Remove tap handle

[mfurlonger]

Hi All,

Bit of a dilemma here.

I need to remove the tap handle/head from a wickes Athens bath mixer tap ( due to a broken handle ) and have no idea how to. A plumber has been around and he also didn't know.

It's going to be costly as the bath tap is installed lengthways against the wall so there is no access to replace. The only options are knock some bricks out from the room next door which has just been plastered or remove bath, screen, tiles etc.
Any ideas? There is no grub screw holding it in place.

Thank!

 

[Tigercubrider]

they are on sale for around £45?
I'd buy one and take a look at the instructions - unless you can find either a friendly assistant to open the pack, or the instructions online.

 

[JohnD]

post some photos.

maybe whichever company made the tap can be recognised.

You have emailed Wickes customer service, haven't you?

 

[mfurlonger]

Thanks Tigercubrider,
I have purchased a new tap with a view to using the handle. So I need to get the new handle off and switch it for the broken one on the installed tap.
There were no instructions with the new tap so I phoned wickes who emailed me a pdf version however nothing other than general installation instructions and nothing about removing the handle which is surprising as it's needed to replace the ceramic valve.

 

[mfurlonger]

Thank JohnD.Another photo...
Yes as above spoken to wickes. I think the tap is about 8 years old. Wickes seem to be selling a few in remaining stock

 

[JohnD]

does the pdf have any clues as to the maker?

 

[Tigercubrider]

are there no hidden allen key holes?
Often they are sited underneath or behind, and my kitchen taps have a very small allen key

 

[mfurlonger]

Instructions sent from Wickes support..

 

[mfurlonger]

does the pdf have any clues as to the maker?

Nope. Not that I can see, just attached the pdf

 

[FiremanT]

Our "buy it cheap" culture was always going to come home to roost.

And as for fitting taps where it is impossible to maintain without removing the bath........................

 

[mfurlonger]

are there no hidden allen key holes?
Often they are sited underneath or behind, and my kitchen taps have a very small allen key

No just a single hole but no screw and when you turn the tap the whole closes up as if it moved with the handle. There is one hole to remove the arm where the water comes out.
I'm stumped!

 

[mfurlonger]

Our "buy it cheap" culture was always going to come home to roost.

And as for fitting taps where it is impossible to maintain without removing the bath........................

I know that. It was fitted before we bought the house....

 

[Tigercubrider]

No just a single hole but no screw and when you turn the tap the whole closes up as if it moved with the handle.
I'm stumped!

So have you actually tried to insert an Allen key?
Mine isn't about 2mm in size

 

[mfurlonger]

So have you actually tried to insert an Allen key?
Mine isn't about 2mm in size

Yes various sizes. If you look in the whole you can just see the brass top of the tap valve (the bit with the lines going down)

 

[Alec_t]

the bit with the lines going down

.... looks like an ordinary slotted grub-screw head to me, with some gunk in it.