Stuck shower diverter in 3-handle tub

[Iamstuck]

I have recently purchased a house, and am having to redo all the shower diverters.

However, when I go to take out either (I have two showers) diverter it won't come out, only the packing nut comes out.

It's an indiana brass shower stem (I assume diverter would be the same), in a 1980's home if it helps.

I have used wd-40 and used the stem wrenches to try and get it out. I've also tried hiring a plumber and he was absolutely no help.

Thank you for taking the time to read, and I really hope to get some help.

 

[breplum]

The basic shower socket tool in the various showers is what we use.
I can imagine if your valve stem is held in with a hex nut that is stubborn, then you might need a deep socket out of automotive socket set.

 

[Iamstuck]

The basic shower socket tool in the various showers is what we use.
I can imagine if your valve stem is held in with a hex nut that is stubborn, then you might need a deep socket out of automotive socket set.

Never considered using something like a deep socket for a car, thank you. I'll try that out next time I go into town and can pick one up.

 

[breplum]

This assumes you have discovered what size the nut is via a shower socket set ? If you do buy an automotive shop one, get a 1/2" driver end b/c the stem will likely be needing to protrude through that square 1/2" opening and you will need a pipe wrench to rotate the thing.

 

[Iamstuck]

I don't remember what size it was via the shower socket set, but it wouldn't take more than a minute to figure that out.

Sitting here thinking about it, I am fairly confused how a deep set automotive socket is going to do anything the shower socket won't.

Either way I'm gonna give it a shot, because I am a total amateur when it comes to this.

So thank you @breplum for taking the time out of your day to respond to me twice! It's a huge help!

 

[breplum]

If indeed you only got the gland/packing nut off, then there has to be a hex nut holding the valve stem in place.
If you have the deep shower socket set, it should have worked unless it deformed while rotating with a big enough pipe wrench; which can happen.

 

[Iamstuck]

Oh God, I hope they aren't deformed... I've really only been using a pair of channel locks to do the job, instead of a pipe wrench.

But there should be a hex nut behind the packing nut, I did not know that. No one (that I saw) on YouTube mentioned that!

If it is deformed does that mean I'd have to have some replumb both showers?

 

[Jeff Handy]

I think he means the shower socket may have deformed, because they are just flimsy metal, not hardened like a mechanics’ deep socket will be.

 

[havasu]

For folks using WD40, please keep in mind that is NOT a penetrating oil. PBlaster is the choice for many, and is a great penetrating oil.

 

[Jeff Handy]

And PB Blaster is easy to find in stores.
Auto parts stores, hardware stores, pbly Home Depot, Lowes, Menards.