Replacing old American Standard shower handle
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 3
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Replacing old American Standard shower handle
I have an old shower and need to replace the handles. I removed the screw and the acrylic handle. There is a metal insert that fits inside the handle that turns the stem. How do I remove this? I am not sure how it is connected to the stem. Do I just pull it off with a handle puller tool or is it somehow screwed on? Any help is appreciated. Thanks.
#2
Temporarily Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NY
Posts: 10,265
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
The metal piece should be threaded. Try to unscrew it. If not, you may need:
HDX Shower Valve Wrench Set-UWP0001J - The Home Depot
HDX Shower Valve Wrench Set-UWP0001J - The Home Depot
#4
Member
If the screw that held the acrylic handle on was also holding the metal portion to the valve stem, then you may need to prepare for a small war with the metal portion of the handle. Alternately, is there a separate screw inside the end of handle that might unscrew? The picture does not show that angle.
If no other screws are visible, then assume that the handle is stuck on by corrosion. Try using PB Blaster or similar penetrating oil spray to get inside or under the handle to break the corrosion holding the handle to the stem. I ended up destroying the handle and simply bought a replacement set. Be careful pulling on it or prying it away from the wall as you can damage the wall or weaken some tiles. A puller that pushes against the valve stem is best.
When reassembling or replacing the handle, consider a little plumbing grease on the end of the valve stem splines so it won't get stuck to the handle again.
- Peter
If no other screws are visible, then assume that the handle is stuck on by corrosion. Try using PB Blaster or similar penetrating oil spray to get inside or under the handle to break the corrosion holding the handle to the stem. I ended up destroying the handle and simply bought a replacement set. Be careful pulling on it or prying it away from the wall as you can damage the wall or weaken some tiles. A puller that pushes against the valve stem is best.
When reassembling or replacing the handle, consider a little plumbing grease on the end of the valve stem splines so it won't get stuck to the handle again.
- Peter