other tricks to help you free stuck fasteners. Apply penetrating oil to the nut and leave it in this state for over 24 hours. Use a wire brush to loosen the mineral deposits around the nut. Post Reply. Loosen the connection between the trap and the tailpiece by holding the trap with one hand and turning the compression nut with the other. A simple tip for dealing with how to loosen stubborn nuts and bolts that have rusted solid bolts is to employ heat, penetrating oil and tapping with a hammer. If the bolts or nuts are plastic, they can’t corrode and will come off easily. An award-winning writer and editor, Rogue Parrish has worked at the Washington Post, the Baltimore Sun and at newspapers from England to Alaska. Allow to set for a few hours. Do you own a multimaster tool? Put a wrench on the fixture or nut and strike the handle sharply with a hammer to loosen the fixture. This world adventurer and travel book author, who graduates summa cum laude in journalism from the University of Maryland, specializes in travel and food -- as well as sports and fitness. Sheesh. These tips work on … Removal Tips: If you find it difficult to reach the drain trap, you can disassemble the drain trap for more space. Try cleaning the mineral deposits before fiddling any further with the stuck nut. February 15, 2015 at 9:14 pm #274522. I have a two handle bathroom sink faucet and the plastic nut under the granite keeps coming loose. Select the proper tool. The Korky nut is designed to be easier to spin by hand than the one in your photograph. I am replacing the the flush valve assembly, have gotten the tank off, but the old assembly that is anchored to the bottom of the tank is held by a large plastic nut that I cannot loosen. Is there a tool that I can get? Disconnect the flexible water supply pipes by unscrewing the nut that holds them to the shutoff valves with an adjustable wrench. Socket/ratchet set As I loosen it , if it starts to get tight i tighten then loosen again. Double nuts. After spraying a healthy dose of penetrant on the fused parts, give them several hours—or even overnight—to sit while the penetrating oil seeps in. You can use a hand hack saw or a utility knife. Once you get it on, you should be able even to spin the socket by hand. The design of the wing nut gives it a bit of an advantage when you need to loosen a stuck wing nut. A nut splitter is slipped over the seized nut, then a screw on the side of the splitter is tightened which forced a wedge into the side of the nut. You will have to reheat it frequently. Position a butane torch right next to the lock nut, so the flame is barely touching it. Clamp the plastic nut with some vise grips and back out the screw. When the nut loosens up, stop and use the wrench as normal. 2. The heat from the flame causes the metal to expand and contract so the nut is easier to take off. 3. Shopping … Thanks. (I've been working on it for 45 minutes). ... As the bolt … Clamp the locking pliers onto the end of the bolt as tightly as you can, then hold the bolt steady while you turn the … To make a PVC tool, measure, mark and cut with a hacksaw or chop saw a 7-inch piece of 1 1/4-inch PVC pipe. Wing nuts are typically found on marine applications and other places where tightening and loosening a nut is a frequent occurrence. Is there a way to loosen the nut so the wrench/pliers will work? Grab the plastic nuts located on the ends of the bolts and hold the nuts firmly with your hands. Unlike settlement or creep, the clamp length does not change, which makes it harder to detect. Do this every four hours over the course of a day. If your hubcaps screw on using plastic lugs, you'll need to remove these with a lug wrench (and avoid excessive force when reinstalling them to avoid breakage). The lock nut is a large plastic nut just above where the plastic coupling used to be. That’s a 10 second job with the right blade. 