A method and apparatus used to secure a faucet to a countertop includes a brace with legs joined together at a nut, thereby allowing the legs to pivot about a horizontal axis of the nut. The nut is joined to a threaded rod that extends from a base of a faucet. The legs of the brace pivot such that the legs are both parallel to the threaded rod with one part of the brace above the horizontal axis of the nut and one part of the brace below the horizontal axis of the nut. The threaded rod and brace may then be inserted into a countertop mounting hole. The threaded rod is rotated from above the countertop, thereby drawing the brace towards the countertop and securing the faucet.