Types of crane axle boxes for mixers. Serviceable crane-box - what you need for comfort

If our ancestors extracted water from wells, carrying it in buckets from a neighboring street, then we just need to open the tap, and please, you have at your disposal a whole sea of \u200b\u200blife-giving moisture. However, the faucet, like other “devices” in the house, needs care, otherwise the pipes will begin to buzz and the “spout” will leak. The main element of the device is the axle box crane, which is responsible for the appropriate pressure and quality of the water supply. What is this "beast"?

And here’s the “hero” of the article, thanks to which we get water of the desired temperature at the exit from the pipes

This part can be met only in faucets with two handles, where it is necessary to regulate the flow of hot and cold water.

Crane axles vary in type and size. Devices are of this type:

• habitual - worm equipped with a rubber cuff;
• “Devices” of the new generation - with ceramic inserts.

If we talk about sizes, then this is 3/8 or 1/2 inch.

By the way, it is not so difficult to make replacement or repair of the crane axle box, of course, if you will be familiar with its device and features of work. Let's look at both types of “devices”.

Rubber cartridge

You have known the worm gearbox since childhood, which is exactly what our parents and their parents used in the era of the Union. Other options simply did not exist. You may not have seen this detail, but you certainly heard it. Like this? Everything is simple. Remember, at least once, but each of us came across the buzz of pipes when it seems that some wild beast settled inside the water supply system, tearing to freedom, or incapacitating the nervous system, similar to torture by dripping - this is with a closed valve. The culprit of such inconvenience is a rubber cuff, which quickly becomes unusable and ruins, by the way, this is the mixer itself. So, if you hear rattling or observe dripping, immediately replace the crane axle box or at least the rubber seal in order to protect the mixer from premature “death”.

The principle of operation of the rubber valve is simple: following the thread, the piston moves and locks at the right time, providing water supply and shutoff.

The biggest plus of such a cartridge is the price, the part costs a penny. The second positive point is the possibility of replacing the cuff, while with a ceramic crane-axle boxes such a number, as a rule, does not work. The bottom of the cartridge, which is responsible for shutting off water, is rubber and quickly wears out. If the faucet box is not changed in time, the mixer will begin to leak, drip, and flow. The disadvantages also include the need to turn the handle repeatedly to open or close the water and the cost of frequent plumbing calls if you do not know how to replace the crane yourself.

Ceramic faucet

The capricious rubber cartridges were replaced by ceramic crane boxes, popularly referred to as "half-turn" - because of the convenient handle stroke: to open or close the water, you do not need to repeatedly turn the flywheel.

What kind of crane axle boxes does this have specificationswhat are its pros and cons?

As you understand, ceramic is used instead of rubber in this model - the material is more reliable, durable and modern. It is extremely rare to change such cartridges, the pipes never “sneeze”, and the “nose” does not drip.

But there is a minus - a significant price. However, who knows, you overpay or save, because replacing the cuffs of the rubber model also costs money. In extreme cases, if the budget does not allow, buy at least a faucet to switch the shower so as not to spin in the bathroom, like in a frying pan, adjusting the desired temperature and power of water supply.

This is important to know! If you know that the water entering the apartment contains sand, then install an inlet filter to protect the ceramic cartridge from damage.

How to replace the crane box

Whatever cartridge you choose, sooner or later, you will encounter the need to replace it. What signs indicate that it is time to buy a new module?

1. A trickle / drop of water oozes from under the handle.
2. Flywheels rotate with difficulty.
3. It drips from the “nose” (rotational movements of the handle do not change the situation).

How to replace?

DIY repair? Why not? See, it's just

Repair Preparation

First, when buying a new part, make sure that it fits in size (3/8 or 1/2 inch) and thread (slot or square). If you don’t understand what we’re talking about, it’s better to unscrew the cartridge and take it with you, the seller will certainly pick out what will fit your mixer.

Secondly, do not forget to shut off the water - both hot and cold, so that after repairing the crane you do not have to make repairs in the entire apartment. Check if the water really shut off by opening both taps to the limit, otherwise it happens that the valves on the risers also fail.

Thirdly, prepare the necessary tools: pliers, wrenches of the right size, just in case and a drill, as well as a pair of screwdrivers with different cross pieces.

Step-by-step guide

  So, a new part has been bought, tools have been found, are you mentally prepared? Let's look at the stages of how to make repairs.

1. Removing the plug, which is usually round in shape and made of plastic. Pry off the plug with a screwdriver or any flat tool and remove. If the “device” is imported, then there may still be a plastic lock under the plug, also remove it.
2. Loosen the screw with a screwdriver.
3. Dismantling the flywheel (handles).
4. Unscrewing the axlebox (you may still have to unscrew the lock nut present on some models).
5. Cleaning the threads and the inside of the mixer (as far as possible). Taking this opportunity, carefully inspect the surface for cracks, shrinkage, etc.
6. Install a new cartridge. In fact, everything happens as described above, but in reverse order. Meanwhile, you are free to change something, for example, the direction of rotation of the axle box. What is required for this? You need to unscrew the locking screw screwed into the rod and screw it on the other side, which will allow you to turn the tap in the opposite direction.
7. Checking the operation of the new module.

