Why won't my tub faucet handles come off?

Question

I am trying to fix a leak in my tub faucet. In order to do so, I have to unscrew the handles. I unscrewed the little screw holding the handles, but no matter how much I turn the handle left or right, and no matter how much I pull on it or try to pry it off, the thing just won't come off.

Answer 1

Try using a few drops of "CLR" or"Lime away" to help free it up. I haven't had much luck fixing faucets that leak. I suggest replacing the entire fixture, this is based on cost of replacing the valves vs. a new faucet .

Answer 2

It looks like everyone missed a significant point in your post. Do you realize that removing the handles will not expose anything that needs fixing. It is just one step in getting to that point.

The handles just pull off once the screw is removed. It is very common for them to be corroded and stuck on. Soak it in Liquid Wrench or similar for a half hour. Tap it a couple of times during the soaking to help it go inside the junction.

If that doesn't lossen it up enough, you will need a handle puller. They are cheap.

Once the handle is off, take off any decorative trim. That may involve a set screw or a nut screwing the trim on.

Eventually, you will see a nut that the shaft of the valve comes through. That shaft is what the handle was screwed on to. The nut keeps the insides of the faucet from coming out so you need to remove it. Again, Liquid Wrench. A flare nut wrench might be of value here.

Once that nut is out, you will be able to unscrew the shaft counterclockwise. It will now keep going so you can remove the guts of the faucet.

Answer 3

Bathtub Faucet Handles

Answer 4

This is a common problem due to the corrosion of caused by two apposing metals. The brass valve stem tarnishes inside the metal or chrome handle which makes removal a real chore at times.
If you can find a small enough wheel puller to set in the valve stem that can grab the handle, and then apply tension to the handle while tapping gently on the handle, it should come off.
By a similar method, you can have some one pull on the handle while you tap it on it with a small hammer.
Another method is breaking off the handle by twisting it side to side and then replacing the valve stem also, if you cant get the remains of the handle off after pulling the valve stem out.
What ever method you use, when you go to replace the handle, and or valve stem, use a product called Neverseze inside the handle where it slips over the valve stem to prevent this from happening again. Good luck.

Answer 5

It is just stuck. Screw the screw back into the faucet but not tight, leave just a bit sticking up. Now pull on the handle while gently tapping the screw with something like the handle of the screwdriver. Don't pound, just tap and pull. Don't leave the screw stick out so far that you bend or break it. Once it starts moving it will come the rest of the way off.

Answer 6

Its got a little corrosion on the inside what you need to do is thread the little screw back in about two turns and hold your screwdriver onto the screw have someone tap gently on the screwdriver as you pull on the handle. turning the handles will not remove them they must be pulled. I hope this resolves your problem good luck.

Answer 7

They do not unscrew at all. They pull off. Yes just pull straight out and they should come off. Some times they are coroded and will take some effort to get them off.

I hope you canfigure out what to do next.

Answer 8

you need a tool called a faucet handle puller (home depot $13.00) very simple to use very handy to have around

Answer 9

yeah ill take your heavy work for you!!!!!!! lmao. hey its probably corroded, just tap lightly unless its plastic. if its plastic, use wd40,berrymans,marvel mystery oil(smells good) etc to soak it, then smash it if it doesnt come. i think for a brass faucet thats obsolete here local its between 15-25$