From Newsgroup: sci.electronics.design

Well, maybe "thoughtful" (or considerate) would be a better word.

Replaced a sink, last night. To secure the valve assembly to the body
of the sink, you need to install a nut on a very long threaded pipe.
The obvious solution is a deep (VERY deep) socket. Or, maybe a crow's
foot (but few people have them or are even aware they exist!).

Manufacturer included an extruded (?) socket of the requisite depth
(a bit over 3 inches -- a stretch for many deep sockets!).

But, arranged for it to be "driven" by:
- 1/2" hex socket
- 11/16 - 13/16 wrench (open/box), continuously variable!
- #3 Philips
- large slotted

Clearly they gave SOME thought to DIY installers!
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From Newsgroup: sci.electronics.design

On 4/5/26 13:21, Don Y wrote:

Well, maybe "thoughtful" (or considerate) would be a better word.

Replaced a sink, last night.-a To secure the valve assembly to the body
of the sink, you need to install a nut on a very long threaded pipe.
The obvious solution is a deep (VERY deep) socket.-a Or, maybe a crow's
foot (but few people have them or are even aware they exist!).

Manufacturer included an extruded (?) socket of the requisite depth
(a bit over 3 inches -- a stretch for many deep sockets!).

But, arranged for it to be "driven" by:
- 1/2" hex socket
- 11/16 - 13/16 wrench (open/box), continuously variable!
- #3 Philips
- large slotted

Clearly they gave SOME thought to DIY installers!

Recently, I came across an even smarter thing: The nut had an
elliptical hole and canted threading and mating sufaces. You
could slide it on almost all the way and only near the end
the canted mating surface made the threads engage. A few turns
would be enough to tighten it.

Jeroen Belleman
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From Newsgroup: sci.electronics.design

On Sun, 5 Apr 2026 04:21:38 -0700, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
wrote:

Well, maybe "thoughtful" (or considerate) would be a better word.

Replaced a sink, last night.

I have that sinking feeling. Midnight plumbing? Some things are best
done under cover of darkness.

To secure the valve assembly to the body
of the sink, you need to install a nut on a very long threaded pipe.
The obvious solution is a deep (VERY deep) socket. Or, maybe a crow's
foot (but few people have them or are even aware they exist!).

Manufacturer included an extruded (?) socket of the requisite depth
(a bit over 3 inches -- a stretch for many deep sockets!).

Extra long stamped sockets are common for shower valves and basin
(sink) installations. <https://www.google.com/search?q=extra%20deep%20shower%20valve%20sockets&udm=2> <https://www.google.com/search?q=extra%20deep%20basin%20sockets&num=10&udm=2> So far, I see stamped tools supplied with the more expensive sink and
showed kits, but not with cheap kits or fixture components.

But, arranged for it to be "driven" by:
- 1/2" hex socket
- 11/16 - 13/16 wrench (open/box), continuously variable!
- #3 Philips
- large slotted

Now, that's nice. I haven't seen that. I usually see 2 round holes
at one end. Insert included rod or round screwdriver in both holes
and I have a "T" wrench. The "T" handle system is difficult to
tighten properly.

Clearly they gave SOME thought to DIY installers!

I wonder what problem they're trying to solve. My guess(tm) is that
everyone keeps the supplied tools and stores them in an obscure
location where they cannot be found when needed. It's easier to
provide a "free" tool, than to deal with an irate customer demanding
to know if the tool was lost in shipping or stolen at hardware store.

Back to working on my taxes...
--
Jeff Liebermann jeffl@cruzio.com
PO Box 272 http://www.LearnByDestroying.com
Ben Lomond CA 95005-0272 AE6KS 831-336-2558

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From Newsgroup: sci.electronics.design

On 4/5/2026 12:41 PM, Jeff Liebermann wrote:

On Sun, 5 Apr 2026 04:21:38 -0700, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid>
wrote:

Well, maybe "thoughtful" (or considerate) would be a better word.

Replaced a sink, last night.

I have that sinking feeling. Midnight plumbing? Some things are best
done under cover of darkness.

I'm on an inverted schedule, currently (actually, *mostly*!).
The only downside being I have to anticipate what I might need
from the "store" as they don't share my schedule preferences. :<

But, arranged for it to be "driven" by:
- 1/2" hex socket
- 11/16 - 13/16 wrench (open/box), continuously variable!
- #3 Philips
- large slotted

Now, that's nice. I haven't seen that. I usually see 2 round holes
at one end. Insert included rod or round screwdriver in both holes
and I have a "T" wrench. The "T" handle system is difficult to
tighten properly.

<https://mega.nz/file/V643ASbL#LaWm1TcmqlSe9_Ecuy5s5HHBpXNrqzghffP4FQDCFcg>

The taper is noticeable if you are paying attention. So, if you opt
to use a wrench to secure, no need to worry metric/english, or
specific size. Just move it up or down the length until it's a
good fit!

<https://mega.nz/file/tnQ2UJQL#QhBTfqfgBsZU_wd4BQqapxNHghm8vGbe1x-VNxMX-AU>

Especially when the fastener is located on the underside of a sink
adjacent to the "sink basins"; you don't have room for anything wider
than the fixture, itself.

And, as the "basins" are adjacent, you can't easily access the
fastener (nut), especially as it approaches the end of its travel
(where additional torque would be required; the valve assembly sees
forces applied by the user).

Not to mention when the fastener falls onto your face as you are trying
to catch a few threads (along with assorted "crap" that has been hiding
in those dark recesses for years...

Clearly they gave SOME thought to DIY installers!

I wonder what problem they're trying to solve. My guess(tm) is that
everyone keeps the supplied tools and stores them in an obscure
location where they cannot be found when needed. It's easier to
provide a "free" tool, than to deal with an irate customer demanding
to know if the tool was lost in shipping or stolen at hardware store.

It's a regular fastener (nut on threaded tube, in this case)
so could be secured with a wrench or a socket (depending on the
thickness of the sink through which the fastener must pass).
If you misplace it (or, it falls and makes a bee-line for some
inaccessible spot), your local hardware store will have a replacement
(though likely not in brass)

Tool can't cost them more than a few pennies to make. (I add
these to my regular toolbox as there is nothing restricting its use
to just THIS faucet! Also, put the instructions/brochure -- marked
with installation date -- in my "Plumbing" toolbox so I don't have
to hunt for it at some future date) I sure as hell wouldn't use
it with an impact driver, though!

I long ago "learned" that the easiest way to install a new faucet
on a sink/basin is to remove it and invert it. Everything is
plainly visible, even if "hiding" in the shadow of the inverted
sink basins. Much less stressful than lying on your back with your
arms up-stretched trying to fiddle in the "dark"!

When ready, restore to proper orientation and drop back into
place. Connect hot and cold supplies (which are usually closer
to the floor than the work you have just finished) and the
drain. Reconnect disposal.

[This is much easier if you DON'T plumb the dishwasher into the
disposal as that would have the disposal captive by said hose!]

Back to working on my taxes...

Why the rush? You've got another week and a half. :>

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