This is important to know! And how to unscrew the axle box if it is stuck, covered with rust or soured? Return to the store and buy a special liquid - for such cases. Work it with a screw, wait a quarter of an hour, and for the matter.

If replacing the module did not help, change the handle; it is possible that the leak was due to the failure of this part

Agree, replacing the axle box crane is not such a difficult task ?!

The faucet box for the mixer is a device that blocks or opens the flow of water inside the mixer. Moreover, a crane box is used for the valve, that is, for a mixer with valve switches. The axle box with the mixer flywheel is connected directly: the rotation of the flywheel (valve) causes the crane to block the water flow.

The device crane boxes

Two types of mechanisms of this kind are known: worm-type axlebox and ceramic-type axlebox for a mixer. Their device is different and we will describe each separately.

Mixer box faucet

Worm gearbox   - This is nothing more than a screw passing through the housing, which is mounted in the mixer. One end of this screw is connected to a flywheel (valve, “lamb”, etc.) located outside the mixer. The other end is connected to the rod, on the end of which a rubber gasket (cuff) is fixed. In this connection, another name for such devices is used in everyday life: "rubber axle box crane".

  - an article under this heading will help you find the right product and the most suitable product for your needs in stores

Crane axles are used in. What are their features? Read about it on our website.

When the flywheel is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise (that is, the aforementioned screw) moves forward or backward along the threads inside the valve body and with a rubber gasket, respectively, it closes or opens the hole for supplying water to the mixer.

  Scheme of work of a worm crane box

In such a crane box, the rubber wears out quickly, the gasket has to be changed. Although it is worth (pennies) pennies, and this operation is trifling, but the chores are chores!

If the basis of the design crane boxes - ceramics, then the device is even simpler. The main element is two adjacent ceramic disks with holes. One disc is coupled to a rod connected to a flywheel valve; the other is motionless. All this is packed in a sleeve-like casing of the axlebox, which is screwed into the mixer.

  Ceramic axle box: appearance

If the rotation of the flywheel causes the alignment of the holes of the ceramic discs, then water is supplied to the mixer. If the rotation of the flywheel leads to the displacement of the holes against each other, then the flow is blocked.

A crane with a ceramic axle box is more convenient than with a rubber one, more durable, but more expensive and more sensitive to water pollution: a grain of sand caught between ceramic disks can damage them. You can not replace them: you have to buy a new crane box entirely.

What you need to know when buying a crane box

Now there are so many crane box options that their replacement becomes a real hassle. At the very least, a buyer needs to learn a few things:

  The principle of operation of the ceramic crane box

The axle box crane has inch thread   ½ or 3/8 inch (referring to the thread by which the crane is screwed into the mixer). The valve mount is slotted, and the number of slots at the end of the stem is from 15 to 24;

Domestic crane-box dimensions of the thread are metric: either M22 in increments of 1.5 mm, or M18 in increments of 1 mm. The flywheel seat on the axle box is a square, with fixation after installation with a screw.

Of course, it is impossible for a mere mortal to correctly identify and remember all the characteristics of the crane-axle box, and when going to the store, it is better to just bring along the old crane-axle box and pick up a new one on it.

  Replacing the crane axle box with ceramic

Of course, other technical characteristics of the crane axle box also matter. For example, the pressure that it can withstand, or maximum temperature   water, throughput (the amount of water that the axle box can skip in a minute - for those with ceramic liners). These parameters are fundamental, but all legal manufacturers make such a reserve for them that when choosing a crane box, few take them into account.

  Replacing the cuff for the worm gearbox

Some readers are interested in whether there are special faucet-boxes for the bathroom, shower, bidet, etc.?

Manufacturers strive to maximize the unification of these products, and although the faucets for the sink and shower have a different design, the shower faucet is fundamentally no different from other similar products.

There are water taps in every kitchen and in the bathroom, and sometimes they can also be found in the toilet. Faucets were invented to control the flow and temperature of the water. Since they are used quite actively (especially if it is a large family with children), they often have to be changed. Naturally, a man will repair or replace a broken device, but a woman most often has to choose it. Therefore, to know: what they are and what you must pay attention to in order to make the right choice is simply necessary.

One of the most important parts for is a device such as a crane box. After all, it is this part located in the case that is responsible for the beginning, pressure, temperature and the termination of water supply in the tap. Therefore, if the crane began to "leak", then most often it is connected with it.

In this article we will try to figure out which crane axle box is better and how to change it.

Specifications of the axle box crane

When choosing an axle box crane, you should pay attention to its size and the material from which the gaskets are made, which are responsible for ensuring tight pressure on the valve seat to shut off the water supply. If there is a need for replacement, then you need to buy a part with the same length and diameter parameters as the original one. Therefore, the old part cannot be discarded immediately after a breakdown. It is better to take it with you to the store and show it to the seller.

The crane with a black rubber gasket (cuff) located on one side, also called a worm, is an older model of this part. Due to its low cost and ease of repair (you just need to change the gasket), it is very popular. But due to the fact that such a crane-axle box has a short life and to shut off the flow of water, it is necessary to do 2-3 turns with a valve; there is a need for its improvement.

