Removing a faucet handle without screws can seem like a daunting task, but it is not impossible to do. Whether you are dealing with a bathroom or a kitchen faucet, there are several ways to remove the handle without visible screws. In this article, we will discuss the different types of screwless handles, how to identify them, and the necessary tools needed to remove them.
What are Screwless Faucet Handles?
Screwless faucet handles are types of faucet handles that do not have visible screws or set screws. Instead, the handle is attached to the cartridge with a mechanism that is concealed under a button or cap on the lever-style handle. Screwless handles are more common in newer faucets and can be tricky to remove without the proper tools and techniques.
Types of Screwless Faucet Handles
There are two main types of screwless faucet handles – the double faucet handle and the single handle faucet.
The double faucet handle is commonly found in bathrooms and has a button or a cap on top of the handle that needs to be removed to expose the screwless mechanism. The lever-style handle is attached to the cartridge using a retaining ring that needs to be removed with pliers or a wrench.
The single handle faucet, on the other hand, has a lever-style handle that has a button or cap on the side of the handle. The cap or button needs to be removed to expose a hole where an Allen key or a hex key can be inserted to remove the handle.
How to Identify Screwless Faucet Handles
Identifying screwless faucet handles is easy. Look for a button or cap that needs to be removed before the screwless mechanism is exposed. The button or cap is typically located on the lever-style handle. Some handles have the button or cap on top, while others have the button or cap on the side. If it does not have visible screws and has a button or cap, it is likely a screwless handle.
How to Remove the Handle From Screwless Faucets
Removing a screwless faucet handle varies from one type of faucet to another. It is important to identify the type of handle you have before attempting to remove it. Here are the steps to follow:
How to Remove a Faucet Handle With No Visible Screws?
If you are dealing with a faucet handle that does not have visible screws, do not panic. Here are the different ways to remove them:
Removing Button or Cap Handles
If you have a double faucet handle that has a button or cap on top, the first step is to remove the button or cap. You can use a screwdriver to remove the button or cap, but be careful not to damage it. Once the button or cap is removed, you will see a screwless mechanism that is attached to the cartridge. Use pliers or a wrench to remove the retaining ring that holds the cartridge in place. Once the retaining ring is removed, you can pull the handle off the cartridge.
Removing Double Faucet Handles
If you have a single handle faucet, the button or cap is typically located on the side of the lever-style handle. Use a flathead or Allen key to remove the button or cap. Once the button or cap is removed, you will see a hole where you can insert an Allen key or a hex key to remove the handle. Insert the Allen key or hex key into the hole and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the handle. Once the handle is loose, pull it off the cartridge.
Removing Single Handle Faucets
If you have a double faucet handle, the process is similar to removing a single handle faucet. Remove the button or cap on top of the handle to expose the screwless mechanism. Use pliers or a wrench to remove the retaining ring that holds the cartridge in place. Once the retaining ring is removed, you can pull the handle off the cartridge.
What Tools Do I Need to Remove the Faucet Handle?
Here are the tools necessary to remove the faucet handle without screws:
Faucet Handle Puller Tool
A faucet handle puller tool is necessary when dealing with older faucets that are difficult to remove. The tool helps to remove the handle by gripping onto it and pulling it off the cartridge.
Allen Key or Hex Key
An Allen key or a hex key is necessary when dealing with a single handle faucet. The key is inserted into a hole on the side of the handle and turned counterclockwise to loosen the handle.
Screwdriver Alternative
If you do not have a flathead or Phillips head screwdriver, you can use a butter knife or a coin as an alternative. However, it is important to be careful not to damage the button or cap.
How Do I Remove a Bathroom Sink Faucet Handle?
When removing a bathroom sink faucet handle without screws, you need to first turn off the water supply to the faucet. Here are the steps:
Removing the Cartridge in a Bathroom Sink Faucet Handle
If you are removing a bathroom sink faucet handle with no screws, you need to remove the cartridge inside the handle. Locate the retaining clip or a screw that holds the cartridge in place and remove it. Once the retaining clip or screw is removed, you can pull the cartridge out of the handle.
Using a Handle Puller on Bathroom Sink Faucet Handles
If the cartridge is stuck, you can use a handle puller tool to remove the handle. The tool grips onto the handle and pulls it off the cartridge without damaging it.
Removing Kitchen Sink Faucet Handles
Removing a kitchen sink faucet handle without screws is similar to removing a bathroom sink faucet handle. The only difference is that the retaining clip or screw may be hidden under a decorative cap that needs to be removed first before you can access it.
What Do I Do if I Need to Remove the Shower Handle Without Screws?
Removing a shower handle without screws is similar to removing a faucet handle without screws. However, you need to turn off the water supply to the shower before you can remove the handle. Here are the steps:
Removing the Shower Handle Button or Cap
The first step is to remove the button or cap on the lever-style handle. The cap or button is typically located on the top or the side of the handle. Use a butter knife or a flathead screwdriver to remove the button or cap. Be careful not to damage it.
Using an Allen Key to Remove the Shower Handle
Once the button or cap is removed, you will see a hole where an Allen key or a hex key can be inserted to loosen the handle. Insert the key into the hole and turn it counterclockwise to loosen the handle. Once the handle is loose, pull it off the cartridge.
Turning Off Water Supply to Remove the Shower Handle
If the handle does not have a hole to insert an Allen key or a hex key, you need to turn off the water supply to the shower before removing the handle. Locate the valve that controls the water supply to the shower and turn it off. Once the water supply is turned off, you can remove the handle by pulling it off the cartridge.
Now you know different ways of removing faucet handles without screws. Remember to turn off the water supply before removing the handle and to use the appropriate tools for each type of faucet. Whether you are dealing with a bathroom or a kitchen faucet, you are now able to pull the handle off without too much of a hassle.
Q: How do I remove a bathtub faucet handle without screws?
A: Start by identifying the type of faucet you have. If it’s a double faucet handle, look for a button or cap that can be removed to reveal a hidden screw. For single handle faucets, locate a setscrew or pinhole. If there are no visible screws or pins, you can try gently pulling off or twisting the handle to reveal the inner screw.
Q: What is the easiest way to remove a faucet handle without screws?
A: The easiest way is to use a faucet handle puller. This tool is designed to remove most types of faucet handles without causing damage to the fixture or handle. Simply place the puller around the faucet handle and tighten the nut until the handle pops off.
Q: How can I remove a shower handle without screws?
A: Similar to removing a bathtub faucet handle, you can use a handle puller or look for a button or cap to reveal a hidden screw. You may also need to remove the cap or cover plate around the faucet to access the screw or setscrew.
Q: What type of faucet handles have no visible screws?
A: Some single faucet handles have no visible screws and require special tools to remove. These include ball, cartridge, and disc faucets.
Q: How do I remove a faucet handle with no screws or visible pins?
A: If you have a handle that doesn’t have a screw or visible pinhole, you can try pulling off the handle gently or twisting it. You can also try using pliers to remove the handle while holding the faucet in place.
Q: Can I change a faucet handle without replacing the whole faucet?
A: Yes, in most cases you can replace just the handle without changing the entire faucet. You will need to know how to remove the old handle and install the new one properly.
Q: How do I replace a bathroom faucet handle without screws?
A: Follow the same steps as removing the handle without screws. Once you have removed the old handle, you can replace it with a new one that fits the same type of faucet cartridge.
Q: What do I do if the handle doesn’t have a screw or pin and won’t come off?
A: You may need to remove the allen key or use pliers to remove the handle from inside the faucet. Be sure to use gentle pressure to avoid causing damage to the fixture.
Q: How do I remove a bathroom faucet handle without screws or a pinhole?
A: If you can’t find a visible screw or pinhole, try pulling off the cap or cover plate to access the hidden screw. You can also try twisting or pulling off the handle gently to reveal the screw inside.
Q: Do I need to use a faucet handle puller?
A: While it’s not always necessary, using a puller can make the process easier and prevent damage to the fixture or handle.