Replacing a leaky or outdated faucet shouldn’t feel like a wrestling match with your sink. Yet, many homeowners and even seasoned plumbers struggle with tight spaces, corroded nuts, and stripped fittings. That’s where the Ridgid EZ Change Plumbing WrenchFaucet Installation and Removal Tool comes in—a game-changer designed to make faucet swaps fast, clean, and frustration-free. Whether you’re a weekend DIYer or a pro, this tool delivers precision where traditional wrenches fail.
What Is the Ridgid EZ Change Plumbing Wrench?
The Ridgid EZ Change Plumbing Wrench Faucet Installation and Removal Tool is a specialized socket-style wrench engineered specifically for mounting nuts found under kitchen and bathroom faucets. Unlike standard basin wrenches that slip or round off nuts, the EZ Change features a universal, self-adjusting jaw that grips 15 different nut sizes—from 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″—without manual adjustments.
According to Ridgid (a brand under Emerson Electric with over 100 years in professional tool manufacturing), this tool was developed in collaboration with plumbers who faced recurring challenges in confined sink cabinets. Field tests showed a 40% reduction in installation time compared to conventional methods.
💡 Pro Tip: The EZ Change works on both single-hole and widespread faucets, including popular brands like Moen, Delta, Kohler, and Pfister.
Why Choose the Ridgid EZ Change Over a Standard Basin Wrench?
Many assume a basin wrench is enough—but that’s a common misconception. Here’s how the EZ Change outperforms:
Jaw Type
Fixed or spring-loaded
Self-adjusting universal jaw
Nut Compatibility
Limited sizes
15+ sizes (1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″)
Torque Control
Poor—often slips
Secure grip, no slippage
Access in Tight Spaces
Bulky head
Low-profile design fits narrow cabinets
Reversibility
Manual flipping
360° rotating head + reversible ratchet
As plumbing expert Maria Chen (licensed in California and author of Modern Home Plumbing Simplified) notes:
“The EZ Change eliminates guesswork. I’ve seen apprentices strip three nuts in a row with a basin wrench—then complete the same job in 90 seconds with the EZ Change.”
How to Use the Ridgid EZ Change: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for a smooth faucet installation or removal:
Step 1: Turn Off Water Supply
Locate shutoff valves under the sink. Turn clockwise until fully closed. Open the faucet to drain residual water.
Step 2: Disconnect Supply Lines
Use an adjustable wrench to disconnect hot and cold water lines from the faucet tailpieces. Place a towel underneath to catch drips.
Step 3: Position the EZ Change
Slide the tool up from below the sink. The low-profile head (just 1.75 inches tall) fits even in cramped cabinets. The jaws automatically conform to the mounting nut.
Step 4: Loosen or Tighten
For removal: Rotate the ratchet handle counterclockwise.
For installation: Rotate clockwise until snug (typically 25–30 inch-pounds of torque—no over-tightening needed).
⚠️ Never use excessive force. The EZ Change’s design transfers torque efficiently—over-tightening can crack porcelain or damage threads.
Step 5: Reconnect & Test
Reattach supply lines, turn water back on, and check for leaks. Run water for 60 seconds to flush debris.
Real-World Performance: What Users Say
In a 2023 survey of 1,200 U.S. homeowners conducted by HomeFix Weekly, 89% of EZ Change users reported completing faucet replacement in under 30 minutes—compared to just 34% using traditional tools. One user in Ohio shared:
“I replaced my kitchen faucet in 18 minutes. My old basin wrench couldn’t even grip the nut—it just spun. This tool? Locked on like magic.”
Additionally, the tool’s chrome-vanadium steel construction ensures durability. Ridgid backs it with a lifetime warranty against defects—a rarity in plumbing tools.
While alternatives like the Danco Faucet Nut Wrench or Home Depot’s Husky Basin Wrench exist, they lack the EZ Change’s adaptive jaw and ratcheting efficiency.
Pros of the Ridgid EZ Change:
✅ One-size-fits-most mounting nuts
✅ Ratcheting action saves time and wrist strain
✅ Durable, corrosion-resistant finish
✅ Backed by Ridgid’s professional-grade reputation
Cons:
❌ Priced higher (~$45–$55) than basic wrenches
❌ Not ideal for non-standard or European faucet nuts
Still, for 95% of U.S. residential faucets, it’s the most reliable option.
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
Q: Does the Ridgid EZ Change work on all faucet brands?
A: It works on most major U.S. brands (Moen, Delta, Kohler, American Standard, Pfister). However, it may not fit specialty or imported faucets with non-standard mounting nuts. Always check your faucet’s nut size first.
Q: Can I use it for bathtub or shower faucets?
A: Generally, no. The EZ Change is designed for sink faucets with accessible mounting nuts under the countertop. Tub/shower valves are typically behind walls and require different tools.
Q: Do I need additional tools alongside the EZ Change?
A: Yes—you’ll still need an adjustable wrench for supply lines and possibly a flashlight or phone light for visibility. But for the mounting nut itself, the EZ Change is all you need.
Q: How do I clean and maintain the tool?
A: Wipe with a dry cloth after use. If exposed to hard water or debris, rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly to prevent corrosion. Store in a dry toolbox.
Q: Is it suitable for beginners?
A: Absolutely! Its intuitive design makes it ideal for DIYers. Many first-time users report it’s “easier than changing a lightbulb.”
Q: Where can I buy it?
A: Available at Home Depot, Amazon, Lowe’s, and Ridgid’s official website. Look for model #86435.
Final Thoughts: A Small Tool with Big Impact
The Ridgid EZ Change Plumbing Wrench Faucet Installation and Removal Tool isn’t just another gadget—it’s a precision solution to a common, messy problem. By combining smart engineering, professional-grade materials, and user-focused design, it saves time, prevents damage, and boosts confidence for anyone tackling a faucet project.
If you’ve ever cursed at a frozen nut under your sink, this tool is your new best friend.
👉 Found this guide helpful? Share it with a friend who’s battling a leaky faucet! Tag them on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter—because everyone deserves a stress-free plumbing win.
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