What is this part and why can't I remove it? (Moen shower 1225)

[Windyisle]

I'm trying to replace a single handle shower faucet, but I encountered this brass piece after removing the handle. There's no attachment mechanism but I tugged until I was worried about damaging the pipes behind the wall. WD-40 didn't seem to help either.

The flange says Moen, but after 2 trips to Home Depot and a specialty plumbing store they told me the faucet itself isn't a Moen.

Any help on how to remove this collar?

EDIT for posterity (solved): It IS a Moen, just an older model that had a metal handle adapter. I got a handle puller from Home Depot, pulled so hard the handle puller bent. CLR, WD4o, nothing worked. I finally had to saw it off.

Turns out it was completely fused to the cartridge, I was wasting my time (and so are you, most likely if you find yourself looking at this thread). Just cut of the adapter with a cheap metal saw. This is for a Moen 1225, so don't go buying a Moen 1222 replacement handle, as I did (most are nowadays), only to find out they are not compatible.

 

[hj]

It IS Moen and it usually has a screw in the center to hold it on. But, it is NOT brass so it is corroded to the stem. If you do not have a handle puller to remove it, you will have to cut the stem and get a new handle adapter.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[russ j]

Having the same issue. What is the best way to remove the adapter pictured above?

 

[russ j]

It IS Moen and it usually has a screw in the center to hold it on. But, it is NOT brass so it is corroded to the stem. If you do not have a handle puller to remove it, you will have to cut the stem and get a new handle adapter.

It IS Moen and it usually has a screw in the center to hold it on. But, it is NOT brass so it is corroded to the stem. If you do not have a handle puller to remove it, you will have to cut the stem and get a new handle adapter.

Where exactly should you cut it?

 

[hj]

That is a good question. Ideally, you would cut only the adapter off just under that flange so you can remove the trim parts. if you cut the stem itself, then you MAY NOT have anything to grab to remove the cartridge.

 

[rjbphd]

I just cut the stem and replace it with knob handle.. I blame the installer for not putting grease on the adapter to prevent stuck corrosion. .

 

[hj]

Do not blame the installer. Blame Moen for making it out of rustable steel. The new ones are plastic.

 

[PaulWW]

That is a good question. Ideally, you would cut only the adapter off just under that flange so you can remove the trim parts. if you cut the stem itself, then you MAY NOT have anything to grab to remove the cartridge.

So I should hacksaw the cut here?

 

[Terry]

Sure, why not.
You do have a new 1225 cartridge and face plate with handle for it? It will be a new faucet when you are done.