Crane-axle: the right choice and replacement of the "heart" of the mixer

The crane box is an important internal part of the two-handle mixer. Thanks to the operation of this element, water supply, shut-off and pressure regulation are provided. The part has a certain period of service, after which it can be replaced by yourself. The crane-axle is of several types depending on the material of manufacture and size. What to consider when choosing a product and how to replace it is set out in this article.

What is the significance of a crane-box for a mixer (GOST 2589-96)

You should immediately figure out what a crane-axle box is. This element belongs to the class of shut-off valves. The design is made of steel or brass and consists of a body, which is equipped with mounting threads and rubber seals, a rotary stem and a union fixed in the body.

The part also includes glands, which ensure the tightness of the device, and a quick-release washer that fixes the position of the element in the mixer. To ensure smooth operation and increase the resource of production, some models are additionally equipped with a fat chamber.

The internal element of the valve head, depending on the movement of the valve or mixer lever, changes its position. In design, it can resemble a flat plate, a metal sphere or a worm element with rubber seals.

The crane box is installed inside the mixer, which is designed for mixing cold and hot streams. The product is used to supply and shut off water, adjust the required pressure and the required flow temperature. This vertical head is designed for mixers that are installed on washbasins, sinks, showers, bathtubs, bidet systems.

The crane-axle box for the mixer should be made of material that is wear-resistant to water and mechanical impurities, which easily tolerates temperature changes and high temperatures of the transported liquid. It must ensure the tightness of the circuit, withstand pressure up to 1 MPa, and have a set flow rate, which is determined by the channel diameter.

Important! Vertical heads with a 180 degree swing angle are characterized by the minimum wear of the mechanism.

The crane-axle box for the domestic mixer has standard dimensions 1/2 and 3/8 inches, established by GOST. For the imported device, slots 20 and 40 are used.

The principle of operation of the crane-axle box is that when the flywheel is affected, the shutter, which is located in the rotary rod, starts to move. It begins to rotate around its axis perpendicular or parallel to the water flow. In this case, the shutter provides access to water, regulates the intensity of its outflow and blocks its movement.

Varieties of crane-axles for the mixer according to different indicators

In order not to be mistaken in the choice of fittings, you should know what kind of crane-axle boxes are. Based on the stem design, the valve head can be worm, ceramic or ball. The first option is also called rubber, since by means of translational movements, the rod of the rubberized collar overlaps the valve seat for supplying water through the mixer. Depending on the movement of the stem, the worm-gear valve-axle box is reverse-threaded or equipped with special guides.

Ceramic crane axle boxes are also called disk. The working element in them is represented by two metal-ceramic, carefully polished plates with static and rotary holes. The operation of the mixer is ensured by aligning or spreading these holes.

In ball valves, the locking mechanism is represented by a polished metal ball, which has through technical holes inside. To shut off the water flow, it is enough to turn the valve just 1/4 of a turn. Such axleboxes are mainly equipped with cranes on the supply pipes. Ball valves are not used in mixers.

Depending on the size of the landing part, the types of crane axle boxes are also distinguished. The size of the head can be 1/2, 3/8, 3/4 inches, as well as M18x1. Valve heads can also be classified by manufacturer, where domestic and imported products are presented, angle of rotation, which includes semi- and full-turn models.

The shape of the head, with which the valve is fixed to a flywheel, handle or valve, can be square or slotted. Products of the latter type differ in the number of protrusions on the rod for attaching to the flywheel of a plumbing product. Crane axle boxes can also differ in the temperature of the working environment, throughput and the maximum pressure that they can withstand.

The device and distinctive features of the worm-gear crane-axle box

Worm (rubber) valve heads are equipped with stems that extend when the handle is turned. They create pressure on the threaded gear, which drives the stem itself with a rubber gasket.

The gasket, which is located in the device, opens and closes the valve seat, regulating the water flow. When the flow is shut off, a tight connection is achieved between the valve disc and the special inner seat. This gasket can be made of any type of rubber, which affects the period of its service. This worm-type valve is an old-style valve head design.

Important! The worm-gear valve-axle box provides the most accurate pressure control, since when the flywheel rotates, the stem moves very slowly.

The outer part of the body is threaded, which facilitates joining the element with the mixer. For ease of replacement, the structures are equipped with special niches for a wrench. The inner core can be threaded or guided for a sliding type check valve.

Important! If a hum appears in the pipes when the water is turned on, this indicates the wear of the gasket.

Among the advantages of this type of crane axle box, one can single out the low cost, which starts from 100 rubles, the prevalence on sale, the ease of replacing the element, which implies complete blocking of water, and the ability to make such a gasket yourself from suitable rubber.

The main disadvantage of this type is the short period of operation of the device, which is no more than 5 years. The mechanism also shows an increased sensitivity to water quality. Various admixtures of metals and salts accelerate the wear of the rubber seal.

