tap bonnet stuck Page 89

If your tap bonnet is stuck tighter than a jar of pickles, start by turning off the water at the mains—unless you fancy an indoor fountain. A proper spanner and a spritz of penetrating oil around the threads, then give it 10–15 minutes to creep, usually does the trick. A few gentle taps around the bonnet with a rubber mallet helps break the crust of scale; go easy, chrome bruises faster than avocados.

Still not budging? Warm it with a hair dryer to expand the metal, then try a strap wrench for even torque without chewing the finish. If corrosion is heavy, a vinegar-soaked rag wrapped around it for half an hour can dissolve mineral build-up before your next attempt. When it finally yields, clean the threads and reassemble with thread tape or a dab of plumber’s grease; if it won’t yield, call a plumber before you round it off.