recommendations on the right wrench for this issue

[redwrench60]

I know it's tight back there and access is limited but can you clamp a small pair of vise grips to one of those "wings" on that basin nut and pull it snug? You might have to go one at a time till its snug. I was thinking like 4 or 6 inch vise grips. Like someone else said who cares if you booger the finish on the nut a little it's hidden from view.

 

[toolslinger]

I'm thinking a socket drive strap wrench since it looks like it's buried up under there too far to get a regular ******** it.
It'll be a PITA to get it on, and everything lined up, but it should do it...

Something like:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B2LV4DS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MEDTECH]

I know it's tight back there and access is limited but can you clamp a small pair of vise grips to one of those "wings" on that basin nut and pull it snug? You might have to go one at a time till its snug. I was thinking like 4 or 6 inch vise grips. Like someone else said who cares if you booger the finish on the nut a little it's hidden from view.

Thx, red...this is why this forum is so valuable. So many different ideas and much ingenuity. Will try that for sure. And, not concerned about the finish at all.

 

[rlitman]

I know it's tight back there and access is limited but can you clamp a small pair of vise grips to one of those "wings" on that basin nut and pull it snug? You might have to go one at a time till its snug. I was thinking like 4 or 6 inch vise grips. Like someone else said who cares if you booger the finish on the nut a little it's hidden from view.

It's worth a shot, if you can get them in there, but I'm pretty sure that the nut is chrome plated plastic, so go VERY EASY on this route or you may rip a wing right off and be in a worse position.

I'm pretty sure the Basin Buddy is made to be used in place of a basin wrench, on the valve clamps, which are normally this inaccessible, not on the drain, which is only this inaccessible in the case of pedestal sinks like this.
I also think it wouldn't line up with the splines on this nut, but I do like this way of thinking.

Superbec makes a good point. Some silicone o-ring grease on the rubber may make it possible to get this joint sufficiently leak tight when just finger tight.

 

[gdocktor3]

The correct tool is a basin wrench. Not a strap wrench. Not a spanner wrench. And definitely not a screwdriver and hammer. This is the tool right here from Home Depot. http://m.homedepot.com/p/3-8-in-x-1...SE6Ls4qu-3aN3AtcdfRgVBoCLojw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[gdocktor3]

The correct tool is a basin wrench. Not a strap wrench. Not a spanner wrench. And definitely not a screwdriver and hammer. This is the tool right here from Home Depot. http://m.homedepot.com/p/3-8-in-x-1...SE6Ls4qu-3aN3AtcdfRgVBoCLojw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yours must be old and outdated if it's too big. Or a really cheap one. If you do go get the tool, buy a new washer. Write down any brand names you see on the drain or bring it with you if possible. Take pictures and measurements also. Do not take name off faucet as it may be different. Here is a picture I found that shows you what's going on down there.

Also, you pedestal may be cemented in place because it is not bolted to wall. It needs that support leg as it is the only thing holding it up.

 

[gdocktor3]

I was also just thinking. If you can secure that bottom nut from moving, you can use a screwdriver or needle nose pliers from the top and tighten it like that. The drain should have a cross in the middle. Catch it with the needle nose pliers and give it a turn while some one holds the nut on the bottom in place.

 

[redwrench60]

I was also just thinking. If you can secure that bottom nut from moving, you can use a screwdriver or needle nose pliers from the top and tighten it like that. The drain should have a cross in the middle. Catch it with the needle nose pliers and give it a turn while some one holds the nut on the bottom in place.

This is a pretty good idea too. Might just do the trick.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Its amazing the lack of room behind there.

No its not ! My son had to Rube Goldberg up a trap because no standard trap would work. That was before either of us ever heard about a "European"/bottle trap.

The only way you will ever get it more than hand tight is by removing the pedestal.

 

[stanleyrleonard]

Maybe--just maybe: Automotive mirror or mirror on floor and these: http://www.sears.com/crescent-double-x-pliers-set/p-00929319000P?prdNo=6&blockNo=6&blockType=G6

I might add that when I enlarged your photo, the large plastic nut appears to be somewhat cross threaded [may be the cause of the leak]--hoping here that I'm incorrect.

Check this out: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=531837&d=1456795026

Hope this helps--Stan