skip to main content

Can't remove faucet handle

17 years ago

I've got a dripping kitchen faucet that probably just needs a replacement cartridge (or so I'm told, it's fairly new and not a washer type). Problem is, I can't take it apart because the screw holding handle on (after taking decorative cover off, top of handle, phillips head screw is recessed in an opening about 1/2" wide and 1/8" deep) is corroded and I've not been able to turn it with phillips head screwdriver or by trying to grasp with needle nosed pliers. Any suggestions?

Should I have any trouble finding replacement part for faucet about 15 years old?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

kudzu9
17 years ago
May depend on the brand, but you should be able to find replacement parts. As for getting things apart, are you sure this is a Phillips head and not a hexhead or starhead? If it is a Phillips head you have two options: 1) put a couple of applications of Liquid Wrench on it and see if that frees it up from the corrosion; 2) buy a small bit called a screw extractor (you drill a small hole in the center of the obstinate screw, and then you use the screw extractor to grip the inside of the hole and to turn it out). If you're not real handy, though, you may not be successful with the screw extractor.

If you're unable to resolve the problem in this manner, it's time for you to install a new faucet, which will probably be a lot cheaper than calling a plumber to fix the old one...
0
davidl_ny5
Original Author
17 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions. The screw head looks like a Phillips, but is kind of malformed due to corrosion, and it doesn't plainly look like anything else. I've put something on there that was suppposed to free up the corrosion (don't remember now what it was) but can always try the Liquid Wrench.

I didn't know exactly how a screw extractor worked, but could probably handle it. On further thought, however, your new faucet suggestion may have the most merit. Thanks again.
0
Related Discussions
remove handle from Blanco kitchen faucet
Q
Comments (1)
I am reluctant to give this suggestion, but I would pull it while tapping the handle with a wooden spoon (or something else that hard but won't scratch it). Won't hurt to try.
...See More
bathroom faucet handle removal?
Q
Comments (1)
Grab the part under the handle with your hands and unscrew it completely. Then lift it off. If it won't budge, you need a small strap wrench for extra leverage that won't scratch the surface.. Hopefully the stem was installed properly so that you don't end up turning the whole assembly. If that were to happen, you would need to first tighten the nut underneath since you won't have access to the top nut (under the handle.) That would be a bit of a pain. This post was edited by homebound on Sat, Aug 10, 13 at 22:03
...See More
help ! can't remove hoses from washer faucet
Q
Comments (11)
"If you can't unthread it, one time I used a hacksaw to cut through the metal of the hose-end coupling, then peeled it back a bit, then it unthreaded off with vise-grips." The threads on a hose coupling play no part in sealing the joint except to hold the hose washer tight against the face of the hose bib. Slight damage to the threads from making a cut through the coupling will not cause a problem. WD-40 is not a penetrating oil and will not do very much. Auto parts stores have decent penetrating oils. Liquid Wrench remains the old standby, but it works better on steel fasteners than brass or copper.
...See More
Three handle bath/shower faucet - old school? Can't find!
Q
Comments (19)
"Why don't you guy's - roof35 and Mongo come into the 21st century?" geoffrey, seriously? No need to throw bricks. I addressed transitional applications in this paragraph: "Is a new thermostatic shower valve right the easiest way to control temp? Probably. But it's not the only way. Especially in remodels in older buildings. Opening up walls to change a valve can result in changes to plumbing, which can lead to all sorts of issues. When remodeling in older buildings or houses, there certainly are different strokes." Not everyone wants a gut remodel.Not everyone wants to open up a tiled wall to install a new valve. Not everyone want to disturb original plumbing inside of a wall. Not everyone can, for myriad reasons. But in old construction, you can go from having no scald protection to having scald protection by installing an in-line thermostatic valve. And they work just fine. Down the road when a true remodel occurs, then tile can be popped, or complete walls can be opened up, and a shower valve with anti-scald protection can be installed. If you want different water temps in different locations, you can do so. It's not that hard to do. It might hurt to think about it, but with "modern construction" what scald protection do you have at a kitchen sink? None. A bathroom sink? None. The only place you have it is in a shower/tub. If you install an "ancient decrepit" whole-house valve, precious children and Alzheimer-suffering old folk across the globe will have scald protection wherever hot water can flow.
...See More
kudzu9
17 years ago
david-
Good luck. By the way, here is a picture of a screw extractor and how to use one if you get adventurous!

Here is a link that might be useful: Screw extractor
0

Related Stories

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: 19 Kitchen Upgrades for When You Can't Afford an Overhaul

By Liza Hawkins

Modernize an outdated kitchen with these accents and accessories until you get the renovation of your dreams

PETS 5 Finishes Pets and Kids Can’t Destroy — and 5 to Avoid

By Christine Tusher

Save your sanity and your decorating budget by choosing materials and surfaces that can stand up to abuse

WALL TREATMENTS Can't Find the Right Wallpaper? Make Your Own

For one-of-a-kind walls, just use your imagination. Custom wallpaper is easier and less expensive than you might expect

LIFE How to Handle Inherited Things You Don’t Really Want

By Jennifer Ott Design

Whether you’ve inherited a large collection of items or a single bulky piece of furniture, it’s OK to let it go if you don’t need or want it

HOUSEKEEPING The Simple Way to Remove Wax From Candlesticks

By Marianne Lipanovich

Before you make a mess of things, read these easy steps for removing melted wax from your candlesticks

DIY PROJECTS How to Replace Your Kitchen Faucet

Swap out an old faucet to give your kitchen a new look — it's a DIY project even a beginner can do

MOVING 5 Risks in Buying a Short-Sale Home — and How to Handle Them

By Christine Tusher

Don’t let the lure of a great deal blind you to the hidden costs and issues in snagging a short-sale property

MOST POPULAR 8 Ways to Get a Handle on the Junk Drawer

By Laura Gaskill

Don’t sweat the small stuff — give it a few drawers of its own, sorted by type or task

LIFE Houzz Call: How Are You Handling the Record-Breaking Cold?

By Mary Jo Bowling

Share your tales, strategies and photos for everything polar vortex

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Pick a New Kitchen Faucet

By Judith Taylor Designs

Learn all about mounting styles, handles, finishes and quality to get the kitchen faucet that best fits your needs

Sponsored

More Discussions

Brizo Matte White has changed

3

Sharkbite check valve on main water line?

1

Which wall-hung toilet model actually works well?

1

Size matters: Your Kitchen Faucet Reach

5

Omnifilter U25 whole house filter has a slight drip/leak. Help!

1