How to remove Pin Lever Shower mixer handle?

[phonesrbest]

My shower mixer is leaking, and I suspect the cartridge might be the culprit—though I’ll know for sure once I get the handle off.

Unfortunately, I don’t know the brand (definitely not Caroma), so I’m working blind here.

What I’ve Done So Far:

1. Unscrewed the retaining ring screw – not entirely sure why I did this, but it’s off.

2. Removed the pin lever – this exposed a protruding screw body, which I assume is a grub screw.

3. Loosened the grub screw using an Allen key.

4. Tried to remove the handle (the round piece with hot/cold indicators):

   • Rotated it clockwise and counterclockwise—no movement.

   • Tried pulling it straight off—still stuck.

   • Sprayed WD-40 and let it soak—no improvement.

At this point, I’m guessing the handle is seized or jammed. I’m considering using a rubber mallet and screwdriver to gently tap it loose or possibly sourcing a tap handle puller—but I’m unsure which method is safest or most effective.

I’ve attached the installation instructions I found (see Replacing Cartridge – Fig. 2). I’m stuck at Step 2, which involves removing the handle.

Any advice on how to safely remove this handle without damaging the mixer? Would love tips from anyone who’s dealt with a similar setup.

[MitchellMc]

Hi @phonesrbest,

Based on what you’ve done so far, it looks like unscrewing the pin lever should be all that’s holding the handle in place. To safely remove the handle, use a block of timber as a fulcrum to protect your tiles and give you leverage. Place the timber against the wall just below the bottom lip of the handle. Then position the shaft of a flathead screwdriver between the timber block and the handle lip. By gently levering the handle outwards, the timber acts as a fulcrum and allows you to apply even force without damaging the tiles. Move around the perimeter of the handle, levering gently at different points. This helps shift it on the square plastic insert it’s pushed onto, and it should eventually pop off. Once the handle is free, you can then proceed to remove the retaining ring and access the cartridge.

A tap handle puller is unlikely to work here, because the locating hooks won’t fit behind the handle head, so the timber-and-screwdriver method is probably your safest and most effective option. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[phonesrbest]

hi MitchellMc,

thanks a lot for the fast response!!  I will try this today and see how it goes.