Kitchen and bathroom sink faucets typically are secured with low-profile mounting nuts that are accessible only on the underside of the sink, behind the basin. Standard wrenches and pliers are almost useless in this situation. Enter the basin wrench.
Basin Wrench vs. Channel-Lock Pliers
Many DIYers find themselves reaching for long-handled channel-lock pliers (also known as channel-type pliers or slip-joint pliers) when tightening or untightening the mounting screws on faucet tailpieces. With their long handles, channel-lock pliers can work in a pinch, but it is much harder to grip faucet mounting nuts with this tool. Most intermediate to experienced DIYers who do occasional plumbing work will want to own a basin wrench as well as channel-lock pliers
Parts of a Basin Wrench
A basin wrench has a pivoting gripping head that sits at the end of a long handle, and it is designed to reach up into that awkward, inaccessible space behind a sink to tighten or loosen the mounting nuts on a faucet or the flexible supply tube nuts that connect to the end of the faucet tailpieces. These nuts are so difficult to reach that some plumbers prefer to attach the faucet to the sink before setting the sink into place. Where this isn’t possible, though, the basin wrench lets you reach up behind the sink from underneath to grip the mounting nuts and tighten or loosen them easily. The tool has a long shaft and a small, spring-loaded, claw head that tightens onto the nut as you turn the shaft. The head swiveled 180 degrees in either direction to set it up for loosening or tightening nuts. At the bottom end of the shaft is a sliding T-bar that provides leverage for turning the shaft. Because it is designed only for use on faucet mounting nuts, a basin wrench’s uses are limited. But from time to time, every homeowner faces faucet replacement, and when you need one, a basin wrench will prove to be the best $10 or $20 you ever spent.
How to Use a Basin Wrench
To loosen the nut, you will turn the wrench counterclockwise, and the opening of the claw on the head should be on the right (left photo). To tighten the nut, you will turn the wrench clockwise; the opening of the claw should be at the left (right photo).
Remember, turning clockwise tightens; turning counterclockwise loosens. Or, if you prefer: righty-tighty, lefty-loosey. Also, remember that you’re viewing the nut from the perspective of looking up at it from under the sink—not from the top looking down. You’ll know that you’ve positioned the head correctly if the claw grips the nut as you turn the wrench in the desired direction. If you get it backward, the claw will slip off the nut immediately.
Tips for Using a Basin Wrench
It doesn’t take long to get the hang of using a basin wrench, but here are a few tips for difficult situations:
A telescopic basin wrench (left photo) has an extendable shaft to reach faucets mounted behind extra-deep sink basins. Use a pipe or the back end of an adjustable wrench to increase your leverage on a T-bar (right photo) for removing stubborn nuts. There’s no need for this kind of leverage when tightening a nut. The claw can grab a nut from any position around the nut (just like pliers can), so move the head to any position that’s comfortable for turning the wrench.
Renting vs. Buying
While it is theoretically possible to rent a basin wrench at a home center or tool rental outlet, there’s almost no financial advantage to doing so. Hand tools generally rent for about $10 per day, and a good basin wrench can be purchased for $15 to $20 (though you can spend $50 or more on a contractor-level telescoping basin wrench). Even if you use the tool only a couple of times, buying makes more sense than renting.
How to Maintain Your Basin Wrench
Basic care of a basin wrench is similar to that of any metal hand tool. Clean it after each use by wiping it with a clean cloth. An occasional spray of light machine oil on the pivoting joint is a good idea. If any corrosion develops, wipe the tool down with a cloth moistened with oil. Store it in a dry location. With bare minimum maintenance, you should never need to buy a second basin wrench.
