100% way to unscrew a crane axle that is stuck tightly

When replacing the faucet axle in the mixer, it may be difficult to unscrew it. Sometimes it sticks so much that when you turn it with a key, the edges are torn off, so you can’t grab it. If such a problem occurs, you can unscrew it in the following way.

What you will need:

• WD-40;
  
• drill;
  
• furniture hexagon 4 mm;
  
• adjustable wrench.

The process of replacing the crane axle box

The first step is to turn off the water.

WD-40 is sprayed onto an old leaky faucet.

After a couple of minutes you need to try to unscrew it with an adjustable wrench. If the edges are torn off, then you will need to drill the crane axle box with a 4-4.5 mm drill at an angle of 45°. In this direction, the threads on the mixer body will remain intact.

A 4 mm furniture hex key is inserted into the resulting hole.

Then it is clamped with an adjustable wrench and unscrewed. Thanks to this hook, everything will work out.


To prevent the new valve axle from sticking, its rubber should be lubricated with silicone grease before installation. You need to tighten it with an open-end wrench; it is short, so it will not allow you to break the thread.

Watch the video