Skip to main content

Operate the Puller to Remove the Ring — Remove the Old Angle Stop

Beginner3 hours

Part of project

How to Replace a Leaky Angle Stop (Shutoff Valve) Under Your Sink · Step 5 of 9

Helpful?

In this video

To operate the tool, hold the main body of the puller steady with an adjustable wrench. Then, use the T-handle to begin tightening the screw. This action pushes the tool's body against the end of the pipe while simultaneously pulling on the compression nut via the arms. Continue to turn the T-handle. This creates a powerful pulling force that will draw the compression nut and the ring (ferrule) straight off the end of the copper pipe. Keep turning until you feel the components break free.

Goal: Extract Compression Ring and Nut

  • Apply force smoothly and steadily. You may hear a slight pop or feel a release when the ring breaks free from the pipe.

Used in this video

  • Sleeve Puller Kit (brand: Superior Tool, Tool Type: Plumbing Tools, Material: Metal, Size/Dimension: Small, Power Source: Manual)Applying pulling force to remove the compression ring.
  • Adjustable wrench (brand: Unspecified, Tool Type: Hand Tools, Material: Metal, Size/Dimension: Medium, Power Source: Manual)Holding the body of the puller tool steady to provide counter-torque.
3.7K views204 minutes
This Old House

2.2M subscribers

View Channel

FAQs

What's the single most important safety step to take before I even touch the leaky angle stop?

The most critical step is to shut off the main water supply to your home. This prevents potential flooding and ensures a safe working environment. Always confirm the water is off by testing a nearby faucet before proceeding with any work.

The project is listed as 'beginner' difficulty, but 3 hours seems long for a valve. Is it really that involved?

While replacing an angle stop is beginner-friendly, the 3-hour estimate accounts for prep work like gathering tools, draining lines, dealing with potential seized parts, and thorough leak testing. Taking your time ensures a proper, leak-free installation, so don't rush the process.

I see "Adjustable Wrench" and "Tongue and Groove Pliers" listed. Are these specific tools essential, or can I get by with a generic wrench set?

Yes, these specific tools are highly recommended. An adjustable wrench helps securely tighten the compression nut on the new valve without stripping it, while tongue and groove pliers (like Channellock) provide a strong grip for holding the valve or pipe steady. Using the correct tools prevents damage and ensures a tight, leak-free connection.

This project specifically mentions installing a "compression-style valve." Are there other types of angle stops, and why is this type recommended for a DIYer?

Yes, other types include soldered (sweat) and push-to-connect (SharkBite) valves. Compression-style valves are ideal for DIYers because they create a watertight seal by compressing a ferrule onto the pipe, requiring only basic hand tools and no specialized skills like soldering, making them relatively easy to install.