[CZSteve]

I was hoping to have a simple project of changing out the spindles / handles on our kids shower today - current handles are old and need new washers.

I can't get the spindle nut to budge; I already deformed the flats & internal threads a bit trying - I'm sure I made the mistake of trying to remove this part w/ the inside nut removed that is part of the threaded section for attaching the escutcheon; obviously the internal nut would have provided internal support.
I'm not going to mess with this anymore today w/ the S. Bowl later on.

I'm obviously not a plumber; just a 'Susie homemaker'...:whistling2:
BTW - I do have rear access by cutting thru drywall if needed and not much trouble at all matching the wall texture.

- Trade tricks for removing spindle? Torch to heat / loosen?
- Will an actual plumber have more / better tricks up his sleeve?
- Better to just cut the wall for rear access and replace the mixer on up?
(plumber is from 1978).

 

[joecaption]

Going to need to need one of these, or at least a box end wrench.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q...E1666ED937B4CC8B664CE0463133&selectedIndex=49

100% sure your turning it the right direction? Lefty loosey.

 

[idlewatcher]

My advice would be to tear out the tile to get access to the mixer (assuming your home is older with that style of tile) because you're going to have to break up some tile anyway and using the cover plate looks terrible. I know this personally because I had the exact same problem before I tore mine out:thumbsup:

Also, always have an access port/door behind. That way you don't have to tear out your shower everytime you need to do any work.

Last option would be to carefully remove a few rows of tile and hopefully you have some replacements. But then, you are getting into moisture concerns with sheetrock seams. Good luck!

 

[joecaption]

Why would they want to do all that just to replace the cartrage?

 

[idlewatcher]

Why would they want to do all that just to replace the cartrage?

For some reason, the last part of her question stuck out :laughing:
"- Better to just cut the wall for rear access and replace the mixer on up?" so I thought that is what she wanted. Usually those cartridges just slide out once the nut is loosened. Did on mine.