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Remove Faucet Handles — Remove the Faucet Handle

Beginner

Part of project

Faucet Cartridge Replacement: Fix Leaks & Restore Water Flow · Step 2 of 5

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In this video

Use an Allen wrench to remove the screw located under the faucet handle. Once the screw is removed, carefully pull off the handle.

Goal: Detach handles from faucet

  • If the handles are stuck, try using a penetrating oil or gently tapping them with a rubber mallet.

Used in this video

  • Allen WrenchRemoving set screw
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TheOldkid888

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FAQs

Do I truly need the specialized 'Arcan Hardened 3 in. Gear Puller' or 'K Tool International Torque Wrench' for this beginner project?

While a gear puller can be helpful for stubborn faucet handles or cartridges, standard pliers or a screwdriver often suffice for removal. A torque wrench is typically unnecessary for residential faucet cartridges; hand-tightening followed by a snug turn with a crescent wrench is usually adequate.

What crucial safety precautions should I take beyond just turning off the water supply before starting this project?

Always turn off the main water supply valves located directly under the sink for the specific faucet you're working on. After turning off the water, open the faucet briefly to relieve any residual water pressure and drain remaining water from the lines.

What should I do if the faucet handle or old cartridge is stuck and won't budge during removal?

For a stuck handle, try applying penetrating oil around the base and letting it sit for a few minutes before attempting removal with a gear puller or pry tool. If the cartridge is stuck, ensure you've removed all retaining clips or nuts, and consider using a cartridge-specific puller if available for your faucet model.

As a beginner, how long should I expect this faucet cartridge replacement to take, and what's the typical cost?

For a beginner, this project typically takes 30-60 minutes, assuming you have the correct replacement part and encounter no major complications. The cost is primarily for the new cartridge, usually ranging from $10 to $40, making it a very cost-effective repair.

Transcript
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removing these two cover plates then we're going to start by taking an allen wrench and we're going to send the allen screw right here i have the water turned off close this up so that i don't drop an allen screw down the drain but all you do is loosen this allen screw this comes right off that one was stuck on there a little bit we got it off so

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.