How to Remove a Sticking Synthetic Nut from a Kitchen Faucet

Synthetic nuts often secure faucets to the underside of a sink basin.

Plumbing fixture manufacturers include plastic components on faucets, such as nylon nuts, because plastics won't rust. However, mineral build-up and heavy use cause synthetic nuts to bind. Although it's tempting to forcefully twist a stuck nut, plastic nuts are soft and easily damaged. The surest way to remove a stuck nut without causing damage is to scrub the nut with a soft brush and apply a penetrating lubricant. If you patiently wait for the lubricant to work around the nut's threads you can remove nut without breaking the nut or damaging the faucet's threads.

Things You'll Need

• Rag
• Soft-bristled brush
• Grease-free penetrating lubricant
• Adjustable wrench or box wrench

Instructions

1. Wipe the nut with a rag to remove build-up and debris from the nut's surface. Scrub the nut with a soft-bristled brush, such as a plastic brush or toothbrush, to loosen and clean build-up from the joint between the nut and the faucet's threaded shaft. Wipe the nut and faucet shaft to remove loosened debris.

2. Spray a grease-free, penetrating lubricant into the crack between the nut and the faucet's threaded shaft. Spray both the upper and lower cracks. Allow the lubricant to penetrate the faucet components according to the lubricant manufacturer's instructions, usually a minute or longer.

3. Scrub the joint between the nut and faucet shaft to remove debris loosened by the lubricant. Wipe the nut with a rag to clean the nut's surface.

4. Attach an adjustable wrench or box wrench to the nut and twist the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the nut. If the nut resists loosening, reapply lubricant. Loosen the nut with a wrench and remove the nut by hand.

Tips & Warnings

• After removing the sticking nut, spray the threaded faucet component with lubricant and clean the component with a brush and rag before reattaching a nut.

References

• Linn Benton Community College: Fasteners