how to remove an old, stripped shower stem

Over 698,000 strictly plumbing related posts

Plumbing education, information, advice, help and suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers who wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been the best online (strictly) PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't tract you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by:

Post New

How to Show Images

Newest Subjects

how to remove an old, stripped shower stem

Author: ericje (CA)

I believe these are original faucets to the home built in 1950.
Broach A fit the stems but the stem is stripped so handles no longer turn the stem.
The stem does not have the hexagon shape that the normal valve sets are designed to turn so I have been unable to figure out how to get it off. I have tried a pipe wrench and perhaps it is just stuck but am afraid i'm going to break something.
Any advice? Thank you!

Head on and side view links to images below:

[postimg.org]
[postimg.org]

Post Reply

Re: how to remove an old, stripped shower stem
Author: bernabeu (SC) there are opposing 'flats' designed for an adjustable or 'open end' wrench get a good 'bite' and turn away - counterclockwise to loosen ============================================== "Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
Post Reply

Thank you.
Author: ericje (CA) thank you. I've tried to turn it on those two flats but it won't budge. I'll try it with some more muscle, but any tips? Edited 1 times.
Post Reply

Re: how to remove an old, stripped shower stem
Author: KCRoto (MO) Spray it with PB blaster penetrating oil first.
Post Reply

Re: how to remove an old, stripped shower stem
Author: george 7941 (Canada) Heating with a torch also helps. Heat can damage the stem, so you have to be committed to finishing the job, which in the worst case would mean replacing the faucet.
Post Reply

Re: how to remove an old, stripped shower stem
Author: marlinman (FL) You have a Crane Dial-ese stem. There is a tool designed specifically for this stem. You will have no problem finding one by Googling it.
Post Reply

Re: how to remove an old, stripped shower stem
Author: hj (AZ) It will NOT turn, until you use the flats on the large locknut to loosen it and allow the smaller one to turn. From the appearance, I believe you have a Crane Dial-eze stem. Edited 1 times.
Post Reply

Re: how to remove an old, stripped shower stem
Author: srloren (CA) Don't repair it replace it. Make your life easy...
Post Reply

Re: how to remove an old, stripped shower stem
Author: ericje (CA) I'd like to replace it but the plumber we had in our home told us to repair it, they'd have to rip out the wall. We are planning on completely redoing the bathroom next year so I would like to avoid a major fix if it is going to be trashed a year from now anyway. I've tried the vice grip handles but they all stop working very quickly. Any other temporary fixes?
Post Reply

Please note:

Inappropriate messages or blatant advertising will be deleted. We cannot be held responsible for bad or inadequate advice.
Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages posted here. Please follow external links with caution.
Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing related advice and NOT to ask about pricing/costs, nor where to find a product (try Google), nor how to operate or promote a business, nor for ethics (law) and the like questions.
Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.

Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor's site:

Plbg Advisor List Common Plumbing Terms Find A Plumber Plumbing Manufacturers Directory theplumber.com

Special thanks to our sponsor:

to FAQ's - to popular subjects - to plumbing books - to Tankless 101 - to plumbing history - to helping charities - to contact us