How to remove 1/4 turn tap handle?

Question

Trying to remove this tap handle. I have removed the grub screw, loosened the wall plate and tried WD40, heat, and hitting it with a hammer. The other tap wouldn’t stay on, even with the grub screw. This one won’t come off. It’s a 1/4 turn spindle shower tap. Any solutions?

Georgiar · Answer

Thank you for the advice. There turned out to be a piece of metal that could screw out holding the black plastic on.

I appreciate this service, thank you.

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @Georgiar,

I'm glad you're making progress. The next step will be much the same as the last, you will need to use leverage from behind the black plastic piece to pull it forward off the spindle.

You'll note the two grooves at around the circular metal piece. The plastic should have grooves that line up with this so if you lever the plastic in line with these grooves, then swap from top to bottom as you go, it should slowly wiggle off.

A flathead screwdriver would be the best tool, or something like a butter knife should also work. I'm not sure a toothbrush would work, but still worth a try.

Give this a go and let us know how it goes. Happy to help further if required.

Jacob

Georgiar · Answer

Thank you so much! That worked, with a toothbrush for leverage!

The next thing that is confusing me is that this cold tap has a piece of plastic the other didn’t. How do I remove that?

The hot tap took 2 minutes - this one days.

Thanks for your help.