Bristan shower handle removal

[Lizziew24]

Morning all. I’m hoping someone can help. My very old bristan mixer shower has been dripping so having done some research I decided to take it apart to try and maybe soak the cartridge in vinegar and put new O rings in (we live in a very hard water area). Problem is I cannot get the outside casing off and I assume it’s because the white handle (see photo) needs to come off first. However I cannot get the handle to budge. Am I doing the right thing? Tia.

 

[cross thread]

Think it unscrews,

 

[StephenStephen]

I've contacted them a couple of times. They don't always get things right first time, but they are keen to be helpful:

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[Lizziew24]

I suspect it’s completely limescaled up! I’ll try and use a soft grip wrench but I’ll likely end up pulling it off the wall!

 

[oldbuffer]

If it's a Bristan 1901:
1. The handle should pull off. As you say, it may well be jammed on with limescale.
2. Just a word of warning. If it IS a 1901, the cartridge should pull out. Don't try and unscrew it as there are splines at the back of the cartridge which fit into matching splines at the rear of the body. If you force it you will strip the splines and need a new shower.
3. In the past I've had to resort to jacking the cartridge out with an improvised puller.

 

[Lizziew24]

That’s really helpful. Thank you. I’ll try that!!