How to fixing my tap handle that won't stay on?

April 1, 2015 2:58 PM

In my bathroom, I have a wall mounted faucet with the spigot in the middle and the taps on each side. A bit like this..

But the taps are just square pieces of metal (with a hole in the back) that fit over section "E" of the cartridge, which I think it's called. One one of them, the cover keeps coming off -- it seems too loose. I tried wrapping some pipe tape around the "E" part, but that only lasted for a little while. I am tempted to stick in on there with some Sugru, but think this is probably a very, very bad idea. What should I do? The other ones are so tight I can't even pull them off. I can't find another cover that looks the same in any hardware store.

posted by Lescha to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

There is usually a screw that screws into the end of "E" and holds the handle on. Are you sure there is no cover that you can pry off or unscrew to get at the screw?
posted by H21 at 3:14 PM on April 1, 2015

No screw for sure - I used to have that kind. It just fits over the E part. There is no hole on the cover part for a screw to go into.
posted by Lescha at 3:17 PM on April 1, 2015

It sounds like either the shaft or the handle is damaged and should be replaced. Is the fit very sloppy? I know it is almost impossible to determine what brand you have, but replacing the handle is probably the next step.

Another idea--glue the handle on with clear silicone sealant. It may hold it on while still being possible to get the handle off if necessary.
posted by H21 at 3:40 PM on April 1, 2015

Is there a set screw on the bottom or side of the handle, perhaps? It'd be a slightly unusual setup for separate hot and cold handles, though.
posted by CKmtl at 4:44 PM on April 1, 2015