How do I remove Delta tub faucet handles with no set screws?

bauerjp · Jun 8, 2014

I'm trying to replace the seats and springs in a ~8 year old Delta tub faucet. The faucet handles have holes where I expected to find set screws to allow removal of the handles. After further investigation, however, there appear to be no set screws inside the holes. The handles are held tight in place, so I'm trying to figure out how to remove the handles without damaging the faucet. Has anybody run into this with Delta faucets? Any advice on how to remove these handles would be greatly appreciated (I'll have to tear out some of the tub tile surround if I end up having to replace the entire faucet). I've attached 2 pictures of the faucet and handle for reference.

journeyman · Jun 8, 2014

Looks like the set screw is rounded out. Or the handles unsrew from the deck. But looks like bad set screw you might have to drill it out

SHR · Jun 8, 2014

Yes, the set screws are in the little holes under the handle insert holes. Common problem with many Delta tub/shower faucets, not so common with roman tub faucets. Nevertheless it is the same fix, drill out the bad set screw and replace with new screws and most likely handles too. Call Delta's wonderful customer service and explain your problem and what parts you need. They will even send you free seats and springs.

When re-installing the handles and set screws coat any threads with silicone plumbers grease and the problem should not happen again.

bauerjp · Jun 16, 2014

Thanks so much for the responses journeyman and SHR. I called Delta and they agreed that my problem was stripped set screws. They also gave me part numbers for the new handles to order. Now's when the problem gets interesting. The new handles arrived and are larger than my existing handles. I drilled out the area where the set screws would have been with a 1/4" drill bit and there doesn't appear to have been any set screw there. I've since talked to Delta another 2 times to figure out what to do and they are adamant that these handles are held in place with set screws. There appear to be threads on the inside of the handles, so I'm wandering if the handles may screw onto the deck after all. I'm just worried about forcing the handles since my simple leaking faucet job gets a lot more complicated if I have to replace the faucet al-together. I've attached a picture of the handle after drilling out the set screw hole (you can see what appear to be threads on the inside of the handle). If these handles are threaded onto the deck, would I turn them counterclockwise to remove them? Any other ideas what may be holding these handles in place?

SHR · Jun 16, 2014

They are attached with the set screws. Seems you may need a handle puller tool. $10 - $15 at most stores that sell plumbing supplies.

journeyman · Jun 16, 2014

I agree with shr those are set screws. The reason you dont see threads is because you drilled them out. If you try to unscrew the handle you might turn the whole valve. Get a puller and pull them off roman tubs are a pain in the *** because there is no way to acess valves if needed