Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - bathtub faucet handle won't come off.

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MeeZ
12-09-06, 01:17 PM
i have a leaky faucet in my bathtub. i think it has a worn out washer that i need to replace. i tried to take the handle off by popping the cover off and unscrewing the screw. i then tried to pull the handle off, but it won't budge. any tips or tools i can use to loosen the handle.?

thanks!


twelvepole
12-09-06, 01:57 PM
What brand faucet?

MeeZ
12-09-06, 02:17 PM
the cap says, "Gerber".


spdavid
12-09-06, 02:34 PM
There is a tool known as a "faucet handle puller" for the purpose you describe.I won't go into details here but most hardware stores and plumbing supplies would carry it.I'm not sure if big box stores would or not but the help there wouldn't know what it was.

It is specifically used to remove stuck faucet handles on metal faucet stems.Similar in design to an automotive gear puller.

If there is an Ace Hardware near you I know it is part of the plumbing section planogram so they will carry it.

MeeZ
12-09-06, 02:49 PM
ok, i'll be sure to pickup that tool. the nearest hardware store is home depot. i'm guessing they'll have it there.

spdavid
12-09-06, 03:45 PM
Home Depot may or may not have it.I have serious doubts the help there will know what it is so you'll likely be on your own.

imp123
12-11-06, 06:13 AM
I'm a novice working on a leaky tub, and I had a similar problem with 2 of the 3 knobs in my tub (hot, cold and diverter knobs) sticking and not coming off after I removed the screws. I was able to easily remove them after a couple of trips to the hardware store (1 local and 1 home depot).

First I used "super penetrant liquid wrench". My local hardware store suggested it. I only had to squirt it through the hole where I removed the screw, let it sit for a couple of minutes and then voila, my cold water knob came right off.

My diverter knob still wasn't coming though, even after applying more liquid wrench and tapping it with a hammer as the directions instructed. I did ask the guy in the store what he'd suggest if the liquid wrench didn't work (call me skeptical). He told me about the "handle pulling kit" another reply mentioned.

Unfortunately, my local hardware store was closed, so I was forced to go to Home Depot. The previous poster was right on about them not being able to help me at all, but there was a wall of tools in the plumbing department and since I knew what I was looking for (after seeing it in my local hardware store) I recognized it when I saw it.

Once I got back home with it, I was able to easily use it to pop that troublesome diverter knob right off.

Super Penetrant Liquid Wrench was under $4
The hand pulling kit was about $10
They were both super easy to use and both worked great.

Now, of course, my problems only increased from there, but I'll post that and look for help in another thread.

Good luck!