I'm attempting to replace a well worn shower control valve. It's a 20 something y.o. Symmons model. I've removed the center screw holding the center handle on the stem. I'm assuming the handle should then slide off but it's not budging. Before I resort to force I figured I'd ask if anyone had a suggestion. Thanks in advance.


Bob suggested a handle puller,(see image) you might want to pick one up. I'm putting up a Symmons tub/shower valve,(see image) does it look like yours? Let me know Tom

If you do not have a puller try this. Reinsert the screw half way, with your left hand behind the knob pulling tap on the screw with a small hammer or mallet.

Thanks for the answers. I'm sure one of them will work. I just wasn't sure if another part was involved. It has to be from all the corrosion over the years. I'll wait until the morning to give these ideas a try. Thanks again.

Tom's great with pics and diagram and his diagram of the handle reminded me of something. My answer would only apply to the version of handle with the screw straight into the valve stem. If you have the version with a set screw don't use a hammer, just try to leverage the handle by holding it tight and rocking.

Brianmo...

I have been installing and repairing these valves since I was a kid and the fact is that sometimes you simply cannot pull the handle off. Try the things mentioned above, of course, but if that fails then you will want to rock the handle back and forth a bit more aggressively until you can finally SNAP the handle off... actually very easy to do.

After you snap the handle off you will need to go to home depot and purchase a new T-10 replacement stem (about $35.00) and a new handle. To remove the stem, shut the water off to the valve or to the house and relieve pressure by opening faucets in the house. Then rotate the broken symmons valve stem half way (basically opening the valve... use pliers if needed) and loosen the large nut and pull the nut and the stem out. Then install new stem and reverse the process.

With a symmons valve you will replace the entire stem anyway if you want to repair the unit... so don't waste too much time trying to get the handle off... OK?

This is only worst case, but if needed as a final resort it will get you back up and running... ;)

MARK

I just wanted to get back to all that supplied answers t my question. I ended up getting a handle puller that was suggested by Bob, TOM. Even with that it was tough to get off. Then it became apparent that as Mark anticipated getting the handle off wasn't solving the problem as the entire stem needed to be replaced for the new face plate/handle to be used. It was a job that took longer than was initially anticipated but my wife was happier with the results. Thanks again for the advice!

The main thing is, the wife is happy. Good luck and thanks for the update. t\Tom

True words Tom, when the wife is unhappy everybody is going to be unhappy.