An internally threaded split nut having an arcuate gap defining an opening
large enough to pass over the outside diameter of a first tubular conduit
or elongate rod section from the side, the split nut then being coaxially
alignable and threadedly engageable with a cooperatively second threaded
conduit or rod section having an outside diameter greater than that of
the first section. Use of the subject split nut to releasably secure a
water supply valve assembly having a REHAU.RTM. hose barb fitting to a
wall of an in-wall appliance outlet box is also disclosed.