Tap Cartridge Valve removal tool spanner for SMR SP3308 3308R

Essential for removing some old over-tightened scaled-up valves. Mole grips, pipe grips, etc. had no chance of getting sufficient purchase in the deep recess (Carron Savona). Quite a lot of force needed even so, but unlikely to slip. Also very good for fitting the replacement (hex) valves. This tool is quite long, so adequate clearance is needed. I had to slacken off the main mounting nut to rotate the tap housing. Glad I bought this tool.

The product seemed solid enough but didn't fit. The customer service wasn't good when I tried to return it. They questioned my ability to use something so simple and then wouldn't respond to them paying for postage.Good old Amazon saved the day.

Whilst it did the job, eventually, the metal handle just bent and the tap cartridge did not budge. An adjustable spanner around the outside flats of the tube adjacent to the tap then actually shifted it. So in conclusion it is not robust, but did get the job done.

I tired to fight with our the Franke tap and could not get the old leaking value out due to the rounded old type valve. This tool (and a bit of force) got the thing out alowing me to replace it with a new one, which i also brought the hot and cold pair from this company.They even include a short user guide if needed, all in all a great prodcut.

This tool works well however still hard to turn with the enclosed bar. Had to use a pair of grips . Maybe just that the valves had been over tightened.

Update: In addition to the unsuitability of this tool (fully explained below), the supplier ultimately denied receiving the returned item. So if you do have to return this or any other item to Tap Magician I recommend that you do so with full tracking. I will not personally be doing business with them in future.Given my experience with the Franke Ascona kitchen tap, I’d like to say that this particular and quite expensive box spanner is very unlikely to prove satisfactory for replacement of the original 3308R Ceramic Valves. Because it utterly failed to do the job and damaged the valve in the process, I had little option but to call a plumber to assist me and he was of the same opinion concerning the tool's bad design. The first problem with it is that it is incomplete as no handle is provided. I was supplied with exactly what is in the product photo, so no handle to apply the significant torque that seems to be necessary to remove the notoriously tight Franke valves. The hole provided in this tool for a ‘handle’ is simply not of sufficient diameter to accept a sturdy enough bar for the job. Having gone to some lengths to grip the tool with a ratchet, I thought I was ready to go - only to quickly discover that the flats of this tool were too loose to grip the valve firmly. When the required torque was applied it simply rounded the edges of the valve and slipped off - making removal even more difficult than it was in the first place. The valve was ultimately removed without the tool by two people - my plumber using two adjustable spanners at right angles and myself supporting the tap. My strong advice therefore is to save yourself £16 and, with help, use two adjustable spanners as described. I understand that newer versions of the Franke Ascona tap have a more conventional ceramic valve and that this problem should hopefully not arise with more recent versions.

I'm really glad I ordered this tool before attempting to remove the tap valve. It made removal and replacement very safe, quick as straightforward. The perfect specialist tool.

After several weeks of trying to get valve out of Franke tap I came across this tool plus a replacement valve. Arrived within two days which was much appreciated as all post is delayed due to lockdown in uk. Valve removed and replaced within ten minutes. Another valued asset to my tool kit.