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Author:
2175301 (WI)
I have a circa 1954 Case wall mounted bathroom sink in my 1954 house. The valve handles are held onto the valve stem by a slotted (for a small flat screwdriver) set screw in what I call the shank of the valve handle.
There is an accumulation of crud and hard water deposits that is preventing me from removing the valve handle from one of the valves in order to replace the rubber seat of the valve. I last had it off perhaps 12-15 years ago.
I can remove the set screw and squirt in something to loosen or soften up the deposit so I can get the valve handle off.
My question is what is the best thing to squirt into the set screw hole. My first thought is penetrating oil (which I would have to buy) - but perhaps something else is more appropriate (such as de-liming solution, which I have). Perhaps something as simple as WD-40?
Is there a specific product that works best?
Once apart I can clean it up very well and oil the end of the stem and valve handle to ensure that it comes apart easily again in the future (which is what I did with the other valve).
Thank you for your advice and time,
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Author:
bsipps (PA)
Google faucet handle puller
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Author:
2175301 (WI)
I don't see how those would work (I am very familiar with normal pullers as I have an industrial machine repair/rebuild background). There is not a centered face screw that I remove with a hole in the center of the valve handle that exposes the end of the valve stem (so I cannot push against the valve stem: pushing and pulling against the handle itself is pointless). The valve handles have a nice "C" and "H" on the face.
There is a side shank set screw.
Edited 1 times.
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Author:
bernabeu (SC)
liquid wrench
clr
two wooden wedges
PATIENCE
==============================================
"Measure Twice & Cut Once" - Retired U.A. Local 1 & 638
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Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
Heat the handle with a heat gun (or very carefully with a propane torch) and apply Liquid Wrench. Repeat a couple of times. Gentle smacks with a mallet helps fluid penetration.
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Author:
2175301 (WI)
Thanks. I'll get some liquid wrench my next shopping trip.
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Author:
2175301 (WI)
Thanks. I had forgotten the heat trick. I've done that many times rebuilding equipment. I've got a propane torch and know how to be careful with it. I'll get some liquid wrench my next shopping trip.
I don't have room to swing a rubber mallet. I can pry against the end with the sides of a flat screwdriver (which I tried initially).
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