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How to stop tap handle falling off?

Hello, we have moved recently, and one of the shower taps keeps falling off. I've tried to work out how to fix it / what parts I need online first, but can't work it out. I have very little DIY experience and not much money to make a mistake! Could someone please advise me on what part(s) I need to buy and replace? Thank you.

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EricL

Hello @jjmeef

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

I suggest having a look at this discussion - Solved: How to remove leaking laundry tap handle... - Page 2 by @ennoh. I've placed a diagram in that discussion that shows how the hidden screw is installed onto the tap handle.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

jjmeef

Hi EricL

Thank you so much. I'm having difficulty screwing the threaded locking nut on. It just spins wildly. I've tried turning both directions, and turned the actual nut to face each way, but no luck. Is there a trick to it or am I just missing something? Also, a small rubber washer came out but I didn't see which order - is that from inside the handle before the horseshoe?

Thank you.

Elisha

Noyade

Hi @jjmeef

In the last photograph, you have the threaded 'nut' upside down.

Do you have the tool to fit?

The wretched spanner.jpg

EricL

Hello @jjmeef

You are so close to getting installed. The only thing I've noticed is that you have the threaded locking but facing in the wrong direction. I suggest turning it the other way around with the slots facing the wall. Then give it another go, if it still fails to hook on, we'll have to have another look as to why its not engaging.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

jjmeef

Hi Noyade,

Thanks so much for replying. No, I don't have a tool like that! Do you know what it's called? I'll buy one.

Elisha

jjmeef

Thanks EricL. I've turned it the other way but it still won't screw in. I saw another user suggested a tool to help screw it on so maybe I try that? I've tried screwing it in directly into the handle so I can check it actually is threading, and it isn't.

Elisha

MitchellMc

Hi @jjmeef,

You'll find the spanner tool in this Kinetic Spout And Handle Repair Kit. It's not available by itself.

Mitchell

jjmeef

Hello, I bought the tool today and tried again, but it won't thread. It just spins around, same as without the tool.

Do I need to replace the tap?

MitchellMc

Hi @jjmeef,

Since the nut is now facing the right way, you're using the tool, and the nut still won't screw in, we could only presume the thread is damaged.

The kit you purchased includes a couple of nuts. Can't you thread those into the tap handle to see if it clears out the threads of any muck?

Failing that, you might need to look at replacing the tap or calling in the professionals.

Mitchell

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