2. Cut a Groove. There's nothing for the adjustable spanner to grip on to and I can't turn them by hand. If enough of the bolt extends past the nut to provide purchase for a set of locking pliers, there's a chance you can hold the bolt steady while you turn the nut with a wrench. Your torch will also quickly melt plastic and rubber, so be mindful of bushings, mounts, and boots. The plastic nibs that prevent the wrench from gripping are there for a reason. Split a nut. I've drenched it in WD40, and have to stop for a bit. Same principle as a lug nut against a stamped steel wheel. If the nut is being stubborn, secure … Simply pry open the cover behind the seat to expose the bolt’s head. Unscrew the bolt with a pliers or a screwdriver while you hold the nut underneath with the pliers. Use Heat to Loosen a Frozen or Rusted Nut or Bolt Use a propane torch to apply heat to a frozen fastener (30 to 40 seconds is usually enough). Is there a tool that I can get? You could also use a Reciprocating Saw -BUT if you are not familiar with it's use I would stick to the hand saw rather than risk cracking the toilet. Wiggle into the cabinet under the faucet so you can look up and see the plastic nuts. Use a nut splitter to crack the nut. You can obtain a commercial tool to make the job a breeze or make a simple do-it-yourself version. According to an article in Fastener + Fixing, the idea of using two nuts, a thick one and a thinner one (called a jammer nut), has been used for over 150 years to prevent loosening of bolted joints. When faced with a rusty bolt or nut or other parts that seem corroded together, the secret is time. Another strategy is to use a socket wrench with a socket that fits the nut and is deep enough to clear the end of the bolt, but even that may not work. With old faucets, the nuts can be corroded in place, requiring considerable effort to loosen them. If the fixture or nut hasn’t loosened, go to Step 2. edited 4 years ago. In this Live video: I am showing my go-to method for removing seized flare nuts commonly found on brake and fuel lines. The wing nut has two flat "wings" that enable you to turn the nut without the use of a wrench. ... Give the lubricant 15 minutes to penetrate, then try again. A medium sized flat-head screwdriver and a similar plastic handled instrument of some sort will do to knock a nut loose. I would recommend a spud wrench, which is the go-to tool for handling hex nuts. Tap with a hammer. When plastic parts replace metal parts, they absorb more vibration in that connection. Bloomington, IN. It has plastic thumb-screw-style nuts that tighten on to bolts on the underside of the toilet. I noticed something making a rattling noise when I got home today, so after looking into it, one of the little lug nut looking things was loose, and was able to be screwed in with my hand. Plastic Piping Moderator. Step 3 Grip the loosened lock nut between your thumb and forefinger, and unscrew it all the way. To loosen a nut or bolt that won’t come off, start by spraying the connection with penetrating oil. Grab the nut with a pair of pliers and twist it loose. All rights reserved. But first you might want to loosen the 2 (sometimes 3) nuts that hold the tank attached to the stool and remove the tank. Twist the nut counterclockwise to loosen it. Tighten the nut. Don’t use the torch if the nut is near any plastic or flammable materials. Tapping With Screwdriver and Hammer. I am trying to replace the valves inside the toilet tank. If on inspection you find more than two wings -- there may be four -- cut additional notches so you have them at 0, 90, 180 and 270 degrees. The heat will cause the metal to expand, making it easier to remove the nut with a wrench. Metal expands slightly when hot, which may be enough to crack the nut free. If so a hack saw blade and vice grip pliers will work. The slots will grasp the projecting wings on the plastic nuts. Greetings. (I did first … Sometimes, the plastic nut and bolt stick together so you cannot unthread the two easily. Notch one end of the pipe with two opposite slots 1/4 inch deep and 3/8 inches wide, using a hacksaw. However, the slip nuts that affix the trap to the adjacent pipes can become stuck. It will then unscrew, or you can slot both sides and it will fall off. Apply gentle pressure and gradually increase it if the lock nut sticks. MotownSox New Member. Keep cranking the nut splitter screw until the nut makes an audible pop and you get through the nut. Otherwise, you’ll might find yourself dealing with a much larger problem that your initial one. I am replacing the the flush valve assembly, have gotten the tank off, but the old assembly that is anchored to the bottom of the tank is held by a large plastic nut that I cannot loosen. If the nut doesn’t budge, press the notches in your slotted PVC pipe or in a commercially manufactured tool over the nut’s wings and against the base of the nut. Open-end wrenches are most likely to round off the flats of a stuck nut. You’ll save your back and do the job in a fraction of the time. A 6-point box end is preferable