Quck answer
To remove a stubborn bathtub faucet handle, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the water supply to the bathtub to avoid any leaks or water damage.
2. Use a screwdriver or Allen wrench (depending on the type of handle) to remove any visible screws or bolts securing the handle.
3. If the handle does not come off easily, use a lubricant such as WD-40 to loosen it. Let it sit for a few minutes to penetrate and then try again.
4. If the handle still won’t budge, use a handle puller tool specifically designed for this purpose. Follow the instructions provided with the tool to safely remove the handle.
5. Once the handle is removed, you can then access the cartridge or valve stem for repairs or replacement.
Remember to consult the manufacturer’s instructions or seek professional help if you are unsure or uncomfortable performing these steps.
Once you have removed the set screw that holds the bathtub or shower handle to the faucet, the handle should easily come off. However, sometimes the handle refuses to move. This is usually due to a buildup of scale, which can be difficult to remove.
Occasionally, simply wiggling the handle can help break the bond, but if you have already tried this without success, there are a few household remedies you can attempt before resorting to a special tool. One such tool is a handle puller, which may be necessary to remove a stubborn shower or tub handle. Before purchasing or borrowing one, though, try the following simple strategies.
Using Vinegar to Remove a Stuck Tap Handle
Scale takes time to accumulate under a faucet handle, so it is likely that the handle you are trying to remove is old. However, if it is still in good condition, you want to avoid causing any damage. Vinegar can be an effective solution for dissolving scale.
Fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar and spray it under the handle. If you cannot access the area behind the handle with the sprayer, attach a piece of 1/4-inch rubber tubing to the nozzle and aim it into the gap between the handle and the valve stem.
Apply the vinegar generously. If it drips, that is not a problem as it will not cause any harm. Wait for approximately 20 or 30 minutes, then attempt to wiggle and pull the handle. If it still does not budge, spray more vinegar, wait a bit longer, and try again. This method usually proves successful, but if it does not, consider using a commercial scale dissolver instead of vinegar.
Using a Flat Bar for a Stuck Tub or Shower Knob
If vinegar or scale dissolver does not work, you may need to use some force. Retrieve a flat bar and a small piece of scrap wood from your garage. Position the wood against the side of the tub or shower, place the flat bar on top of it, and hook the bar against the back of the handle. Apply a few sudden jerks to loosen the scale and break the bond.
Utilizing a Handle Puller
A handle puller operates similarly to a corkscrew. It has jaws that attach to the back of the handle and a threaded rod that fits through the hole for the set screw, exerting pressure against the valve stem. This tool is suitable for removing Moen shower handles and most other brands as well.
- To open the jaws, unscrew the handle.
- Insert the threaded rod through the hole for the set screw and tighten the handle by turning it clockwise. This will lock the jaws onto the handle. Hook the jaws behind the faucet handle.
- Continue turning the handle clockwise. As the rod pushes against the valve stem, the jaws will remove the handle.
If the faucet handle has a set screw on the side, a handle puller will not work. However, most of these handles are lever-style, so you may not need a faucet puller. You can try breaking up the scale by wrapping the lever with a cloth and tapping the end with a hammer. If this method fails, you can use vinegar, a flat bar, or a combination of both to loosen the scale and wiggle off the handle using the lever.
