Cool Tool: Wrench for Removing Faucets

Updated: Aug. 19, 2019

This faucet wrench removes stubborn faucet nuts quickly and easily

FH12MAR_FAUWRE_02-2 leaky faucet faucet wrenchFamily Handyman
Buy this cool tool, a special faucet nut wrench, to simplify faucet removal under those hard-to-reach sinks. It works quickly and easily and you avoid backaches.

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A cool faucet wrench

Remove faucet nuts with a faucet wrench

Slide the open end of the faucet wrench over the supply tube and push it up to the faucet nuts. Then turn the ratchet and it will self-center on the nut. Remove and reattach the ratchet handle as you rotate the nut.

Close-up of the faucet wrench

The slots in the faucet tool catch the nut flanges as you turn the faucet wrench with a ratchet from below.

Replacing a leaky faucet is easy once you get the retaining nuts off. But that’s easier said than done. If you’re like most DIY plumbers, you probably use a cheap basin wrench. That means you have to crawl on your back all the way into the sink base. Then you have to arch your back, reach all the way up to the sink deck (while holding a flashlight in your mouth) and hook the jaw onto the leaky faucet nuts.

Forget that. Just buy this faucet tool, a Basin Buddy wrench (about $26), and snap it onto a long, 3/8-in. extension from your socket set. (One online source is simplyplumbing.com.) Then twist the ratchet handle as shown to loosen the nuts. You’ll save your back and do the job in a fraction of the time. You’ll be glad you have this under sink wrench.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

  • Socket/ratchet set
You’ll also need the Basin Buddy wrench and a 3/8″ to 1/4″ adapter.