What is a mini crutch and wheel head combination stopcock key?
What is a mini crutch and wheel head combination stopcock key? |
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This key is the same as the mini crutch stopcock key with one additional feature. | |||
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As well as the usual U-channel for use on crutch head stopcocks, this key also has a couple of tabs or ‘teeth’ on the two bottom edges of the ‘U’. | |||
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This means it can be used to open and close wheel head valves as well as crutch head stopcocks.
Wheel head valves, sometimes called gate valves, are not mains water stopcocks but control parts of internal plumbing systems. For instance, there may be one in your house for turning off the hot water supply to your taps. |
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Like stopcocks, wheel heads can sometimes be very difficult to turn. By placing the teeth of this combination key between the spokes of the wheel head, sufficient pressure can be applied to turn stubborn valves. Always take care to avoid damaging pipework when using excessive force. | |||
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A variation on the mini crutch and wheel head combination key is this cylindrical design. It has a shape for crutch head internal stopcocks at one end and teeth to fit between the spokes of a wheel head valve at the other. It is just 160mm (about 6 1/2 inches) long and has an adjustable and removable tommy bar handle that can be placed in one of two positions depending on which end of the key is being used. | |||
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There is also a ‘stubby’ version for use on wheel head valves only. | |||
