Faucet or valve handle turning tool

Abstract

A faucet or valve handle turning tool is provided and includes an elongated, cylindrical body of machinable or moldable material having a handle at one end and a cavity formed in the opposite end. The cavity is formed with inwardly extending sidewalls and has at least one portion conforming to the peripheral contour of a faucet or valve handle. In particular, the sidewalls of such cavity may have similar elliptical contours. In at least one example, the cavity may be formed by means of mechanical routing and removal of material from the tool body. In use, the tool thereby reduces the possibility of damage to a polished faucet or valve handle frequently caused by hardened conventional plumbing tools.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to a plumbing tool and, more specifically, to a versatile faucet or valve handle turning tool. When servicing or replacing plumbing fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, it is often required that the water supply to the fixture be turned off. It is typical in residential and commercial construction to place a shut off faucet or valve in close proximity to the plumbing fixture. Because a significant amount of time can elapse between actuation of the shut off faucet or valve, it is common for these valves to “stick” or become difficult to operate. In addition, the location of the shut off faucet or valve in close proximity to the plumbing fixture often makes it difficult easily access the valve and obtain the needed leverage to turn the valve handle to the off position. Furthermore, placing a common monkey wrench, pipe wrench or channel lock pliers on the faucet or valve handle can damage (and sometimes destroy)...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0003] The faucet or valve handle turning tool of the present invention facilitates alternative rotation of a faucet or valve handle, and in particular, faucet or valve handles located in cramped working quarters. In addition, the invention provides a recessed gripping cavity of relatively soft material when compared with the exposed gripping surface of said tool handle. The recessed gripping cavity of the tool may be relatively straight in configuration including a major and a minor axis to provide increased rotational strength required for rotation of said tool handle upon a faucet or valve handle.

[0010] It is a further object of this invention to provide a faucet or valve handle turning tool including one end of the tool terminating in a recess or cavity of lesser material hardness when compared to the hardness of the exposed surface of the faucet or valve handle, to thereby reduce the possibility of damage to a gripped faucet handle surface.

Problems solved by technology

Because a significant amount of time can elapse between actuation of the shut off faucet or valve, it is common for these valves to “stick” or become difficult to operate.

In addition, the location of the shut off faucet or valve in close proximity to the plumbing fixture often makes it difficult easily access the valve and obtain the needed leverage to turn the valve handle to the off position.

Furthermore, placing a common monkey wrench, pipe wrench or channel lock pliers on the faucet or valve handle can damage (and sometimes destroy) the handle.

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