CANNOT REMOVE TAP HANDLE HEAD (BONNET TYPE)

dimmy · Mar 22, 2018

Hi!
In the past I have simply removed the cover and centre screw and lifted off the tap handle head to change the washer/mechanism. BUT the one in my flat simply won`t budge!!!. I have removed the top cover and centre screw. I have even bought a TAP HANDLE PULLER ..still no joy it`s as solid as a rock!!!. It is a cheap contract type mixer tap...my question is as these are made by the thousands is it possible that the handle/head does NOT come off...BUT then why is the screw there??? does it matter if the tap is turned ON or OFF in order to remove the handle?. My guess is the tap has been there since the flat was built 15 years ago..and is probably limescaled/corroded up under the handle...strange thing is the handle wobbles a bit in mid flow so I don`t see why it won`t budge.any idea`s please?..other than buy new taps which I know is the obvious thing to do!!!...thanks!

Last Plumber · Mar 22, 2018

dimmy said:
Hi!
In the past I have simply removed the cover and centre screw and lifted off the tap handle head to change the washer/mechanism. BUT the one in my flat simply won`t budge!!!. I have removed the top cover and centre screw. I have even bought a TAP HANDLE PULLER ..still no joy it`s as solid as a rock!!!. It is a cheap contract type mixer tap...my question is as these are made by the thousands is it possible that the handle/head does NOT come off...BUT then why is the screw there??? does it matter if the tap is turned ON or OFF in order to remove the handle?. My guess is the tap has been there since the flat was built 15 years ago..and is probably limescaled/corroded up under the handle...strange thing is the handle wobbles a bit in mid flow so I don`t see why it won`t budge.any idea`s please?..other than buy new taps which I know is the obvious thing to do!!!...thanks!

As @Best once suggested to another OP:-
Try and whack it gently with a hammer.

I would use the shaft or a piece of timber. Tap it in all directions, maybe use a bit of ease it first. Failing that, gently warm it with a blow lamp. Careful though you can damage the Chrome. Don't go too hot or you'll damage the innerds.

I would give it 10 min then resort to changing the tap. Sometimes it's just easier and the right thing to do.

SimonG · Mar 22, 2018

Tap it and unwrap it. Never had one I couldn't budge.

peter0504030201 · Mar 22, 2018

in the past I opened the valve on the tap fully open , then put some grips on the tap head an keep turning open the head will snap off , then remove the valve an replace with these tap reviver kits
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https://media.NoLinkingToThis/is/image//ae235?src=ae235/12204_A1&$prodImageMedium$
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https://media.NoLinkingToThis/is/image//ae235?src=ae235/12204_A1&$prodImageThumb$

https://media.NoLinkingToThis/is/image/ae235/?fmt=gif&wid=107&hei=50&op_sharpen=1&layer=0&size=107,50&layer=1&size=107,50&src=ae235/Swirl
Swirl Bathroom Basin Contract Tap Reviver Kit (12204)

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Easy way to update old taps. Fit quickly and easily without disturbing existing plumbing. Sold in pairs. ½" for basin taps, ¾" for bath taps.

2 Year Manufacturer's Guarantee (T&Cs Apply)
Full Turn Operation
Chrome

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