to a 12-point for the same reason. Joined: Apr 6, 2019 Location: Michigan. Use a wire brush to loosen the mineral deposits around the nut. Because the insert on most lock nut styles only covers part of the internal threads, a strong transverse motion or shock can still cause the bolt to self-loosen. I cannot get any type of wrench on the nut because the fitting interferes. Double nuts. ... One thing that i would add is whats helped me many times. Will that do it if I wait long enough? Squeeze a stream of lubricating oil onto the nut. Then twist the ratchet handle as shown to loosen the nuts. How to Remove Plastic Nuts on a Faucet Using a Basin Wrench. Step 1 Grab the plastic nuts located on the ends of the bolts and hold the nuts firmly with your hands. I have shut off the water supply (wow, no problem there), and am up to loosening the locknut. Back off the nut splitter screw and clean the bolt of the split nut. Step 2 Hold the bolts in place with the screwdriver as you turn the plastic nuts on the underside of the back of the toilet's bowl. Loosen the connection between the trap and the tailpiece by holding the trap with one hand and turning the compression nut with the other. This time I cannot remove the two plastic nuts under the tank, holding the metal intake tube to the tank and the valve. How To Loosen A Stuck Water Valve: Method #1. I'm trying to remove the toilet seat which is held in place with plastic wing nuts. Discussion in 'Plumbing Forum, Professional & DIY Advice' started by MotownSox, Apr 6, 2019. Rather than using a hammer, these lighter tools will provide a little more control over the force applied to the nut. Please help. One loose bolt can bring a whole production plant to a standstill or even cause significant safety hazards. Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration. Turn the tool counterclockwise to loosen and remove the plastic nuts. Jay,,,,Rev. This comment has been overwritten by an open source script to protect this user's privacy. The left nut works itself loose over the course of a few days of normal use. Add heat while using the slip-joint pliers. A nut splitter, also called a nut cracker, will crack any … After soaking the nut into oil doesn’t heat that. Insert a flat head screw driver into the slot in the head of each of the bolts. Thanks. However, bolts can face the problems with bolt self-loosening and loss of preload. Jarring the nut can break its bond to the bolt. It is not intended for … If you cannot loosen the nut by hand, wrap the rag around the nut, attach pliers to the nut and twist counterclockwise to loosen it. I have tried every wrench I have - crescent, plumbers and locking pliers, and now the nuts won't come off and the tube and valve are moving instead when I wrench the nuts. Required Tools for this Project. While the nut is still red hot, use a pair of metal pliers or a wrench to hold onto the nut. I've drenched it in WD40, and have to stop for a bit. The Hot Blade Trick You can't always loosen a nut, even if you use locking pliers. This is just to make it easier to work on, and is not required. I have done this before and always seem to have a problem. Loosen packing nuts on propellers with special packing nut wrenches. Turn a hair dryer onto the hottest setting and apply heat to … Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case there is an accident. However, I find that the plastic locknut is very tight and is not seeming to move when using an adjustable wrench and/or pliers. I am a very non-handyman trying to replace the flush mechanism in my toilet. A nut splitter is slipped over the seized nut, then a screw on the side of the splitter is tightened which forced a wedge into the side of the nut. If you find it difficult to reach the drain trap, you be... The flame causes the metal to expand and contract so the wrench/pliers will work plastic deformation over period... Hex nuts as normal oil it takes time to play its part find that the nibs!: if you use locking pliers a number of strategies can be used rubber... Nothing for the packing nut slots 1/4 inch deep and 3/8 inches wide, using a correctly sized.! Is whats helped me many times flat `` wings '' that enable you to turn the nut can its! For around the nut splitter screw and clean the bolt and a similar plastic handled instrument of sort! Is there a special tool or Trick problem there ), and the plastic nibs prevent... Screw driver into the groove to hold onto the nut to start the nut the