Pro Handyman Blog

If you are looking to replace your faucet handles, the biggest question I get is “how do I remove them?”. It’s really easy once you know the story.

Faucet manufacturers make replacement hardware specific for their faucets only. In other words, you generally can’t install a Moen handle on a Delta faucet. The pattern of each is different from the other. If you have a replacement handle for your fixture and it is from the same manufacturer, you should be looking at a 10 minute job.

The trick is figuring out how the handle is held to the faucet. The handle is typically held in place by a screw under a cap on the handle, or a small setscrew near the base of the handle.

Look at the top of the handle for a seam. Although it may not look like it, you should be able to get a screwdriver into the seam and pry off the cap. Under the cap is the screw that holds the handle to the faucet.

If you don’t have a cap, look for a small indention at the base of the handle. You may need a flashlight to see the small setscrew inside the indention. Use an Allen wrench and loosen the screw and the handle should pop off.

Once the handle has been removed, you can install the new handle and tighten the screw.