Seat Extractor Instructions

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

Step 1: Select the Correct Zip Seat Extractor

The Symmons Removal Set includes two bits for different Symmons Valve models. Each Zip Seat Extractor has both a hot and cold seat wrench built in. In other words, between the two dual-acting bits, there are four wrenches to remove four different seats. In all cases, the larger cold seat toward the front of the valve cavity must be removed first before being able to remove the smaller hot seat, which is located at the back of the valve.

Be sure to select the correct power wrench for the seat you are removing. Using the wrong wrench can damage the seats.

WARNING: MISMATCHED SEATS ARE COMMON!

You must take the necessary steps to identify which seat style you’re removing every time you remove each cold and hot seat. Don’t assume that the larger cold seat requires the same bit as the smaller hot seat each time. In many cases, someone may have already replaced one seat but not the other in a previous valve repair. Take the time to check each seat carefully and select the best wrench for each seat.

How to Select the Bit

  1. To select the correct bit, first, insert the Zip Seat Extractor bit by hand.
  2. Turn it slowly until it locks firmly into place in the seat.
  3. Turn it back and forth to be sure it has been firmly placed and not become stuck on debris.
  4. If the Zip Seat Extractor does not feel firm, remove it and try the other Zip Seat Extractor bit instead.
  5. Repeat the process by hand until you have selected the correct bit. In most cases, the correct bit will slide in further.
  6. DON’T GIVE UP PREMATURELY! PROPERLY IDENTIFY THE RIGHT WRENCH FOR THE RIGHT SEAT!

Step 2: Attach Your Impact Driver

  • With the bit firmly placed by hand in the seat, attach your impact gun using a ¼” inch speed bit.

NOTE: The Zip Seat Extractor will perform best in an impact gun, but it is compatible with all drills and screw guns. We highly recommend an 18V impact gun for optimum performance. We do not recommend light-duty power tools as a stuck seat could damage a drill or a screw gun that lacks the proper torque.

 

 

 

 

 

Step 3: Apply Pressure

  • Put your impact driver in reverse and prepare to remove the valve.
  • With both hands on your impact driver, cradling it, lean into the valve as you begin the extraction process.

Step 4: Extract the Seat

  • With your impact driver in reverse, squeeze the trigger.
  • Slowly increase the speed as the valve begins to break free and spin.
  • If the seat is stuck, continue to squeeze the trigger at full speed and apply pressure to the impact driver.
  • This can make a loud “RAP TAP TAP” sound as the impact driver applies torque to the seat.
  • Once the seat breaks free, it will spin freely. Tip the heel of your impact driver down slightly in order to remove the old seat as you’re pulling it out.

With extremely stuck seats, use an 18V impact driver at full speed and apply continuous pressure. This process can take several minutes before finally breaking free.

NOTE: DRILL CHOICE If you are still not able to remove the seat, you may need an impact driver with greater torque. In all cases, we highly recommend an 18V impact gun for this process or a stronger one. A drill, screw gun, or lighter-duty impact gun will work in many cases, but the Zip Seat Extractor has never failed with the right amount of torque behind it. In all of our testing, we have not come across one seat that could not be removed with this proper process.

Although you can use the Zip Seat Extractor Wrench Bits with any drill or screw gun, the real magic is when used with an impact gun. These tools have been made with the necessary high-quality, hardened, steel and black oxide coating to be used with the kind of torque involved and required with an impact gun, which is why they are so well-made. The Impact action is what breaks free the more calcified, frozen seats you’ll come across. But if you don’t have one, you can use a drill or a screw gun with the same kind of success, provided they have enough torque to do the job. The severity of the seized seat will depend on how much torque is required.

Installing New Seats

All newly purchased replacement seats will use the newer hexagon orientation and will be installed with the Zip Seat Extractor EVOLVE wrench bit. This simple five-step process should be used to install both new hot and cold seats.

  • Start with the Zip Seat Extractor before placing it in your impact driver. Place the new hot seat (TA-3) onto the EVOLVE bit. The seat should sit firmly on the bit.
  • By hand, stick the seat into the receiver at the back of the valve, similar to setting a screw with a screwdriver. Thread the seat into the receptacle by hand clockwise until it will not turn easily by hand.
  • Without removing the Zip Seat Extractor bit from the seat, attach your impact driver to the Zip Seat Extractor using a ¼” speed bit.
  • Make sure your impact driver is switched to forward. Lean into the valve to apply gentle pressure, and slowly pull the trigger, giving three to four short bursts to secure the valve. This will make a loud “RAP TAP TAP” sound as it tightens. Do not over-tighten.
  • Remove the impact driver and Zip Seat Extractor bit from the valve.
  • Repeat these steps with the larger cold seat (TA-3).

Knowing how to repair / rebuild a Symmons shower valve is one of the most important things for plumbers or DIY enthusiasts. A&Z World is proud to offer the tools required to make the job as simple as possible, as the Zip Seat Extractor will help save you time and money!