Hi I’m just wondering how to remove these tap handles. Thanks for your help!
Hello @LisaD
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's terrific to have you join us, and thank you for sharing your question about removing your tap handles.
This is a tap handle with a hidden fixing. Behind the tap handle, you will see two slots, these slots take in a special tool. You'll find the tool in the Kinetic Spout And Handles Repair Kit. I've attached a photo of the screw and the tool below to give you an idea of what it looks like.
I recommend taking a picture of the back of the handle with your phone. If you see the two notches, you will need the special tool from the Kinetic kit to remove the handle.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
I see the two notches! Thanks so much for your help 😀
Hi - So when they don't want to be undone, assume frozen up some how, what do you recommend? The Kinetic tool is a bit flimsy!
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Kulanda. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about removing a tap handle.
Have you tried some penetrative lubricant like WD-40? The little flexible nozzle that is included will allow you to get around the handle and spray in the back towards where the nut is. You might need to wait several hours between multiple applications to allow full penetration.
If you cannot remove the handle with a conventional method, you might need to consider a destructive technique and cut through the shank of the spindle. Obviously, not a great solution if your taps are in good nick as you'll need to replace them. However, there are some budget-friendly options for replacement.Please let me know if you have questions.Mitchell
Thanks MitchellMc - Yes have sprayed the WD40 - leaving it for a day and I will also be trying the HairDryer method of putting some local heat around the head. Also read that the aerosol freezer applies to the head can some times work. Biggest issue at the moment is the tool is a bit neh. Might go buy a pair of circlip pliers
Let us know if you need further assistance @Kulanda, we're here to help.
Jason
Good morning @Kulanda
"Might go buy a pair of circlip pliers"
I really do hope this works for you - it didn't with my taps. As I fed my circlip pliers onto it - the tap stem diameter prevented the prongs from matching the holes. I guess that's why they have the large circular gap in the original?
Please let us know if you find a plier brand that does fit. I for one will be buying them.
Cheers!
Hi Eric,
I have a similar tap, but I can’t see the 2 slots for this device to work. How would I get my taps off then? Thank youTrico ezi clean bats in set purchased from Bunnings 2013
G'day Chrissy @Chrissy15
Wonderful photo of yours above - very clever mirroring!
"but I can’t see the 2 slots for this device to work."
Are they different taps? Is that a locking nut seen in the second photo? If it is the "two-slotted" nut variety, I suspect it's because they're completely gummed up, just like mine were (see below). Hard to believe isn't? And it's not just easy to remove soap - this is hardened minerals, sorta like scale your dentist removes.
Are you able to undo the conical flanges and lift them up with enough height to get a spanner or shifter attached to the spindle?
Hello @Chrissy15
Thanks for sharing your question about your tap handles. I'm afraid @Noyade's recommendation is the best way to remove your spindles. The conical flange must be removed and lifted so that you'll have access to the basin spindle itself. The hidden screw system is totally locked in with calcium deposits and will be impossible to remove.
Unfortunately, all three parts will need to be replaced, I propose having a look at the Shaw & Mason Chrome Easy Clean Basin Top Assembly. This includes the cover flange, spindle and handle. I recommend visiting your local store so that you can see the styles available.
Hi Noyade
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my problem.
Both taps are the same. They were put on 11 years ago and now one is dripping - hence trying to change the washer. But I’ve never come across these types of taps and was scratching my head as to how to get the handle off. Yep, you’re probably correct that the underneath has been calcified ( I like your analogy of the dentist!) I was trying to give it a bit of a clean up and trying to see the two slots, but couldn’t see them.
I will give your idea of trying to get the flange up to get to the spindle.
Thanks for your advice.
PS Now to work on my bath spout that I tried to remove and has now “snapped” off whilst trying to replace it. I’m having a bonza of a day with the plumbing hahaha
Hi @Chrissy15
It appears you are having a field day with plumbing. I suggest using a Craftright 250mm Multigrip Plier to hold onto the remaining flange of the spout. since it's already broken there is no need to worry about damaging it. Adjust the multigrip until it grips the flange snugly, then slowly turn anticlockwise until it comes loose.
As a replacement piece, I propose having a look at the Shaw & Mason Chrome Deluxe Bath Spout. Please don't forget to use Kinetic 12mm x 10m White Standard Thread Seal on all threaded surfaces.
@Chrissy15
"I’m having a bonza of a day with the plumbing"
Dear oh dear. Yes, I do believe we all have those days one time or another.
I heartily recommend @EricL's multi-grip recommendation. Sometimes though, multi-grips hate grasping polished chrome. If so, may I suggest another tool - a self-tightening pipe-wrench. Spring loaded (so loaded in fact I struggled to hold it open to take the photo with my nose!) so that you can control the handle better without worrying about any 'squeezing' pressure.
Just a thought.
Looking forward to seeing something positive before the sun sets!
Cheers.
Hello there
I have one of these taps in my laundry and the tap just fell off on its own (I assume it was loose). My dilemma is I do not know how to put the tap handle back on now and two other smaller parts came out - the screw under the handle, and another horse-shoe-like bolt. I have attached a photo of it below.
Can you please tell me how to assemble everything back (I do not know where to put everything especially that horseshoe screw, and what I need to screw it back on?
Thank you in advance!
Hi @globetrotter24,
Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.
I'd suggest having a read through my colleague @EricL's advice on Solved: How to remove leaking laundry tap handles.You will see he has given a step-by-step guide and created a render demonstrating the order and location of each individual part.
The information provided should be enough to get everything back together, but if you need any further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out, we're more than happy to help further if required.
Jacob
