Tools for Kitchen Faucet Installation
Installing a kitchen faucet is a straightforward and basic process, and using the right tools will make it an even smoother one. To make the job easier, install the faucet in the sink before you put the sink in place. This allows you to have greater access and room while you're working. If you can't preinstall the sink, you will need to maneuver underneath the sink for part of the installation. Does this Spark an idea?
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Adjustable Wrench
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An adjustable wrench is a wrench with an adjustable jaw that you can adjust to fit different-sized nuts and bolts. It is also known as a crescent wrench. Thread the hot and cold supply lines from the faucet onto the shut-off valves by hand, and then use this type of wrench to finish tightening the connection. If the faucet is equipped with a sprayer, tighten its connection to the faucet body with this tool as well.
Basin Wrench
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A basin wrench differs in general appearance from a standard wrench. The wrench is mounted on the end of a torque tube, with a handle on the other end. This tool is specifically designed to provide access to nuts in tight, hard-to-reach spots, such as the ones you may encounter when installing a faucet with the sink already in position. When you are underneath the sink, the basin wrench is invaluable to tighten the nuts that anchor the faucet to the kitchen countertop. Also use this tool to tighten the supply line to the valve outlet underneath.
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Channel-Type Pliers
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To remove the mounting nuts on the underside of the faucet body, you can use channel-type pliers instead of a basin wrench. Channel-type pliers are similar to slip-joint pliers in that they are adjustable for different-sized objects, but channel-type pliers usually have a right-angle teeth grip, allowing for a better grip.
Considerations
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Although it may seem obvious, make certain that you connect the hot and cold supply lines to the corresponding stop valves before you tighten them when you install the faucet. Wrap two turns of plumber's tape around the threads of the stop valves before connecting and tightening the supply lines.
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