[kcinsj]

Hi,

I have a steady leak coming from a Delta Monitor 1400 series tub/shower single handle faucet. I called Delta, and they told me to order a new cartridge. I was about to start this project, when I ran into a roadblock. The set screw in the handle was stripped. I tried various things recommended by people (use phillips screw driver, torx screw driver, etc...), but nothing worked. I was finally told that I needed to drill it out. It took me a while, but I was able to drill the set screw out. However, the handle still won't come off. I also tried lots of WD40 and white vinegar/warm water combination. So far, no luck. I'm afraid to use too much force on it.

Any ideas on what I might be doing wrong? Any other ideas on how to get the handle off.

Thanks.

 

[Just Bill]

It sounds like you did not get out all of the set screw. You will probably need to replace the handle anyhow, so I would not be too worried about damage at this point.

 

[JustaDog]

Get it done ?

Just wondering if you finished repairing the tub

 

[Arnierych]

I am having the same problem. I tried using an extractor tool, and it broke off. Now, I need a cobalt drill to drill that and the set screw out. Once I do this, where can I get a new handle? Have you fixed yours yet?

 

[bruckm]

sorry for the REALLY stupid question. which way to turn (loosen) the set screw. I've been trying counter but it doesn't budge. I don't want to go clockwise for fear of stripping it.

 

[amihalick]

Set Screw

I found that the set screw can get rusted into place.
Pour some CLR into the hole and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
It should loosen the corrosion up and you can remove the screw.

CLR can be found at most home centers and sometimes even your local supermarket.

Once you get that set screw out removing the handle is just as difficult! Still trying to get mine off.

 

[Alan]

They are probably just corroded together. They make handle pulling tools, not sure if a home store would have one.

 

[amihalick]

How much pressure can I use to pull the handle off? I'm trying to fix a leak not create a bigger one! :laughing:

 

[Alan]

How much pressure can I use to pull the handle off? I'm trying to fix a leak not create a bigger one! :laughing:

Depends on what the valve is secured to, and how. If it's just secured to the fiberglass, then not much, unless you want to put in a new T/S.

if it's secured to a block in the wall with a nice copper strap, you can probably pull pretty hard, but there's no telling whats actually in there. :no:

Your best bet is probably to find a handle puller.

Your other option (if you're going to buy a new cartridge anyway, is to just cut the handle and the brass spline off of the cartridge so you can access the necessary screws behind the darn thing. Worst case if you screw up your trim plate etc, then you'll need an entire trim kit and not just the handle.

How old is the valve?

 

[Austinmv]

oh boy. glad i'm not the only one put in these situations. all the posts above are excellent ideas and solutions. i'd suggest them all. these are the only suggestions i have on the issue. when a setscrew will not back off i hit it with a rust softner CLR's a great one as suggested. second if it won't move. you gotta drill that puppy out. here's the thing don't worry if you over drill a little as the valve *cartridge* you are going to replace also includes the part you may drill into a little. next if it's still not budging as stated above you have to take in to consideration how its fastened. if it won't just flop in the wall. i actually take a mallet and not with a force smack but a bounce smack, hit it up down left right repeatedly and then do it again while pulling on the handle at the same time.this usually is the magic touch on those goobers but if you still have no luck. its time to think about replacing the whole faucet. then you think about, well does the faucet back up to a closet wall where i can cut the sheet rock ect. hope this helps, but i stress with these handles, sometimes after hours of anguish it just takes the right smack at the right place and it just falls off good luck

 

[darkman]

I ran into the same problem after I stripped the set screw in the shower handle. I bought a 5/32" titanium drill bit and a drill bit extension so that the drill would have enough clearance over the shower handle. I drilled out the set screw and couldn't pull the handle off because the handle was apparently rusted onto the filter. Then I continued drilling until I went through the gold colored stem of the filter. This weakened the stem enough so that when I pulled the handle, the tip of the filter broke off. I removed the broken tip from the handle and replaced the entire filter cartridge.

 

[moultonpatents]

Moen faucet handle problem

The above posts helped but the real problem was that the Moen faucet handle had cracked inside where it attaches to the stem. Therefore, no amount of turning the set screw would allow me to change out the broken faucet handle because turning the screw would just turn the stem. Drilling out the set screw does not fix the problem though it may allow you to remove the broken faucet handle it may also damage the threads you will later need to put on a new handle. I found that by cutting off the sleeve of the broken handle I could hold the stem in place to allow me to remove the set screw and then attach a new faucet handle. Weak design to have such a thin wall securing the handle around the stem that easily breaks and is so difficult to replace.

 

[m3gtrfan]

Hey folks,

Been having the same issue with delta faucet. I loosened up the alan screw but the handle comes off a bit but seems like it's stuck somewhere. My questions are. 1. Does the screw actually come off physically or does it just need to be loosened? 2. If it's loosened and the handle starts to come off where is it getting stuck and what's the best method of getting it off? 3. the leak has gotten worse over the few days and now the water coming out is hot though it's set into off position and the cold temp is the first temp...should I be worried?

 

[plummen]

can you post a picture of the handle?

 

[m3gtrfan]

pics of handle

here are some pics the second one is as far as I can remove the handle

 

[plummen]

can you get a screwdriver between the handle and excusion to pry against it from side to side to see if that helps?

 

[m3gtrfan]

im going to try with a flat head screw driver...I'll prob try finding out where the water valve is and turn it off first. Need to find the shutoff valve as it's not visible!

 

[plummen]

if all else fails can you get a hacksaw in the gap between handle and cut the end off the stem without banging up the faucet?
im sure thats not what you want to hear but then you should be able to unscrew the excusion and pull the cartidge out.
then you could replace the cartrige and install a new handle. :wink:

 

[m3gtrfan]

probably could get the hacksaw in there...but what will I be cutting just the cartridge? and how do I tighten the stupid thing once it's off? I guess buy a new handle? I'll check my Home Depot and see what they have

thx a lot will let you know how it goes. wish me luck my landlord should pay me fore saving him the hastle...I knew this would turn into a bigger problem

 

[plummen]

look for your water meter,theres normally a shut off on each side of it.
you might want to let your landlord know before attacking his plumbing with a hack saw though! :laughing: