I have a bar service in my basement that I really like. I don’t get to use it much. But, it is nice to have. In the granite is a sink with a nice brushed surface faucet. Unfortunately, the faucet started to leak and, of course, had to be fixed.
With most fixes of this sort, one would use a tool called a strap wrench. In this case, however, the spaces between the faucet and faucet handles were too small for the wrench.
How I used a Ratchet Strap as a Strap Wrench
To be perfectly honest, I was initially stumped. I had to go to YouTube like everybody else (TGFY). While there, I came across a guy with an inspiring method, though not quite the same as presented here. He used a ratchet strap with the ratchet to remove an oil filter from a semi-tractor trailer at a time when he, apparently did not have the proper tools. Here’s his video involving an old oil filter on a semi-tractor trailer…
So, the same principle of tension that allows the strap wrench to be so effective, will also work with the ratchet strap or almost anything with a nylon ribbon.
My adaptation of this same principle is much more gentle as it should be with fine brushed, decorative metals. Let’s take a look:
First, you will need:
- A thin nylon strap about 3 to 4 feet in length, like that of a ratchet strap (see the picture below). An old leather belt will work as well.
- Some duct tape
How to Attach Your Homemade Strap Wrench
Step 1: You will need to attach a piece of duct tape to the nylon strap extending an inch or so beyond the end of the strap
Step 2: Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty: You will then attach the tape and nylon strap to the faucet base, or whatever you may need to twist to loosen or remove, to the left side of the faucet.
Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty“
…Bob Villa’s Great Grandfather
Step 3: At this time, you will wrap the strap around the faucet base a few times keeping tension on the strap at all times – it is very important to keep the wrap tight around the base of the faucet of whatever you may be trying to turn.
Once the strap is wrapped tightly, you can then pull the strap toward you and your faucet base should begin to loosen and turn. Simple? It might take a few tries. Be patient, and it will work.
To re-tighten, you can hand tighten the faucet base and then perform the above again but placing and tightening the strap from the opposite direction. Remember, Lefty Loosey, Righty Tighty!
A Step by Step Guide:
The video here is a step-by-step guide on just how to use a ratchet strap, with a nylon ribbon, to remove a sink faucet spigot for a plumbing repair…
I hope, if you ever find yourself in this predicament, you find this useful.
Best of Luck in All You Do!!!
Berk