Another shower valve w/no Allen screw question

[JAM2000]

Hi,
So glad I found your forum. I too have a loose shower handle. It’s an American Standard and it was installed in 2005. I know it’s an easy fix but like the other poster I see no Allen head screw or any other screw to remove the handle. I’ve looked all over for my old paperwork from when we installed the shower in 2005 and I’ve been on the American Standard website and looked at the specs and repair info on almost every shower handle but I can’t figure out which one this is. It looks ALOT like the PORTSMOUTH model but that spec indicates an Allen screw. anyway I want to get this handle off so I can tighten it up, but I’m afraid to damage it. Do I just yank at it? I appreciate any help

 

[Ryan Symons]

Yanking is not the preferred option. Post some pics so we may be able to identify and help.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

The screw may be under a cap that you have to either unscrew or pry off...a picture would help figure that out. On some single handle ones, you can't get to the screw unless it is turned on. That way, the screw is hidden under normal operations.

 

[JAM2000]

Hi thanks. Here’s a picture any help would be appreciated. Let me know if I should include another angle
There is no screw on the bottom.
Thanks a bunch

 

[Terry]

Sometimes a handle like that spins off behind the lever.

 

[JAM2000]

Well we found where the Allen goes but we still can’t get it off.

Hmmm...Maybe build up from hard water won’t let it come off? We got our water softener in 2014 so for 9 years we had hard water.

thoughts?

 

[Jadnashua]

If you can't get the allen wrench in, then that's a pain. If it's mineral deposits, use a smaller one and work it around to crack it loose until the needed size will fit.

If you can get it in, but it won't turn, if you haven't stripped it out, get a can of PBlaster, and give it a spritz. Let it sit overnight, then try.

If it's mineral deposits on the threads, you could try dabbing it with some vinegar. Do that every couple of hours for a day or so. That tends to dissolve the mineral deposits.

Sometimes, a torch and heat will help...just don't get it too hot, or you'll discolor the metal. Doesn't work if some of it is plastic, though.

Worst case, you drill it out. You may need to either buy a new handle or tap new threads and use a larger set screw.