Brass spindles for faucets come in a variety of styles and designs. Each style offers unique features, finishes, and functionality, catering to different preferences and needs.
1. Compression Spindle:
The compression spindle is one of the oldest and most traditional styles of brass spindles used in faucets. It operates by using a rubber washer compressed against a valve seat to control the flow of water. When you turn the handle to open the faucet, the washer is lifted off the valve seat, allowing water to flow. Conversely, turning the handle to close the faucet presses the washer against the valve seat, stopping the water flow.
Key Features:
- Simple design: Compression spindles have a straightforward construction, making them easy to understand and repair.
- Easy maintenance: As the most basic type of spindle, compression spindles are typically easy to repair and replace.
- Durability: Brass compression spindles are known for their longevity, making them a popular choice in many household plumbing systems.
2. Cartridge Spindle:
The cartridge spindle is a more modern style that uses a cartridge to control the water flow. It contains a series of holes and channels that align with the movement of the handle, allowing water to flow or stopping it when necessary. Cartridge spindles can be further categorized into two types: single-handle cartridge spindles and double-handle cartridge spindles.
Single-handle cartridge spindle:
Single-handle cartridge spindles, also known as mixing valves, are used in faucets that have a single lever for controlling both hot and cold water. When you move the lever, the cartridge inside the spindle adjusts the mixture of hot and cold water, regulating the temperature as desired.
Key Features:
- Temperature control: Single-handle cartridge spindles offer precise temperature control, allowing users to achieve their preferred water temperature easily.
- Smooth operation: The single-handle design allows for smooth and seamless control of water flow and temperature.
- Ease of use: The ability to control both the flow rate and temperature with a single lever makes this style of spindle convenient and user-friendly.
Double-handle cartridge spindle:
Double-handle cartridge spindles are used in faucets that have separate hot and cold water handles. Each handle controls the flow of their respective water supply, allowing users to adjust the temperature by blending hot and cold water manually.
Key Features:
- Individual control: With separate handles for hot and cold water, users have full control over the desired water temperature.
- Balance adjustment: Double-handle cartridges often include adjustable mechanisms that regulate the balance between hot and cold water, ensuring consistent temperature control.
3. Ball Spindle:
The ball spindle is a popular style of spindle used in single-handle faucets. It consists of a single lever that controls rotational movement over a ball-shaped mechanism within the spindle. This mechanism controls the mixture of hot and cold water, as well as the flow rate, by aligning the waterways within the ball.
Key Features:
- Versatile operation: Ball spindles allow for a full range of motion, enabling users to easily adjust both water temperature and flow rate by rotating the lever.
- Durable construction: The ball mechanism within the spindle is typically made of durable materials such as brass or stainless steel.
4. Disc Spindle:
The disc spindle, also known as a ceramic disc cartridge, is a modern alternative to traditional spindle types. It uses two ceramic discs, one stationary and one movable, to regulate water flow and temperature. As the movable disc moves across the stationary disc, it adjusts the water passage, controlling the flow and temperature accordingly.
Key Features:
- Precise control: Disc spindles provide precise control over the flow rate and temperature, allowing users to achieve their desired settings accurately.
- Smooth operation: The ceramic discs used in this style of spindle offer smooth and consistent movement, resulting in a seamless operation.