How to get a stuck tap handle off the spindle?

Morning @kanyview

The tap looks to be in very good condition. Try holding the tap handle with one hand and using a 'shifter' with the other - turn that locking nut anti-clockwise.

Let us know you you get on.

Hi @Noyade , thanks a lot! I manage to unscrew the locking nut now with a shifter. But the handle still won’t move. I tried to wiggle but it doesn’t move at all.

Do you have any tips on how to take it off the spindle?

JacobZ

Hi @kanyview,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It's great to see @Noyade's advice was helpful in getting the lock nut off.

Now that the lock nut is off, the tap should be free to remove, however it may have calcium buildup that is preventing you from removing it.

I'd suggest filling the top of the tap with WD-40 and waiting for 2-3 minutes for it to soak in. Once you've let it soak, you may be able to jiggle the tap free. If you are still having trouble, you can use a tea towel wrapped under the arms of the tap handle and pull it up. This will give you more purchase allowing you to pull harder on the tap.

Let me know how you go and if you have any further trouble, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Jacob

Thanks for the suggestion.
Still no luck. I fill the top with a few drops of WD40 and also spray underneath the handle. I still can’t jiggle it. I tried using tea towel to pull the handle up. It doesn’t move at all.

Hi @kanyview,

If you cover the handle with a tea towel, you can very lightly tap the underside of the tap handle with a hammer in an upward motion. Tap each spigot of the handle gently. Take care not to tap too hard as it will damage the spindle threads.

The other option is to purchase a tap handle puller.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Hi @MitchellMc

Regards the Haron tap-puller - check out Brian's 3-star review and solution - grinding the pin to a point.

At first I didn't understand. But then I super-glued a tap handle onto a spindle and gave it a go.

Brian's onto something here and making a good 'point' - the 'flat' pin wants to dance and skim around on the flat brass - at one point wanting to fall into the abyss.

Before I grind a point and try again - are Brian and I doing something wrong here?

Anyone else try the tap-puller?

Cheers.

Just about to go over the edge...

Hi @Noyade,

Once you have the tool locked on and tightened, are you able to push the rod to the middle of the spindle and then continue to crank? I get the feeling it's likely skipping around as there isn't enough tension to keep it in the one spot.

Mitchell

I thought like you, that I could reposition the rod tip as you continue to screw - but no, there's too much force.

It has a mind of its own as you tighten.

I don't believe there will be a problem for @kanyview 's tap.

I'm just thinking of those truly incredible stubborn tap handles - that we often see on this site

Perhaps a gear puller might be more effective @Noyade.

Mitchell

So, I built a 'cap' to fit over a 3-arm bearing puller. You can get a 'pointed' version - but I don't have that.

Starts with drilling out a large nut to fit over the end...

Once you break the 'seal' (in this case - super glue) - it's all plain sailing switching to the Haron puller, because there is now a trenched surface to work with...

"Perhaps a gear puller might be more effective @Noyade."

Sorry @MitchellMc - I missed this on the previous page. Yes, great minds. 😁

But I feel I'm missing something and over-engineering this?

I'm loath to bench grind a 'point' on the Haron and see if the reviewer was correct.

Great discussion going on here. Thanks all @Noyade @MitchellMc .

Do you reckon the tap puller will be able to lock on the four arm tap? I have only seen people using it with round tap like @Noyade’s.

The pointy tip make me doubt as well and I don’t have a grinder but I think I can turn it into a point or make it non-slip somehow.

Hi @kanyview

"Do you reckon the tap puller will be able to lock on the four arm tap?"

Yes, the two legs go 'behind' the tap (see below).

If you've had no luck removing this with the other tips Mitchell has suggested - then try the Haron puller.

Inexpensive and you'll have it for life.

Don't grind the pin to a point - not just yet.

I believe it will come off rather easily.

Keep us informed! 😁

Hi all, thanks so much for your suggestions. I’m one step further now. I manage to get the handle off with the tap puller!

Now, the bell is super tight. Do you have any suggestions on how I can unscrew it or what tool I should use?

Update: I tried strap wrench. It didn’t move at all.

Afternoon @kanyview

You could try big multi-grips - insulate the jaws if you want to protect the chrome.

But continuing with experimentation - I'm having success with an oil-filter spanner.

The best part is with arthritic hands the handles are in an elevated attitude, away from the horizontal - much easier to squeeze.

Whatever you use - please keep us informed.

Cheers.

Hi @kanyview,

You can try wrapping cloth tape around the cover to protect it and then lock on a pair of locking pliers. Be careful as if their teeth contact the chrome, it will destroy it. If you don't have any luck and considering a new set of taps are relatively budget-friendly, I'd just lock the pliers directly onto the cover tightly and remove it that way. As mentioned, that will destroy the finish of the chrome. I'd then pick up a set of Estilo Chrome Basin Top Assembly, which will include new washers. Even the replacement washers will cost you around a quarter of the price of the tap set.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Thank you @MitchellMc I’ll try with locking plier and cloth tape.

Back to the tap handle issue, the tap handle of my shower is really stuck that the tap handle puller’s needle bends. Is there any other way that I can get this tap handle off?

You could try the Kincrome 75mm 3" 2 Jaw Gear Puller, @kanyview. I'm unsure whether the arm would grip the tap handle sufficiently, as it's not specifically designed to remove tap handles. It's a much more solid construction than the tap handle puller. For that price, though, it might be worth considering employing a plumber for removal.

Mitchell