I am fixing a leak on my single-handle ball-joint moen faucet. I replaced the handle about five years ago, and I guess some rust / wear (and possibly my own strength when repairing initially) has made it so I can't get the screw out from under the moen cap. It's allen-style and inset, and I've tried about five different sizes of allen key, I've heated it up, hit it with wd-40, and still I'm at a loss. Any suggestions?

Hi Jeedubz

Have you tried both metric VS standard allen wrenches? If not, try the metric or standard sizes (size not used).. should work here!

Post back if neither works, OK?

Mark

If it is the Moen with the little allen screw under the cap, they can be a pain. A couple of days ago, I used a dremel with a cutting disc, cut a groove across the head and then used a regular screwdriver.

If it is the Moen with the little allen screw under the cap, they can be a pain. A couple of days ago, I used a dremel with a cutting disc, cut a groove across the head and then used a regular screwdriver.

Thanks ma0641; trouble with that solution is that even with a tiny dremel cutting disc, getting it inside that teensy hole is next to impossible. I'm going to go buy one of those extractor kits & see what I can do tomorrow after some sleep & a clear head... If none of that works, I'm going to use a sledgehammer! :)

Hi Jeedubz

Have you tried both metric VS standard allen wrenches? If not, try the metric or standard sizes (size not used)..should work here!

Post back if neither works, OK?

Mark

Yep, thanks - I tried both imperial & metric, in several sizes... I've heated up the whole thing with a hair dryer, sprayed lubricant in there, and now I'm considering going out & buying one of the Grabit extractor kits! :P

Thanks ma0641; trouble with that solution is that even with a tiny dremel cutting disc, getting it inside that teensy hole is next to impossible. I'm gonna go buy one of those extractor kits & see what I can do tomorrow after some sleep & a clear head... If none of that works, I'm going to use a sledgehammer! :)

With the one I did, the red @/blue disc and cap covered the cut. Sometimes, you can use a smaller AW and wrap a piece of 400 wet or dry around it.

Can you get to the screw with a drill bit? Probably have to drill out to get Easy Out to work? They do make left handed drill bits. The advantage of left handed bit would be that the drilling might actually unscrew the screw. Probably have to order online.

If none of the ideas work out, you can always contact moen and ask them for a new handle and cartridge as they usually warranty these things for a lifetime (at least since 1996, if I remember correctly).

Contact 1800BUYMOEN and tell them your plumber said it was impossible to get past the handle and that he proposed cutting the stem and replacing the parts. They will usually send the parts, including shipping, free!!

Good luck!

Mark