Fitting a Franke sink - can't fit the supplied clips

[clockworks]

Problem fitting a Franke sink - standard 1.5 bowl stainless drop-in. The sink sits above a 1000mm cabinet, and the clips are the type that are supposed to grip the underside of the worktop. However, the side clips are right where the cabinet sides meet the worktop, the clamping screws for the rear clips are behind the cabinet back board, and the front clips are hidden by the front rail of the cabinet.

The only solution that we can think of is to remove the factory mastic seal (so that the sink will sit flush without clamping), and use silicone to seal and stick the sink in place.

Any other ideas?

[clockworks]

That would work, if we can physically lift the worktop. It's 5.2 metres long, a 3m and a 2.2 metre joined together.
I'll put it to the builder...

[clockworks]

Chiseling with the worktop in place will work for the end clips, but there is no access to the clamping screws on the front and rear clips.

[clockworks]

It's a new instal. With hindsight, it would've been easier to fit the sink before joining the worktops. They aren't screwed down yet, but lifting will be tricky - don't really want to risk it breaking around the sink cutout.

I think we will be able to fit the front clips by drilling through the cabinet rail, and the rear clips by replacing the screws with some hex or allen heads.
A combination of clips and silicone should do the job, after removing the factory seal.

[clockworks]

hedgefinder said:

no offence intended, but maybe think about getting someone in who does it for a living to sort it out for you..

I have.

[clockworks]

Thanks for confirming that it is a common problem, and that silicone will do the job.

One thing that concerns me is that the sink has a very slight upward curve along both the front and the back - 2 or 3 mm. I assume it is designed like this, as it is very even along both edges, and there is no sign of damage.
The clips would pull it down no problem.

I think we will be able to fit a couple of clips towards the middle of the front and back edges, which should help it sit flush.

Edited by clockworks on Sunday 2nd November 19:25