Bath Tap spindle Sizing

[Andy_S]

Hello,

I bought a mondella bath tap set with spindles to replace my old ones. I was told by the instore assistant the spindle was an Aus standard size. I went to replace the taps and spindle but the new spindle width is much smaller than my current one. So the spindle does not actually fit into the wall.

Now when i refer to the size, i am referring to the diameter of the spindle rather than the length. The one in the wall looks about 28mm in diameter. I checked the bunnings website and i can see you can get extenders to extend the length of the spindle for use in deep installations but i could not see any wider spindles.

Ive attached a few pics for ref. The unit was built in the 70's so it could be older standards im thinking? I know th eprevious owner renovated the bathrooms in the 2000's but i am not sure if this spindle is original or a replacement during the reno. I did have to apply heat using a blowtorch to get the damn thing removed :).

Does anyone know if i can get a wider spindle or an adapter of some kind?

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @Andy_S

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. Thank you for joining us and sharing your question about tap spindle sizing.

Looking at the photos you posted, what you have could possibly be an older model with a non-standard fitting. Some houses from the 70's used larger diameter spindles at the time. I'm so sorry but the spindles at the store are all the same size now. You may have to bring your old spindle to a plumbing specialist store and ask them if they still have the same diameter available.

I recommend trying to repair the old spindle with a Fix-A-Tap kit. However, should the spindle be too old to repair, your other option is to replace the breach in the wall with a new standard one.

Let me tag our experienced members @JDE and @Brad for their suggestions.

If you need more advice or information, please let us know.

Eric

[Andy_S]

Hi @EricL 

Thanks for the response. Ill be keen to hear back from @JDE and @Brad on their thoughts. It sounds like replacing the breach would be a decent size job?

The existing spindle itself seems to be in working order. I was originally going to replace the spindle because i know they are old. Does bunnings sell any tap sets which could go over the original spindle?

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @Andy_S

The good news is that your spindle top is compatible with most of the Bunnings replacement sets. A good example would be from the Shaw and Mason handle and flange sets. They are interchangeable come in both plastic and metal sets. Depending on the look you are after the combination possibilities are quite abundant. 

You are absolutely correct that replacing the breach is an involved undertaking. Removing the tiling and disturbing the waterproofing and re-assembly is quite laborious. I recommend considering a different point of access. If the shower wall is behind a closet or a hallway wall, it is easier to repair and patch plaster than to apply waterproofing and re-tile the bathroom wall.  

Please keep us updated, we look forward to seeing your spindles repaired and functional.

Eric

[Andy_S]

Thanks @EricL ! Ill take a look.