What is a double-ended stopcock key?
What is a double-ended stopcock key? |
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A double-ended stopcock key is really a variation of the combination stopcock key.
It is also described as a multi-purpose or a universal key. |
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Instead of having a single head that combines crutch head and square head stopcock keys, it has a crutch at one end and fittings for square heads at the other. | |||
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Double-ended stopcock keys are used outdoors, for turning external stopcocks on and off.
External stopcocks are often well below ground level and can be difficult to access without a long-shafted stopcock key. This one is 1060mm (42 inches) long. |
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What sizes will it fit?A double-ended key will fit up to six different stopcocks, hence it also being called ‘universal’. However, its universality only goes so far – it is not suitable for internal stopcocks, where space is usually restricted. It can can fit 1/2 inch (15mm) and 3/4 inch (20mm) crutch head stopcocks, and 1/2 inch (15mm), 5/8 inch (16mm), 3/4 inch (20mm) and 1 inch (25mm) square head stopcocks. |
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The handle is removable so that it can be placed in the holes in the key head at either end, depending on whether it is being used on a crutch or square head stopcock. | |||
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The handle may be captivated, or trapped, at one end by a plastic stop end, and at the other by a flattened, chisel shape which is useful for lifting external stopcock covers and removing debris and mud from around the cover’s edge.
Removing the plastic stop end allows the handle to slide out. |
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