How to change tap handles?

nicandjez

Our tap handles have broken and this is what is remaining:

Ideally I would like to screw something on to what is already there and not have to turn off the water etc.

I bought these unable to see what they looked like inside in the store but I realise it's a bit more complicated than I thought.

This is the inside of the handle which broke.

All of the instructions I have found start with removing the tap cover and then unscrewing a screw in the middle of the tap, but there is no screw in ours. Will these handles fit and if so which bits do I need to remove to out these on? Will I need to turn the water off?

We are planning to replace the entire basin and tap set soon so I am looking for a quick and cheap solution for the time being.

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @nicandjez. It's splendid to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about tap handles.

Unfortunately, both of those replacement handle kits work on tap spindles that have shaved or flat sides, whereas your existing spindle looks to be completely round and threaded. Because of that, I don’t believe either of the new tap handles will fit your current setup. The style of tap you have is an older type that isn’t easily compatible with the modern handle kits available today.

You could try undoing the nut on top of the tap, removing the white hexagonal insert and the cover flange underneath it to see if the new handles can fit, but I suspect they won’t. The four-point handle has a splayed insert that won’t grip onto a round spindle, and the six-point handle uses a copper insert that slides over a flattened spindle, which yours doesn’t have.

At this point, there’s probably no simple or reliable way to retrofit new handles onto those old spindles. It might be worth bringing forward your plan to replace the entire basin and tap set, as that will ultimately give you a more functional and modern setup. If you’d like, you can remove the nut and white section, take a clear photo of the spindle itself, and share it. That might help confirm whether there are any less common handle options that could still fit.

Regarding your question on turning the water off, it's always best to isolate the taps at the main before commencing work. This avoids any accidents and potential flooding of your home.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell