[maramike]

We are not handy at all. My husband overtightened the spigot handle last night because he thought it was locked and was trying to open it. However it was already opened all the way. He kept going with hand tightening then got a wrench and tightened until the handle broke. So today I went to Lowe's and got a universal handle and then removed the screw and the remaining shaft of the previoius handle. I put the new handle on and the screw in the handle and now it will not budge. There is a thick nut behind the stem, so I got a wrench and turned that clockwise and it moved slightly but not easily. I thought it just needed a little loosening but the handle will still not turn when I put it back on. I feel like the screw in the handle is preventing the handle from turning. The new handle does not sit as deeply on the stem as did the old handle. I read another post where the diagram indicated to turn the superskinny nut counterclockwise. Should I try turning that skinny nut clockwise since it is set at fully open?

[speedball1]

Sounds like you over tightened the bonnet packing nut, (the nut beneath the handle, Loosen the nut counter clockwise until the valve turns on. Do not loosen it so much that you have a stem leak.. Good luck, Tom

[maramike]

Tom,
Thank you. I did as you advised and the bonnet packing nut was turned counterclockwise. The nut moves freely and easily. I put the new handle back on with the screw. The handle still does not turn. BTW if I hand turn the bonnet packing screw to the off position (clockwise) should that turn off the water-because it didn't. The water is still on. Do I need a plumber?
Mara

[speedball1]

If you turn the bonnet packing nut too far clockwise it will bind the stem and the handle won't turn. Loosen the nut and try again. Let me know how you come out. Tom