Right type of glue/gap filler?

This topic has 10 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 2 January 2026 at 12:48 by Packmule.

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31 December 2025 at 10:37 #830620
jon hill 3
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@jonhill3
Had a problem with a set of basin mixer taps where the ceramic cartridge wont turn due to the spline in the tap handle being worn down. So to clarify the female spline is worn. I has tried ptfe tape as that was all I had to hand with limited success.

The tap in question is on a low pressure gravity feed system and these taps are getting harder to find new replacements, (lack of demand due to most people going over to combi boilers or unvented hotwater storage cylinders).

I have been thinking of using a suitable locktite glue for gappy joints or something such as gasket sealer.

Any suggestions to a suitable glue?
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31 December 2025 at 10:43 #830625
Wink Hackman
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@winkhackman25989
Loctite 577. But you’ll probably never get it off again. However a quick look online showed plenty of low-pressure basin taps available.
31 December 2025 at 10:47 #830626
noel shelley
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@noelshelley55608
My experience of ceramic taps is that in the end it is better to change, the time and cost of repair seldom pans out. The quarter turn tap was a classic example of change rather than improvement. Revert to a type of tap with a washer and have a spare set of washer handy, if after decades the seat fails just recut and it will last more decades. Good luck. Noel.
31 December 2025 at 11:17 #830636
jon hill 3
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@jonhill3
I dont mind if I cant get the tap handle off again as the customer is moving on in a few months and the whole heating/hot water system has a high probabilty of being replaced with an unvented system. So I would expect most of the taps will be upgraded to suite.

I will have to check the market Noel Im not sure there are many conventional washer based taps to buy new.

I dont have locktite 577, I do have 601, 641 and 271 or some alrydite rapid epoxy if that might work?

Im not sure where I would get 577 before next week….

I do have some evostik impack (contact adhesive) if that is a practical solution?
31 December 2025 at 12:11 #830652
MichaelR
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@michaelr
If you have the epoxy resin filler, then I would give that a try
31 December 2025 at 12:59 #830657
Bo’sun
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@bosun58570
On 31 December 2025 at 10:47 noel shelley Said:

My experience of ceramic taps is that in the end it is better to change, the time and cost of repair seldom pans out. The quarter turn tap was a classic example of change rather than improvement. Revert to a type of tap with a washer and have a spare set of washer handy, if after decades the seat fails just recut and it will last more decades. Good luck. Noel.

Glad I’m not the only one. Simple seems best. Mind you, changing a tap washer seems beyond the capability of some folk these days.
31 December 2025 at 13:04 #830658
Robert Atkinson 2
Participant
@robertatkinson2
I don’t think loctite 577 or similar threadlock will cure against a ceramic surface.
Personally I use Sikaflex EBT+ or similar adhesive / sealant. Sticks well with a little bit of flex. IT can also be pulled apart if required. Second choice would be epoxy.

Robert.
31 December 2025 at 13:16 #830663
JasonB
Moderator
@jasonb
J B Weld (original formula) if you are not bothered about getting it off again.

Robert the ceramic cartride is usually within the tap body and that is actuated by a splined shaft. The OP says the mating spline in the handwheel has worn so metal to metal.
31 December 2025 at 17:29 #830700
duncan webster 1
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@duncanwebster1
On 31 December 2025 at 12:59 Bo’sun Said:

On 31 December 2025 at 10:47 noel shelley Said:

My experience of ceramic taps is that in the end it is better to change, the time and cost of repair seldom pans out. The quarter turn tap was a classic example of change rather than improvement. Revert to a type of tap with a washer and have a spare set of washer handy, if after decades the seat fails just recut and it will last more decades. Good luck. Noel.

Glad I’m not the only one. Simple seems best. Mind you, changing a tap washer seems beyond the capability of some folk these days.

Count me in, even the concept of a mixer tap is overcomplicated for me. As for those push button toilet flush things, they must waste a vast amount of water when the start to leak continually. With the old syphonic you could rely on them stopping. Keep it simple is a good motto
1 January 2026 at 12:40 #830759
jon hill 3
Participant
@jonhill3
I went with a rapid set araldite to glue the handle to the spline in the end. If that fails then its a new mixer tap. Perhaps I should have clarified its a monoblock tap with separate hot and cold so perhaps not technically a true mixer tap as its not single handle.

I havent used JB weld, Im guessing its a bit firmer then epoxy?

As to cartridge taps I don’t have much love of them as getting a replacement is like some mythical quest. they don’t come under any BS standard no. so infinite variety.

Although I haven’t yet tried it it might be easier to take one apart and replace the orings and other sealing parts.
2 January 2026 at 12:48 #830933
Packmule
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@packmule
If using JB Weld why not spray with silicone or use Vaseline as a release agent on the threads.
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