How to fix Dorf shower tap handle spinning?

hayleykirbs

Hi there!

im having some trouble with my shower handles. The handle itself just spins freely,  it’s not locked in at all and I can easily pull the handle and cap straight off. I have to turn the hot on and off using a wrench by grabbing onto the hot threaded cap and twisting. The thread on the cap and inside the handle aren’t damaged but there is damage to the outside of the cap due to using the wrench. 
what keeps the handle locked into place? When I take off the handle there is a small circle thread that sits behind the handle but I’m not sure if there is something else missing? 
As these are quite a few years old, do you know if you can still buy these hot/cold threaded caps aswell? 

Any help is greatly appreciated:)

thank you! 

EricL

Hello @hayleykirbs 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your shower tap handles.

Behind your tap handle is a hidden brass nut that has two slots in it. I suggest having a quick look at this discussion - Solved: How to remove leaking laundry tap handle by @ennoh. It will show you a diagram of how the tap handle is installed back onto the spindle. If the parts of the tap handle are worn out, I suggest looking at this discussion - Solved: How do I remove theses tap handles? by @LisaD. It will show you the Kinetic Spout And Handles Repair Kit which contains the tools and spare parts to fix the handle.

Here is a handy step-by-step guide: How to replace a tap washer

If you look at step 2 and the second picture, you'll see how the round brass nut is removed with the two-pronged tool. I suggest reading the diagrams very well in the discussion so that you'll get an idea of how the handle is re-attached.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric