Noob question - how to remove this tap handle?

[SteveRobert5a]

This is undoubtedly a dumb question, but I can't get this tap handle off. I'd assumed the little insert disk would pop out but it doesn't want to. So what am I doing wrong?
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[Welder]

You just have to persevere. It does come out.

 

[chris watkins]

Normally a screw or hex key underneath it which you have to loosen. Them pull the head off.

 

[SteveRobert5a]

Thanks! I guess I need a tiny screwdriver and just try to lever the cap off.

 

[Tim Watts]

Some tap heads just need a reasonable pull upwards - no screw. I have a set of Peglers that do just that.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Thanks! I guess I need a tiny screwdriver and just try to lever the cap off.

Alum key will do the job matey.

 

[SteveRobert5a]

Alum key? The problem is the inset is domed and jammed in. Trying to insert a thin jeweler's screwdriver down the edge is scraping off the chrome plating and damaging the tap. Is there some kind of technique to this? Just pulling the head doesn't do anything (as someone suggested - sorry, no idea what "Peglers" are.)

 

[Tim Watts]

Alum key? The problem is the inset is domed and jammed in. Trying to insert a thin jeweler's screwdriver down the edge is scraping off the chrome plating and damaging the tap. Is there some kind of technique to this? Just pulling the head doesn't do anything (as someone suggested - sorry, no idea what "Peglers" are.)

"Pegler" is a manufacturer of plumbing parts and taps - one of the major British manufacturers.

OK - you tried to pull the top off, probably wise not to overdo trying that! Do you know what make of tap you have (it might help)?

 

[SteveRobert5a]

Thanks - sorry no idea what make the tap is - fitted by someone else and can't see a brand mark anywhere. (As for Peglers - yep, but what is a set of them?!) Am now going to apply WD40 to see if that can work its magic.

 

[Tim Watts]

(As for Peglers - yep, but what is a set of them?!)

4 in my case 🙂

 

[SteveRobert5a]

Lol - just realised what was meant by the comment. I thought the set of Peglers were tools that would help me remove.. oh never mind..

 

[Tim Watts]

Might be worth trying to soak the area in some limescale remover to clean up the bit around that hole.

 

[Welder]

Sorry. but this tap handle does NOT pull off.
It's held on by a hex grub screw (generally 5mm) accessed through the plug you cannot remove.
Unf SR5A you're going to have to use your ingenuity to remove it. Try a stanley knife blade.

 

[SteveRobert5a]

OK - thanks for input - and encouragement. It's off. The plug was a little plastic insert that took some prising but it eventually came out. Then the screw was accessible and that came out easily enough. The handle was very firmly wedged onto the stem, but with WD40, tapping lightly with a hammer and a lot of prising it eventually loosened and came off. What a palaver. Thank you for all the ideas and suggestions!

 

[Tim Watts]

Drop of grease or vaseline on the spindle when reassembling (and the screw) maybe, to make it easier next time?

Glad you figured it out 🙂

 

[Welder]

Drop of grease or vaseline on the spindle when reassembling (and the screw) maybe, to make it easier next time?

Glad you figured it out 🙂

Tim. One should not put grease or vaseline onto plastic parts because over time it makes them swell or break down as they are all hydrocarbon derivatives. Grease them by all means, but ONLY use silicone grease as it's inert. 🙂

 

[SteveRobert5a]

Thanks for the tip - this is great. Now finally - a follow-up question. I chewed up the edges of the hot/cold indicator collars when I prised the handles off - couldn't really avoid it, because they're only soft polythene, and they are no longer made by Bristan (who have been very helpful in identifying the tap). Does anyone know of a secret source of obscure discontinued bits of Bristan taps? I haven't found anyone on eBay or Google, but maybe I'm looking for the wrong thing.

 

[Welder]

If you have a half decent one get them 3D pr8nted