thread size question

Hi guys,
We bought a used Moen two handle lavatory faucet on Craigslist that looks to be high quality.
Some of the threads were damaged- the threads where the brass nut attaches on one of the handles,... the nut that holds the cartridge in, under the handles themselves. We've been looking for the right tool to refile the threads and try to restore the faucet and be able to use it One person looked at it and guessed it was about 22 mm metric. Another person looked at it and said, no, that was wrong. Is this a standard thread in plumbing fixtures? Or specific to Moen? Would a local plumbing shop be able to use a die or file or something to help us?

Advice appreciated!
t-n-t

If the damage was confined to use one or two threads, a file would probably work OK, but it sounds like there is more damage than that, I believe the best course of action would be to take this to a plumber or plumbing shop and have them chase the threads with a die.

Thanks Gary.

So far we haven't been able to find a plumbing shop that will do this,
but we'll keep trying.

Does M24x1.25 sound like a standard faucet-sized thread?

Take an inch and a metric ruler and measure the threads to see how many there are/unit. One or the other will come out exact. It's probably not worth buying thread pitch gauges, but you might use a set at a plumbing supply house or maybe a big box store. A triangle file or one with a sharper edge might allow you to clean up the threads if you're careful, but you could also ruin it entirely. Note, sometimes you can just file that section flat, as long as there's enough thread left around the rest of the shaft.

Internal to its own fittings, the thread pitch could be anything. It only becomes fairly standard when things attach to external things like a shutoff valve.

There is NO REASON why Moen would use a "standard sized nut" for that location, because it is a specific purpose nut, not one that would have ANY other use. IF it is a "wide spread faucet", not a 4" centerset, then Moen might send you a new valve body. Now you know why it is risky to buy items over the Internet. You cannot see what you are buying and it is almost impossible to do anything if you get a bad item.

The best way is to thread a known nut onto the piece for several turns. Some seem to fit at first but jam up after a turn or two. It's really aggravating.

For the long way around,
http://mdmetric.com/tech/tict.htm

Unlikely that moen would have any metric threads.

Thanks guys. I'll see what I can do with a file.

Alternatively, online, it looks like I can get a brand new rough-in valve (part 69300 I think) for roughly $35-50 (with a drain assembly I don't need). It is a 4" set- "mini-widespread" they call it. That's less than the cost than buying a die (assuming I determine the thread is in fact M24x1.25- that was my auto mechanic's guess). It's the Monticello trim- we got a really good deal - now that I see the list price.

I talked to a plumber friend today who said that the Moen rough-in valve is the same for many of their faucets - he takes those out and trashes them all the time in his business. He was going to keep an eye out for one for me. If any of you pros also happen to be tossing one of these valves, let me know.



t-n-t

Call 1-800-BUYMOEN and ask them to send you a new valve body. I won't tell you to tell them that you are the original purchaser, but you might want to do so.

Awesome. You were right. Still under warranty from Moen. One is on the way.
I told them about the ones I found available online. Through the Moen website every other part
except the valve body was available. Thanks for the suggestion.

I'm glad you are all set.
The grouch in me would say that people who take advantage of Moen getting a warranty replacement on a USED, DAMAGED faucet from Craigs list, that is why there is a few bucks built into the price of every item, so they can cover that kind of thing,.

Just my rant for the day!