A distinctive feature of this type of valve valve is the need for several full revolutions of the valve in order to completely open or close the section. This frequency of friction also has a negative effect on the wear period of the device. As a result, each time the valve will have to be tightened more in order to ensure that the flow of water is completely stopped.

Ceramic crane box: design and characteristics of the head

The ceramic faucet box has been developed as a modern alternative to the rubber valve head, which outperforms it in reliability, wear resistance and durability.

The device is characterized by simplicity of design. It is made from ceramic and brass. Such a valve head is represented by two ceramic discs with holes of the same shape. One insert is fixed on the rod, and the second is fixed. When changing the rotary disk, the size of the flow area of ​​the valve changes, as a result of which the water flow is regulated. The device is installed in the mixer using standard seals and washers.

The liquid flows exclusively through the channels intended for this, which is achieved due to the good tightness of the ceramic discs. To open or close the valve, the handwheel is rotated half a turn in one direction or, respectively, in the other direction. As a result, it is possible to completely open, partially combine or close the channels. Such small manipulations with the valve provide a high speed of control of the device, however, the accuracy of the pressure regulation suffers.

The advantages of this type of valve head include the noiselessness of its operation, a long period of operation, which is 5-10 years, the absence of efforts to turn on and off the movement of the water flow. The swing angle reaches 90-180 degrees.

Among the disadvantages of ceramic heads, one can single out the high price of crane axle boxes, averaging 300-350 rubles. The mechanism is highly sensitive to the quality of the passing water. If it contains a lot of mechanical impurities in the form of sand particles, clay sediments, rust and other suspensions, this will quickly lead to jamming of the mechanism, which is especially important for 1/2 crane axle boxes. Ceramics, on the other hand, is resistant to chemical compounds. However, if the mixer core fails, the internal elements are not suitable for repair.

Helpful advice! To protect the ceramic crane-axle box from breakdowns and extend the period of its operation, it is recommended to install a filter for coarse water purification at the entrance to the apartment of centralized water supply pipelines.

Useful tips for choosing a crane box for a mixer

Any device needs to be replaced after some time. Before you buy a crane box for a mixer, it is important to consider some aspects. It is necessary to determine the size of the seat, the type and pitch of the threaded connection, the length and configuration of the stem, the number of splines, which is typical for imported products.In domestic versions, valves are "square".

Important! Imported and domestic models cannot be interchanged, therefore, to replace the Russian head with a foreign analogue, it is necessary to purchase a crane box with a flywheel in the kit.

To replace a worn valve head, you must buy exactly the same model from the same manufacturer. In the case of choosing a modified analogue, it is required to take into account the full compliance with the overall dimensions and interaction with the mixer. To eliminate a mistake, choose a crane-axle box in a specialized store, having an old part with you.

Do not forget about the quality of the water, which will affect the continuity and duration of the shut-off element. The cheapest options are offered by Chinese manufacturers. The cost of the valve head is in the range of 70-800 rubles. The domestic manufacturer produces quality products in the price range from 100 to 1500 rubles. The cost of the crane axle box of the European brand will be 450-2100 rubles.

When buying a new faucet for a bathroom or kitchen, you need to independently make sure which faucet box is installed in it. To do this, turn the flywheel. For a rubber valve-axle box for a shower or a washbasin, 3-4 turns are needed, and for a ceramic one, only half a turn is enough.

How to change the tap-box in the mixer: sequence of actions

Before changing the crane box, you should prepare the necessary tools and materials. To do this, you will need adjustable and pipe wrenches, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, pliers, a knife, thick rubber and rags. This procedure does not cause any difficulties, so it can be performed independently without the involvement of specialists.

Related article:

Faucet with hygienic shower: the best way to make the bathroom comfortable

Varieties and advantages of installation. What the device consists of, how to choose the right one. Rating of models and manufacturers.

Before replacing the valve box, it is necessary to shut off the water supply. Next, remove the decorative cap, which is located in the central part of the valve. Use a screwdriver to unscrew the fixing screw. Making light swinging movements, dismantle the valve. Armed with pliers, you need to unscrew the decorative nut.

Helpful advice! When unscrewing the nut between the element and the pliers, it is recommended to put an elastic band or a piece of cloth, which will exclude the possibility of damaging the lining.

Next, the question arises of how to remove the crane box. Using a pipe wrench, the element is unscrewed from the seat by gripping its upper part with special notches. The procedure is carried out counterclockwise. Then you need to clean the inside of the mixer.

Using a special oil compound, lubricate all threaded connections. On the prepared seat, it is required to screw in a new crane-axle box with a key, which is carried out clockwise. Before this, the part must be wrapped along the thread with several layers of tow or fum tape, which will provide a tighter connection. However, there should not be too much sealed material, since in the event of increased pressure on the threads, it can burst, which will damage the valve box or mixer.

Next, a decorative nut is screwed on. The valve is installed in its original place and securely fixed with a fastening screw, on which a decorative cap is put on. After completing all the work, the water supply opens and the valve is checked for leaks.

Important! To change the direction of movement of the crane-axle box when opening, unscrew the locking screw in it, which must then be fixed on the back side.

Important recommendations and tips for replacing the valve box in the mixer

When deciding how to unscrew the valve box, you may encounter the problem of the element sticking to the mixer body, which is a consequence of the appearance of rust or oxidation. There are several ways to get out of this situation. The case can be treated with vinegar, oxygenated compounds or chemicals. It is also heated with a hot air gun. The crane box can be loosened with little effort. Overdoing it often leads to damage to the element and the mixer itself.

Helpful advice! As a last resort, drilling of the valve head is used, but after such a procedure it will be necessary to cut a new threaded connection.

In the event of cracks, chips, indentations or other damage to the seat in the worm gearbox, the central element needs to be completely replaced. If there are problems with the tightness of the ball or ceramic valve head, it will need to be replaced with a new one, since repair of the indoor unit is impossible.

If there is an unpleasant squeak in the valve or it is necessary to apply force to turn the valve, then to solve this problem, the valve head should be lubricated, which will prevent its further breakdown. If leaks from the valve are detected, the rubber gasket must be replaced. To do this, you can independently cut out a part of the required size from dense rubber or purchase a repair kit for a crane-axle box with O-rings of various diameters in a specialized store.

If, after removing the crane-axle box, the abrasion of the part in height is found, the missing part can be increased using a thin layer of silicone. After the composition has set, the valve head is screwed back in.

How to repair a ceramic type crane box

Sand or other mechanical impurities may appear between the ceramic disks of the crane axle boxes, which will cause a violation of the tightness of the joint surfaces, as a result of which the sanitary element will leak. This problem can be eliminated after dismantling the axle box and disassembling the head. Each plate is thoroughly cleaned and lubricated with a waterproof compound. After repairing the ceramic valve-axle box, the assembly is assembled back.

Important! When disassembling the ceramic axle box, it is important not to confuse the bottom and top of the discs, as this will lead to incorrect operation of the device.

If small scratches and cracks are found on the discs, they can be removed by sanding the base. The repair of the crane box is carried out using a fine abrasive powder of 1200 grit, which consists of silicon carbide and aluminum oxide. Before starting the procedure, the powder should be poured onto any glass. Machine oil can be used as a solvent. Next, the damaged plate is taken, applied to the glass and rubbed against it in a circular motion. After all scratches have disappeared, the disc is washed under running water.

A pressure washer is located between the ceramic discs, which can be fluoroplastic, nylon or propylene. The part is subjected to constant stress, which leads to its wear. Reducing its thickness reduces the tightness of the knots. A gap is formed where water seeps in.

The part can be replaced with a new one. To do this, the crane-axle box is completely disassembled, the stem, the retaining ring and the plastic washer are pulled out. After installing a new washer, the discs should be cleaned and lubricated.If you cannot find a part that is suitable in size, you can increase its thickness by gluing a layer of electrical tape on it or by placing a thin polyethylene circle under it.

In case of wear of the body, the valve stem, damage to the threads or the presence of significant scratches on the disks, it is impossible to repair the crane axle box with your own hands. The head must be replaced with a new element.

Review of famous brands of sanitary fittings

The VIDIMA company has a good reputation for over 60 years, as it offers high quality and reliable products at an affordable cost. The latest technologies and modern mechanisms are used for the manufacture of plumbing elements. Every product released is required to undergo rigorous individual quality checks.

The products of the German brand are presented not only in European markets, but back in the twentieth century, they won the recognition of the domestic consumer. The company specializes in the manufacture of ceramic valve axles for single and double lever mixers. The company has patented the technology for the production of ceramic elements, which are characterized by strength, reliability, durability, regardless of the quality of the water. VIDIMA crane axle boxes have a 5-year warranty.

Another equally well-known and popular brand is the German company Grohe. The manufacturer offers a wide range of plumbing fixtures, spare parts and accessories. The products are distinguished by a high level of ergonomic comfort, practical functionality, reliability and a long service life.

A special place in the product range is given to Grohe ceramic crane axles, which are manufactured on high-class equipment using innovative technologies. This allows us to obtain a practical, reliable and durable product, which is characterized by a high level of resistance to mechanical stress and the influence of an aggressive environment.

The crane box is distinguished by its simple design, it is easy to install independently. When choosing a new element, it is important to select it correctly based on the standard size of the seat and the type of product. With minor leaks of the valve mixer, you can independently repair the internal mechanism, guided by the above recommendations.