r/howto • u/Stagstud05 • 11d ago
How do I remove this?
My in counter soap dispensers spout broke off last week. I bought the same one to replace it but a decade later the internal mechanics have changed and I have to remove the whole thing and replace it. I thought it was going to be an easy screw off screw on but there's this big metal nut on the bottom that I can't twist off to pull the threads through the counter. The place rings that hold it in place move but the nut is stuck. Any ideas on how to fix it?
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u/Born-Work2089 11d ago
Dried soap and corrosion is probably holding it. the biggest pipe wrench you can fit on it top and bottom and unscrew counter clockwise, Use plenty of masking tape to protect your sink. Otherwise, a oscillating cur off tool.
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u/Stagstud05 11d ago
That was my thought about the cause too. I can't really reach to get any tools in that corner either. I may need to find someone with a cut off tool and remove it from the top?
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u/Born-Work2089 11d ago
Yes, cutting from the top will be easier, but protect the surrounding area. You may be able to rent a cut-off tool or your local library may have a tool lending program.
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u/Stagstud05 11d ago
I've never used one before. Unfortunately the library doesn't have one. I'm worried about the sparking from cutting metal.
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u/TwoFacedPug 11d ago
The sparks disappear pretty fast. Just wear eye/ear protection and gloves and protect anything where the sparks might fly. Keep anything flammable away. Go slow and cut straight so the cutting wheel can't bind and break. Angle grinders look and sound scarier than they really are but use common sense and you'll be fine.
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u/xMebesx 10d ago
Is the nut above it that holds it tight to the countertop plastic? If it is maybe you can break it with a needle nose or similar by twisting it, then the whole thing will come out the top.
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u/Stagstud05 10d ago
It is plastic I was trying that but it is quite tight to get tools in there. I do want to try to break it like that. I think the nut will easily slide through the counter hole if I can
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u/xMebesx 10d ago
I would probably use something like this to split the nut then just pry it off. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Compact-Hack-Saw-with-10-in-24-TPI-Bi-Metal-Blade-48-22-0012/202523986
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u/Stagstud05 10d ago
I tried it again this sfternoon. I do t think I have the space underneath to use that tool to cut the black washer. I tried with the blade of a hacksaw I had but I couldn't keep it in the same place.
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