Device to limit the movement of a faucet's handles

Partial Faucet Handle Lock

Problem

I needed a way to modify a faucet so it could only be partially turned on (and adjusting the plumbing valves for the faucet was not feasible). Thus, I needed something to block the handles of the sink from being fully turned. Since I recently got a 3D printer, I was pretty sure I could cobble something together.

Inspiration

I started by looking around online for inspiration. The below designs fully lock the sink by preventing the handles from being turned, but I needed one that would allow the handle to be partially turned.

• Offset Bathroom Sink Faucet Handle Childproof Lock
• Bathroom Sink Faucet Handle Child Resistant Lock
• Faucet Handle Restraint
• Faucet Handle Lock

Result

I ran through a couple of designs, but I settled on this one I initially prototyped with some paper tubes. I took the pin-and-hole locking mechanism from some of the inspiration above.

After 3D printing out the model, I had to manually cut out and widen the holes for the handles with a knife, which was a bit of pain. Then the lock fit nice and snug onto the sink.

You can find the model free to use and modify here on Onshape. It's been updated with the wider holes I had to manually cut out.

I made the gif below using LICEcap. Open source and easy to use! Passed it through https://ezgif.com/ afterwards to reduce the size.