How do I undo this waste nut, which is in a tight spot?

[Beverly27]

Apologies for the grim photo! I need to replace the waste on our bathroom sink, which sits on top of the wooden vanity. To do so, I need to undo the black plastic nut shown in the photo, to remove the waste, but I haven't been able to unscrew this by hand. As you can see space is tight around the nut. Is there something I should do, or a specific tool to use, which will allow me to grip the nut to undo it please? Thanks!

 

[Tigercubrider]

Box spanner.
you need to measure everything to check what you buy fits

 

[Exedon]

Need a basin waste box spanner monument do them but cheaper versions available. Think they are described as 46 x 50 mm.

 

[Beverly27]

Box spanner.
you need to measure everything to check what you buy fits

Thanks tigercubrider!

 

[dilalio]

Better to remove the basin from the unit.
Fit new waste.
Clean surfaces and re-stick basin to unit.
Cheese wire to cut through the silicone holding basin on to unit.

 

[just pumps]

Apologies for the grim photo! I need to replace the waste on our bathroom sink, which sits on top of the wooden vanity. To do so, I need to undo the black plastic nut shown in the photo, to remove the waste, but I haven't been able to unscrew this by hand.

Because you said the black nut can I check if you meant the black nut (which is a bolt head) in the centre of the chrome bit or the bigger white nut outside of the waste.

 

[Beverly27]

Need a basin waste box spanner monument do them but cheaper versions available. Think they are described as 46 x 50 mm.

Thank you Exedon!

Because you said the black nut can I check if you meant the black nut (which is a bolt head) in the centre of the chrome bit or the bigger white nut outside of the waste.

The large plastic black nut outside of the waste.

 

[Beverly27]

Better to remove the basin from the unit.
Fit new waste.
Clean surfaces and re-stick basin to unit.
Cheese wire to cut through the silicone holding basin on to unit.

Thank you dilalio, why would doing it this way be better?

 

[mattylad]

Perhaps because if the sink itself is easy enough to remove and refit it saves you buying a tool that you will only need the once.

 

[Beverly27]

Perhaps because if the sink itself is easy enough to remove and refit it saves you buying a tool that you will only need the once.

Thanks mattylad, that's a reasonable point. With my minimal level of experience, I feel more comfortable paying the £10 or so for the tool, rather than removing the sink.

 

[dilalio]

Thank you dilalio, why would doing it this way be better?

Because that's the way it would have been fitted at install.
You will probably struggle to get a new one on and watertight.
It will likely loosen the silicone whilst you are using force to get the waste out and new one back in.
I would remove the basin.

 

[Deleted member 292770]

basin out

 

[johnny2007]

Yes, basin out.
And as you're there, replace plastic nut with brass.
Couple of quid in any plumbing shop.
Don't over tighten.

 

[Beverly27]

Thanks all, I will remove the basin! Cutting wire has been ordered.

 

[johnny2007]

If the silicone is old enough (or cheap enough), just twist the waste and it will come off.