DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

Please see photos. Right hand tap has previously been released (not by me). Have been trying to release the left hand tap using allen keys without any success (to replace washer). No manufacturer name on tap to check what is holding tap head onto spindle. Assume grub screw? Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks.

Hi jupiterid,
The hand wheels are held on by a grub screw, you should be able to see whether this is has a hexagonal or slotted end by looking in the loose one. Once you have slackened the grub screw you may need to do some wiggling and levering to get the hand wheel free of the splines - spraying release lubricant under the head may help.
Regards S

stoneyboy wrote: ↑

Thu Jan 16, 2025 11:10 pm

Hi jupiterid,
The hand wheels are held on by a grub screw, you should be able to see whether this is has a hexagonal or slotted end by looking in the loose one. Once you have slackened the grub screw you may need to do some wiggling and levering to get the hand wheel free of the splines - spraying release lubricant under the head may help.
Regards S

Thanks. Can't see through the hole in tap head as it points down to basin when off and a quarter turn for full on, which points to the wall. Very challenging to try to work out if hex or flat end to screw!

Why not hold a small mirror behind it?

I have looked with a small mirror through the hole. I can see some form of grub screw - it is not sufficiently clear to .confirm that it is a hexagon head. Have bought a large range of Allen keys but no luck finding a solid connection. I'm running out of ideas. Most places that I have asked have said that it would be easier to change the entire tap. I don't wish to do this as it matches the shower taps. This seems like a vey complicated job for what should be relatively easy. Is there any other form of head that the grub screw might be? PS there is no room to get a screwdriver into the hole due to proximity to basin and wall. Thanks for any suggestions.

It would be silly for the tap on one side to have a different fixing than the tap on the other side, so you should be able to use the same size Allen key on both sides.

The tap head that comes off was not removed by me. It has no grub screw (I assume that it was either lost or never used at installation). It simply comes off very easily due to this and this isn't a problem for day to day use.