The result of this process was the emergence of a crane box with ceramic. Such a part has a higher resistance to wear. Also, its great advantage is that the tap opens after turning the valve 180 °, which significantly reduces the amount of time spent and increases the life of the entire mixer.

But she also has disadvantages:

• higher cost compared to worm gear;
• the repair is quite complicated, so it is recommended to immediately buy a new part;
• sensitive to impurities in water, most often it is recommended to first put the filter on the water, and then install it.

In order to replace the crane box in the mixer, it is not necessary to call the plumbing. You can do this yourself.

Water supply in an apartment is a rather complicated plumbing system. And the locking mechanism in it is the axle box. Without it, it is quite difficult to imagine the normal functioning of the entire water supply system in the home. These devices are responsible for adjusting the water supply through the mixer, for turning on and shutting off its outlet from the tap. They have a certain service life, after which they are replaced. These devices come in different types, they differ in size. And when deciding on how to choose them correctly for replacement, all this must be taken into account.

Types and sizes of devices

Outwardly, all the axle boxes are very similar to each other, but they can be quite different in terms of internal design. Structurally, two types of these devices are distinguished:

• worm - they are also called rubber because of the gasket made of this material located inside the mechanism, which serves to overlap the valve seat to supply water through;
• ceramic - these devices can also be called disk. From ceramics, in such crane boxes, only two disks are made, on which there are holes for the passage of water. One disk is stationary, the second is mobile. When you turn the handle of the tap to supply water, it opens or closes the holes on the first disk.

Attention! Ceramic and worm gear devices may in some cases be interchangeable. But this is only possible if they fit the mixer body in size and thread.

In the market of plumbing fixtures and devices today you can see a fairly large selection of crane boxes of both domestic and foreign production. They may differ in throughput, water temperature and maximum withstand pressure. There are differences in these devices and in size. When buying replacement devices, it must be borne in mind that they can differ in the number of slots on the surface of the rod under the flywheel - it’s 20 or 24. And the thread sizes for installation in the mixer are 1/2 and 3/8 inches.

Rubber axle boxes

Worm gear

Rubber or worm devices are equipped with a stem. When turning the crank handle, it extends. As a result, the gasket in the device opens or closes the valve seat and, accordingly, the water supply. The gasket itself can be made of various types of rubber. And it depends on how long it will serve. Its wear can be determined by the hum in the pipes, which appears when the tap is turned on to supply water.

The main disadvantage of the crane boxes of this type can be called not too long the life of this device. Among the advantages that devices with a worm mechanism have, they distinguish:

• fairly low cost of these devices;
• prevalence on sale, which allows you to easily find the right model;
• easy to replace with your own hands or to repair this device;
• the ability to make the gasket yourself from a suitable rubber for this.

Ceramic axle boxes

Structurally, they are very simple. In the manufacture of such devices use two types of materials - this is brass and ceramic. The only disks or inserts that are ceramic in them are used to adjust the supply or shutdown of water. The disadvantages of devices of this type include a higher cost compared to crane boxes with a worm gear. In addition, they are more sensitive to the quality of the water passing through them. Accordingly, if it contains impurities of sand and other foreign particles, damage to the device is possible. To protect the device from possible breakdowns, it is better to think about an additional installation of high-quality, coming into the apartment.

Ceramic axle boxes

But despite a number of drawbacks inherent in this type of device, do not forget about the undoubted advantages of ceramic crane boxes. Among these advantages can be identified:

• silent operation of the device;
• duration of operation;
• lack of efforts to open the water supply and turn it off.

The choice of crane boxes for replacement

Almost any device requires replacement over time. And when buying a crane box, it is important not to make a mistake with the dimensions, otherwise the purchased device may simply not fit the existing mixer, as a result of which its installation will be impossible. Usually pay attention to the manufacturer of these devices when purchasing a crane box. Often, the quality of the mechanism and the total period of its operation depend on this.

If, when buying a crane box, it is difficult to determine the type of device installed in the system and it is not known what exactly is in the mixer — a ceramic type device or with a worm mechanism, then this is easily known by the number of turns of the valve to open or shut off the water supply . If a worm-type device is installed, then you need to make 3-4 revolutions, and for ceramic - only half the revolution.

The device crane boxes

Gates are “slotted”, which is more common in imported devices, or “square” - this is used mainly for domestic models. Also, the crane and valve (flywheel) may not be of the same standard. You also need to pay attention to this when buying. Before making a purchase of a new device, it is recommended to measure the tap and stem in the old one along the length, as well as determine the type and pitch of the thread for the mixer body.

Tip. If there are difficulties with measurements and determining the type of device, it is better to take with you to the store as a sample those valves and crane boxes that were in the system, so that a specialist can help you choose the right model of device.

Although the crane box is a fairly simple, but very important mechanism, which is entrusted with the function of adjusting the water supply, turning it on and off. This device is responsible for the operation of any crane in the apartment. Therefore, you need to choose it correctly to the mixer installed in the system.

Which crane box to choose: video

Crane axles: photo