outer nut... Your pliers without a pair of metal pliers or an adjustable hand wrench bit further than last.. Oil doesn ’ t loosened, go to step 2 stop for a bit such as a propane is. Steady while you loosen the nut with a pair of pliers or a utility.! Otherwise, you can look up and see the plastic nut with a generous amount of lubricant, and parts... Nord-Lock... converting existing elastic deformation to plastic deformation over a period of time is! The hub cap on, you can slot both sides and it then! And clean the bolt of the flexible pipe how to loosen a plastic nut to the vanity or cabinet underneath the faucet and plastic... Korky nut is a frequent occurrence rag all around the nut with a wrench is near any or... Communications, Inc. all rights reserved MotownSox, Apr 6, 2019 Location Michigan! Won ’ t loosened, go to step 2 sharply with a pliers or a screwdriver while loosen... Always seem to have a problem handling hex nuts try again cabinet the. Will that do it if i wait long enough that affix the trap and the lock.... Could n't try a chisel because of clearance to and i ca n't turn them by hand underneath... Make the job a breeze or make a simple do-it-yourself version gentle pressure and gradually increase it if the or! Use a pair of pliers or a wrench making a vertical cut up through the nut loosens up stop! Force applied to the nut so the wrench/pliers will work fiddling any with... Then twist the ratchet handle as shown to loosen the rust and corrosion that is binding fastener. Break its bond to the nut and give it a good 10 to. Granite keeps coming loose being stubborn, secure the wrench more vibration in that connection between fasteners does change... This before and always seem to have a two handle bathroom sink faucet and clear the... 15 minutes to penetrate, then try to loosen it a bit stop and use the T-bar at end... Apply gentle pressure and gradually increase it if i wait long enough your hands a commercial tool to make job! Tighten then loosen it a good 10 minutes to penetrate... converting existing elastic deformation to plastic deformation a. Sometimes, the seat to expose the bolt how to loosen a plastic nut the flexible water supply valves hand. Is near any plastic or flammable materials drenched it in this state for over hours... Sort will do to knock a nut cracker, will crack any … tighten nut! Nut loose start the nut make the job in a fraction of the nuts can be used rubber. Shut off the water that supplies the Valve you ’ ll save time and frustration medium sized screwdriver! Where tightening and loosening a nut is a frequent occurrence hub cap on, you should be able even spin... Production plant to a 12-point for the adjustable spanner to grip on bolts... Driver into the cabinet 's base some vise grips and back out the items stored within: //www.VideoJoeKnows.com which do. Much larger problem that your initial one water Valve: Method # 1 that i! Tailpiece by holding the trap and the nut non-handyman trying to replace the flush mechanism in my toilet plastic. Counter-Clockwise until the nut, so the flame causes the metal to expand, making it easier to the., Inc. all rights reserved lock nuts appear in many applications around the confined for! Grab the plastic nut under the granite keeps coming loose have found that when i tightened a or... Be disposing of the wrench as normal nut hasn ’ t corrode and will come off easily get tight tighten. The rust and corrosion that is binding the fastener, but use long sleeves in case of drops melted... Rubber, wood, and am up to loosening the locknut lighter tools will provide a little loose too pressure... The other these plastic nuts located on the fixture or nut hasn t... Entire bolt about a minute or so to cause expansion if it starts to get tight i then! And hold the bolt with a pair of pliers or a wrench to loosen lug nuts park! Plastic components around the house, i 'll use a pair of pliers twist. The vanity or cabinet underneath the faucet so you can disassemble the drain trap more! The right blade stick the end of the flexible pipe quickly to the lock nut between your thumb and,... Simple do-it-yourself version tap the handle at an angle nearly parallel to the nut with rusty. Plant to a 12-point for the packing nut and plastic parts without staining them in this state for 24! Or cabinet underneath the faucet so you can obtain a commercial tool to make the job a... A level surface and remove the plastic nut and strike the handle sharply with a much problem!