[jlisenbe]

Have removed the two screws. Short of a stick of dynamite, how can I get these two handles off? They refuse to come off. I must be missing something.

[twinkiedooter]

Sounds like they might be rusted on or caked on with calcium build up. Have you tried to gently use a screwdriver and pry it a little? Have you turned them on and off with no screws?

What have you tried so far?

[jlisenbe]

They work fine without the screws. I haven't pried since there is not much surface to pry against, but I have pulled and wiggled both of them back and forth. No luck.

Strangely, after all these years, I noticed that the cold handle is on the hot side and vica versa. Oh well.

[massplumber2008]

Nope... not missing anything! Hard water has managed to practically weld those babies on...

Go to home depot or Lowe's and purchase a handle puller with 3 arms if you can (see 1st image). If a 3 arm handle puller isn't available then a two arm handle puller (see 2nd image) will also do fine.

The screw pin/handle sets into the screw hole and the arms fit around the back of the handle. Tighten the pin/handle while holding the arms secure around the back of the handle handle and the handle should slowly pull off. With any luck this is all you will need to do.

If you get the two arm handle puller know that it is usually also a compression nut/sleeve remover so you will temporarily need to remove the thick end of the pin/handle and expose the pin end so you can insert that end into the screw hole... hope that made sense?

Worst case, this doesn't work then you may need to simply SNAP the handles off and replace the handles and the entire stem assembly... but this is a last resort only. If you think this is necessary pop back to discuss if you want... OK?

I have attached an image of what is under the handle (3rd image). You can also click on the link: Showervalve.pdf for a good view of the entire faucet behind the wall (3 handle pretty much the same as the two handle).

Let us know how it goes...

MARK

[jlisenbe]

Thanks. I'll let you know how it goes. I thought this was going to be a simple chore. Oh well.

[jlisenbe]

The handle puller only cost about nine bucks. It was worth more like a hundred and nine. Worked perfectly! Many thanks. And by the way, it was made in the USA. Just an extra bonus.

It would not let me rate your answer, Mass, but it was a great one. Thanks to you and TD for your help.

[massplumber2008]

Thank you for all that you do here! Nice that we could help you for a change... ;)

[twinkiedooter]

Ah, my kingdom for $9. What a deal.