Going thru the archives it seems there's a special ring or collar that needs to be removed before the cartridge can be removed. Our faucet was installed by Sears when we had the kitchen remodeled. The valve mechanism is a slotted brass ball. On top is a screw on top of two square nuts. Removing the screw did nothing. As I don't want to buy a reapir kit with an exact match, I figure it would be a good idea to pull the guts out first. Trouble is, I can't seem to find that ring or collar. There is no knurling on the faucet. Also, when the water is turned on, it flows for a moment then "hammers" one time. Thanks for the help.

Plumber 2000 or anyone: My sister wants me to replace the 25 year old Delta single lever faucet on her kitchen sink, and I haven't done this before. I looked under the sink, and noted that the steel bolt, horseshoe shaped flange and nut holding it on are all rusty. It's close to the sink, so there's not a lot of working space to use a wrench, and I'm inclined to try a deep 1/2 inch socket to take that nut off. The rust all over everthing is a bad omen, and I'm wondering what kind of a fight I'm in for. If that nut seizes up and I can't get it off, what else can I do other than cut through the faucet body above the counter top? Also, I'm planning to install a Moen simply because it's easier to replace the cartridge on a Moen than it is to replace the rubbers on a Delta. What are your thoughts on that?