Shower/tub faucet handle replacement

[y_p_w]

So I've been asked to deal with a broken handle for a tub/shower. As far as I can tell, it's an older style Price Pfister where they no longer make a replacement part. The handle looks like it's chrome-plated zinc where the center has just kind of corroded away. I was looking at similar replacement parts sold by Danco and Ace Hardware that come in hot/cold pairs with the H/C center caps.

https://www.acehardware.com/departments/plumbing/faucet-and-faucet-repair/faucet-handles/44781
https://www.danco.com/product/faucet-handles-for-price-pfister-showers-in-chrome/

I saw a few similar looking "universal" faucet handles at HD and Ace, but those typically have some sort of chunky base with a clamping mechanism. One type had two screws that clamped down on the stem, while others had a separate clamp (with screws) where the handle then just friction fit over the clamp (with a chance of it falling off). And I'm guessing that they don't have to be a four-point design if they just clamp on.

I got the replacement part from Ace, but I'm not going to install it until this weekend. Took it out of the package, and it's very close, but probably not exactly the same. But it does appear to be some kind of splined fitting where the handle fits on the stem, then a screw holds it in place. I don't have have a picture of what's there now, but I expect that the center spline portion is likely still stuck to the stem, but should be removable with pliers. The instructions are a bit odd in that they say to keep the old screw for reuse, but each handle has a new screw provided.

Does this look compatible? I'm doing this for my parents since it's their property. But when I asked if I should get a picture of what's there from the tenant, my mom says don't bother them and just see what it's like when I get there.

Does this look right? It's the original one on the left, and the replacement from Ace (at least one of them) on the right.

 

[KJSmith]

They actually make a small puller for faucet handles.
Never bothered to buy one.

If all else fails, maybe you can find some new stems to fit.
Or pull one of the old stems and take it with you.

If you go that far, do washers and seats if they are replaceable.

I had an old time plumber/plumber shop near me once.
That guy had everything, knew almost everything and was great to deal with.

If the part was lifetime replacement, he gave it to you for free.

If you haven't done one, stems are easy to pull.
Just turn the water off.

After the stem is out, look down that hole.
If the opening looks like an allen wrench, you can pull the seat and match it up.

 

[facility1]

providing the new handle fits,make sure you clean up everything good and the splines with a fine brush,and put a little silicone grease on them, reuse screw if head is ok,and make sure the pointer on knob is positioned correctly.

 

[vavavroom]

Yes, definitely clean the splines and grease them. I have seen faucet valve handles that would not come off with a puller. You don't want the valve to break while pulling.

 

[y_p_w]

Can’t get it off. What broke off from the handle is fused to the stem. What’s worse is I tried to see if I could just replace the hot water handle and the head of the screw broke off.

This is where broken handle came from. No luck trying to remove the screw. Hoping that maybe a universal fit clamping handle can fit over this.

 

[John105]

Darn. Would servicing either the washer or cartridge be possible? Trying to envision our Moen if the teardrop handle could not be removed.

 

[KJSmith]

Try a Dremel type tool with a cut off wheel.
You may have to split it in 2 places longways.
Then stick a screw driver and pry it off.

If that works you mabe able to get the whole stem assembly out and match it up.

Old plumbing work usually requires at least 3 trips to the store.

 

[Nukeman7]

Old plumbing work usually requires at least 3 trips to the store.

Truer words have never been spoken!

Trip #1 - Buy what you think fits.

Trip #2 - Buy what actually fits...plus extra stuff you might need.

Trip #3 - Buy what you broke or forgot to get in Trip #2.

Trip #4 - Return what you didn't need for a refund.

 

[y_p_w]

Went to a hardware store with a measurement of the width of the sleeve. I was hoping there was some sort of universal handle with a clamping mechanism wide enough to fit, but nothing is that wide. This is going to take a plumber. My mom knows someone who works pretty cheap.

 

[xmanjeff]

you may have to go this route ,the whole kit is about 50 or60$, u tube is your friend

 

[y_p_w]

Nah. I think the kit we got should work, but right now it's going to take a proper plumber to do the work. I would think it would be a good idea to replace the stems and washers.

 

[y_p_w]

A handman came by and managed to remove it and install just one handle. He didn't want to mess with the other one when it was still functional. I wasn't there to see him do it, but he said he was planning on drilling into the screw and using a special tool to turn it. He couldn't do it while I was there since he didn't have the equipment with him at the time, but he came back the next morning when the tenant let him in.

 

[burbguy82]

A handman came by and managed to remove it and install just one handle. He didn't want to mess with the other one when it was still functional. I wasn't there to see him do it, but he said he was planning on drilling into the screw and using a special tool to turn it. He couldn't do it while I was there since he didn't have the equipment with him at the time, but he came back the next morning when the tenant let him in.

You are buying time. I would, before it becomes an emergency and cause damage, have a plumber install a new Delta R10000 valve with a three hole cover plate. You will never have to worry about it again. They will know what I am talking about.