JUST PUT IN A NEW KITCHEN SINK AND WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE STRUGGLED THIS MUCH
Dry-fitting is definitely the way to go, especially with those so-called “universal” kits that never seem to actually fit anything in my house. I’ve had a few installs where the drain alignment was just off enough to make me question my life choices. Did you run into any issues with the faucet holes lining up, or was it mostly the drain and cabinet cutout giving you grief? I always end up having to shave a bit more off the particleboard than I expect, and sometimes I wonder if it’s worth using a jigsaw versus a multi-tool for those tight corners.
Also, did you use plumber’s putty or silicone for sealing? I’ve seen arguments both ways, but I’m never sure which is actually better long-term.
JUST PUT IN A NEW KITCHEN SINK AND WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE STRUGGLED THIS MUCH
Those “universal” kits are a bit of a joke, honestly. I’ve had to rework drain alignment almost every time—nothing ever lines up perfectly. For tight corners, I actually prefer a multi-tool over a jigsaw; it’s slower but way more precise. As for sealing, I lean toward plumber’s putty for the drain and silicone for the rim. Putty just seems easier to work with if you ever need to redo something down the line.
JUST PUT IN A NEW KITCHEN SINK AND WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE STRUGGLED THIS MUCH
Universal kits are a bit of a misnomer, aren’t they? I’ve yet to see one that actually fits without some kind of hack job. I’m with you on the multi-tool—much less risk of splintering the countertop, especially if you’re dealing with laminate or anything prone to chipping. I do have to push back a bit on the plumber’s putty, though. I’ve seen it dry out and crack over time, especially in homes where the sink gets a lot of use. Silicone’s messier, but it seems to hold up better in the long run.
Curious if you ran into any issues with the mounting clips? I swear, half the time they’re either too short or just refuse to grab onto the counter. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth just custom ordering everything instead of fighting with these so-called “universal” solutions...
Universal kits are a bit of a misnomer, aren’t they? I’ve yet to see one that actually fits without some kind of hack job.
Honestly, I had the opposite experience with my last install. The “universal” kit actually lined up pretty well, but the mounting clips were a pain—like you said, they just wouldn’t grab. I ended up using a small shim to bridge the gap and it’s held so far. As for plumber’s putty vs. silicone, I get the concern about putty drying out, but I’ve read that some newer putties are less prone to cracking. Maybe it depends on the brand or how much water exposure you get?
I’ve run into the same thing with “universal” kits—sometimes they’re close, but there’s always a bit of improvising needed. Last time I installed one, the clips were just slightly off and I had to bend them a bit to get them to catch. As for sealants, I’ve started leaning toward silicone lately. It’s messier, but I find it holds up better in high-moisture spots, especially if you’re dealing with granite or quartz counters. Putty can work, but I’ve seen it shrink over time, even with newer brands. Maybe it’s just the climate here...