How to get a stuck tap handle off the spindle?

[kanyview]

 

 

Hi everyone, I’m trying to fix water dripping issue. Watching a few videos, first step is to get the tap handle off the spindle. However, mine is stuck. I’m not sure if I need to screw it off or pull it off? It looks like a screw to me. Is there a way to hold the spindle tight to be able to spin the handle off?

(In the beginning there was water grime so I put a few drops of vinegar in there to remove the grime)

[Noyade]

So, I built a 'cap' to fit over a 3-arm bearing puller. You can get a 'pointed' version - but I don't have that.

Starts with drilling out a large nut to fit over the end...

Once you break the 'seal' (in this case - super glue) - it's all plain sailing switching to the Haron puller, because there is now a trenched surface to work with...

[Noyade]

"Perhaps a gear puller might be more effective @Noyade."

Sorry @MitchellMc  - I missed this on the previous page. Yes, great minds. 😁

But I feel I'm missing something and over-engineering this?

I'm loath to bench grind a 'point' on the Haron and see if the reviewer was correct.

[kanyview]

Great discussion going on here. Thanks all @Noyade @MitchellMc .

Do you reckon the tap puller will be able to lock on the four arm tap? I have only seen people using it with round tap like @Noyade’s.

The pointy tip make me doubt as well and I don’t have a grinder but I think I can turn it into a point or make it non-slip somehow.

[Noyade]

Hi @kanyview 

"Do you reckon the tap puller will be able to lock on the four arm tap?"

Yes, the two legs go 'behind' the tap (see below).

If you've had no luck removing this with the other tips Mitchell has suggested - then try the Haron puller.

Inexpensive and you'll have it for life.

Don't grind the pin to a point - not just yet.

I believe it will come off rather easily.

Keep us informed! 😁

[kanyview]

Hi all, thanks so much for your suggestions. I’m one step further now. I manage to get the handle off with the tap puller!

Now, the bell is super tight. Do you have any suggestions on how I can unscrew it or what tool I should use? 

 

[kanyview]

Update: I tried strap wrench. It didn’t move at all.

[Noyade]

Afternoon @kanyview 

You could try big multi-grips - insulate the jaws if you want to protect the chrome.

But continuing with experimentation - I'm having success with an oil-filter spanner.

The best part is with arthritic hands the handles are in an elevated attitude, away from the horizontal - much easier to squeeze.

Whatever you use - please keep us informed.

Cheers.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @kanyview,

You can try wrapping cloth tape around the cover to protect it and then lock on a pair of locking pliers. Be careful as if their teeth contact the chrome, it will destroy it. If you don't have any luck and considering a new set of taps are relatively budget-friendly, I'd just lock the pliers directly onto the cover tightly and remove it that way. As mentioned, that will destroy the finish of the chrome. I'd then pick up a set of Estilo Chrome Basin Top Assembly, which will include new washers. Even the replacement washers will cost you around a quarter of the price of the tap set.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[kanyview]

Thank you @MitchellMc I’ll try with locking plier and cloth tape.

Back to the tap handle issue, the tap handle of my shower is really stuck that the tap handle puller’s needle bends. Is there any other way that I can get this tap handle off?

[MitchellMc]

You could try the Kincrome 75mm 3" 2 Jaw Gear Puller, @kanyview. I'm unsure whether the arm would grip the tap handle sufficiently, as it's not specifically designed to remove tap handles. It's a much more solid construction than the tap handle puller. For that price, though, it might be worth considering employing a plumber for removal.

Mitchell