[rrdosanj]

Hi everyone,

We just moved into our current home, and in the ensuite the Delta Faucet needs to be adjusted so that we can move on to having hot showers rather than luke warm showers. All other taps in the house give nice hot water except this one. Looking online at Delta's website, it shows how to adjust the amount of hot water (Colder Hotter slider), but I have to first get the handle off.

Here comes the problem. I can't get the allen bolt out. I've soaked it with WD-40, but have been hesitant to hammer it to try to loosen things up (don't want to bust a pipe or anything).

Any suggestions? Seems like such a simple task that has become more complicated!

Thanks in advance for any help! It is much appreciated!

[massplumber2008]

Hi rrdosanj:

I have seen this... a FEW TIMES...

Try TAPPING the allen wrench with a hammer to set it deeper into the head of the allen screw. Then take a pair of pliers and grab the allen wrench and see if you can remove the allen screw.

If that fails, I have taken the next size allen wrench in the pack and tried to force that into the allen screw head. I have gone as far as to grind of a bit and then try again (only do this wearing safety goggles).

Finally, if that fails then you may need to drill out the allen screw HEAD only. This means you would find a drill bit about the size of the allen screw head and then drill out about 1/8" at a time until you remove the head but don't drill into the handle... ;)

Once the screw head is drilled down the handle should pop out so you can access the headless allen screw with a pair of pliers and unscrew the allen screw. Pick up a new allen screw (bring old threaded stud with you) at home improvement center and do what you need to to increase temp. at faucet.

Finally, if the handle is damaged somehow, you can always order a replacement handle and allen screw from Delta!

Let me know if you have questions...

MARK