I took apart and replaced my friends bathtub faucets (individual hot and cold) with new washers on the bottom of each stem and new brass seats.
When I put the stems back in I tightened them to hand tight and replaced the outer collars.
Now we are unable to turn on or off the taps except with great difficulty.
When I replace the stems am I supposed to leave them loose and just tighten the outer collar?
Also is there some grease or something to improve the movement when I turn the taps on or off?

Thanks for any help.

 

quote:<HR>Originally posted by Bruce:
I took apart and replaced my friends bathtub faucets (individual hot and cold) with new washers on the bottom of each stem and new brass seats.
When I put the stems back in I tightened them to hand tight and replaced the outer collars.
Now we are unable to turn on or off the taps except with great difficulty.
When I replace the stems am I supposed to leave them loose and just tighten the outer collar?
Also is there some grease or something to improve the movement when I turn the taps on or off?

Thanks for any help.<HR>

Bruce,
Im new here so not sure if my reply is in the right place! (?)
Depending on the brand and age of the tub faucet, it sounds like you may have the packing (outer) nut over tightened. Try backing off of the outer nut enough to allow the knob to turn fairly freely, but not so loose that water seeps out thru the center hole when in use. If that doesnt change anything then try the same with the inner stem assembly nut. As far as grease, use only plumbers grease (avaiable at any hardware store). Never use petrolieum based greases as they will pre maturely eat up the new rubber washers. Hope this helps.