I need one of those strap-wrench thingies.

[superlittlegirl]

I got a Brita filter for my faucet, because my water tastes bad. I can't put it on, though, because the diffuser that's presently on my faucet will not come off. I guess I have super-hard water, because the deposits from it have welded the threads on the attachment shut. I tried dissolving the mineral deposits away with vinegar, and that made the outside of the faucet super shiny, but I still can't get the thing unstuck. I tried using a rubber jar-opener thing, but it didn't work either. I've got superb grip strength, but I just can't budge the fucker!

I want one of those strap wrench thingies. I think that would do it. I'm skeptical of them, though. They look kind of finky; like tools for pussies. But, if they work well, I won't knock it, and I'll buy it. Does anyone have a strap wrench experience they'd like to share?

And if not, does anyone have another idea for me?

 

[Chicklet]

another idea: move someplace like Oregon where I live that has excellent water RIGHT OUT OF THE FAUCET

 

[superlittlegirl]

*sigh*

Don't I wish.

another idea: move someplace like Oregon where I live that has excellent water RIGHT OUT OF THE FAUCET

 

[freakygirl]

Use a regular wrench.. you can wrap the difuser with a thin towel before you attempt to remove it.. or just say fuck it and remove it. If you damage it you can always buy a new one.

 

[firefighter02]

All I know is after spending 10 minutes trying to fill a glass off the Brita filter, I decided it would be easier just to drink beer.

 

[st4nton]

my recomendation to you:

stand up on your counter next to the sink.
line yourself up like you would if you were smashing a bug on the ground.. a spider or something.. wear some good sturdy shoes.
be like a golfer and take a couple preliminary aims with your foot then when your ready strike down upon it with everything youve got. call your landlord and tell him/her that you broke your faucet. unless you own your home, then go buy a new one.

i live in oregon and use a brita. but our waters not that bad.

 

[superlittlegirl]

All I know is after spending 10 minutes trying to fill a glass off the Brita filter, I decided it would be easier just to drink beer.

Is it slow? The picture on the box makes it look super duper fast! I hope I haven't been hoodwinked!

 

[ReadyMike]

I think Freaky is right. A new diffuser will be cheaper than the strap wrench.

When I saw "strap" and "thingie" in the subject line, I had to check in.

 

[firefighter02]

You have been hoodwinked..So take it back down to Wally world and smack the 80 year old guy who sold it too you. I've seen ice melt faster than a Brita works.

 

[Angel]

You have been hoodwinked..So take it back down to Wally world and smack the 80 year old guy who sold it too you. I've seen ice melt faster than a Brita works.

If your Brita is slow, you might have installed it a little off. I never had a problem with mine.

 

[Problem Child]

Channel-lock pliers are the best tool for this job. If the diffuser is that stuck, no matter how you get it of it's going to be marred up at the least. Channel locks will get it done. Most strap wrenches aren't any good on something as small as a faucet diffuser.

 

[superlittlegirl]

I can borrow one of those from my dad. I really should have my own, because it looks as if it would double very nicely as a bedside bludgeon (in the event of an intruder).

I'm not worried about marring the diffuser. It is going to go in the trash anyway, because the filter screws on in its place. Thanks for the photo, PC!

Channel-lock pliers are the best tool for this job. If the diffuser is that stuck, no matter how you get it of it's going to be marred up at the least. Channel locks will get it done.

 

[Problem Child]

You're welcome

 

[Killswitch]

Those are pretty neat little tools Freya.....Roto Grips I think they are called....Craftsman has some pretty neat new tools out there.

Maybe applying some of your sex lube to the threads of the filter housing....seriously.....but dont get any on the gasket or seal if there is one.......or.....date me....I have very strong hands....

Oie vie....edit to say yeah use the channel lock pliers......I thought you couldnt get the filter housing off the britta......sorry......you can still date me though....I'd be cool with that.

 

[Purple Haze]

We call that a monkey wrench...

 

[Lost Cause]

Channel locks, and a simple formula..

Righty tightey....lefty loosey!

 

[superlittlegirl]

I actually have a tiny grease-gun in my toolbag. It has a super-fine nozzle. I'll get some of that in there, if I can.

A man with strong hands is always appreciated.

Those are pretty neat little tools Freya.....Roto Grips I think they are called....Craftsman has some pretty neat new tools out there.

Maybe applying some of your sex lube to the threads of the filter housing....seriously.....but dont get any on the gasket or seal if there is one.......or.....date me....I have very strong hands....

Oie vie....edit to say yeah use the channel lock pliers......I thought you couldnt get the filter housing off the britta......sorry......you can still date me though....I'd be cool with that.

 

[Problem Child]

Also, the vinegar was a good idea, but you might try using something like CLR (that's the product name, stands for Calcium, Lime, Rust) or another hard-water deposit dissolving product, to loosen things up before using the pliers.

Don't bother with the grease though. All it will do is make the faucet greasy.

 

[honeylick]

...does anyone have another idea for me?

sledgehammer.

-wink-

 

[Killswitch]

Also, the vinegar was a good idea, but you might try using something like CLR (that's the product name, stands for Calcium, Lime, Rust) or another hard-water deposit dissolving product, to loosen things up before using the pliers.

Don't bother with the grease though. All it will do is make the faucet greasy.

Yeah ixnay the grease.....I didnt understand what you were trying to do.

 

[superlittlegirl]

I'll get some!

I like dissolving things with caustic chemicals. It feels dangerous, and it's fun.

I've hesitated on the grease, thus far, because I couldn't figure out how to get it in the threads without greasing up the outside. I'll nix the idea entirely.

Oh, how exciting! I get to buy a new tool tomorrow! (I've decided not to borrow).

Also, the vinegar was a good idea, but you might try using something like CLR (that's the product name, stands for Calcium, Lime, Rust) or another hard-water deposit dissolving product, to loosen things up before using the pliers.

Don't bother with the grease though. All it will do is make the faucet greasy.

 

[Problem Child]

Re: Re: I need one of those strap-wrench thingies.

sledgehammer.

-wink-

An absolutely fabulous Peter Gabriel song, but a tad overkill for this project, I fear.

 

[superlittlegirl]

Re: Re: I need one of those strap-wrench thingies.

This is always fun!

One of the most satisfying projects I worked on involved demolishing a lath-and-plaster ceiling with a mini-sledge. There's nothing like basically bashing the shit out of everything.

Gawd, it was satisfying. Nearly orgasmic.

sledgehammer.

-wink-

 

[Killswitch]

Oh, how exciting! I get to buy a new tool tomorrow! (I've decided not to borrow).

I have one for sale, rent, or loan.....ugh....hell its late and I am tired.....

 

[superlittlegirl]

I might be inclined to borrow, but ladies don't hafta plonk down money for that kind of tool.

I have one for sale, rent, or loan.....ugh....hell its late and I am tired.....