I have an old Kohler Sterling shower faceplate and shower faucet that I want to replace. I can't get the shower faucet off. I've tried several hex wrenches and can't get it to turn. I'm not sure of the size hex wrench I need. Any ideas to help .

How to Remove a Kohler Shower Handle | eHow (http://www.ehow.com/how_5951616_remove-kohler-shower-handle.html)


#4 Remove the screw in the center of the handle with a Philips head screwdriver. Pull the handle off the faucet stem. If you have a lever-style handle, your securing screw will be under the handle toward the wall. Remove the securing screw with an Allen wrench, and pull the faucet handle from the stem.


Some times a small pipe can be put on the long part of the Allen (hex) wrench for more leverage when the securing screw (set screw) is extra tight or stubborn.

Hi Plumber987


I'm not sure of the size hex wrench I need

I can't be 100% sure either (in most cases Kohler won't even know without a model number). If you are a plumber then I would remind you to check both your STANDARD set and your METRIC set of allen wrenches. One of the smaller sizes between the two sets should fit your allen screw and allow you to remove the handle.

If you have tried both sets of allen wrenches and didn't get a good fit on the allen screw then you need to inspect that allen screw using a flashlight...see if it is full of gunk or is totally stripped. If gunked up you should be able to clear the screw head out using the smallest allen wrenches. If the allen screw is stripped you could try drilling the allen screw out if there is enough distance between the handle/allen screw and the wall to easily use a drill. Otherwise, you might need to cut the handle off and that can be kinda tricky!!

Finally, you could also contact Kohler and see what they have to say in tech. support:

Phone: 1-800-4KOHLER(1-800-456-4537)
Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Central Time) Monday through Friday

Back to you...

Mark