Sillcock replacement, easy faucet installation, sink clips

Tool Tips—November 2013

Easy sillcock replacement

When replacing a frost-proof sillcock, mark a center line down the sillcock with a Sharpie so that you are able to tell which way it’s facing outside. Cut out the old sillcock and use it as a pattern. Place the new one in the hole using your center mark as a guide to make sure that it is straight on the outside. Make your connection inside, then go outside and twist in the new sillcock.

Jason Ratai
Johnstown, Ohio

One-man faucet installation

When installing or replacing a kitchen faucet by yourself, it can be hard for your arms to reach back far enough to get the side spray holder to stay in place or to keep from turning while you’re underneath the base of the cabinet, tightening the hold-down nut. I use two pieces of duct tape in a cross pattern to keep the holder in place. It works for removing and installing; it also can help to keep the new faucet from moving.

Tom Gartrell
Sunburst Plumbing & Heating
Ridgefield, Conn.

Installing stainless-steel sink clips

To help install stainless-steel sink clips, I took a 1/4-in. shaft by 8-in.-long screwdriver and slipped a piece of rubber hose over it (7-in. long by 1/4-in. ID). I then slipped the hose over the screw and pushed the screwdriver up on the screw. It works great; the screwdriver won’t slip off the screw.

Don Buxbaum
Buxbaum Plumbing
Manitowoc, Wis.

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