How to remove stuck on #tap #handles. The screw is stuck.

You go to fix your tap only to find you cannot get the top off. The screw holding the head on has become burred over and will not undo. Here are my methods to get them off. If you have your way tell us in the description box below.
Saved some money on plumbers fees? Use the thanks button.
Many thanks Al.

[damianweedon]

Over and over again you churn out these quick video hints, tips and tutorials. Every single one of them are simple enough for anyone to use and follow which saves us in an emergency or give a us confidence when completing DIY - I used your video to replace a sink years ago and then to fit a toilet and now just yesterday for a leaky radiator. Thanks to you both and keep safe! In the digital age of fake people it's great that such a genuine and honest guy is doing so well 👍🏻😷👍🏻

[alwyncharlesp]

I have learnt so much from you, I earn good money as a direct result of tips I have learnt from you.
Respect is due!

[Declanworld]

You've just saved my bacon - I just used your tip of tapping with a hammer on a screwdriver positioned at one end of the slot to turn the head.

[hazelkinvig-paul]

Some great tips there Al! Thanks for that, I will save this one for future reference! As always, TFS, stay safe and keep well! 👍💖

[stuartlockwood]

Hi Al and Jan, ☺ thanks for the tips mate, you save us a fortune, stay safe both of you, Best wishes, Stuart uk.

[dankierson]

Useful ideas from the East End. Cheers.

[pauluk]

Great vid, when I eventually got the screw out an replaced the washer I managed to get a replacement brass screw an coated the thread in petroleum jelly to (hopefully) stop it getting stuck again.

[rayc]

I know it sounds crazy but I find elastic bands work to remove rounded or slipping screws. A pair of needle nose channel locks is also always handy to have in the toolbox.
Great video Al 👍

[johnk]

Very good. save me messing with plumbers

[adrianandkatrinadove]

been watching some of your great videos..got no where on my two taps today....as you say, you feel deflated not being able to start the job because you cannot get a screw

[hotjuice]

Ha ha, I've got the same cross head kitchen tap. I suspect it is a Pegler. Screws came out relatively easy before viewing your video. However the cross head refuses to come off. Tried tapping upwards with a hammer but doesn't seem to work.

Taps must be around 37 years old so thinking of just replacing the lot as underneath the covers look really mucky.

Great Youtube channel!

[millie]

Super little tips these, stuck at level 1 though I can't even undo the screw cap to get at the screw underneath...
Even with the best tools....so frustrating, any more tips?!😢

[streuthmonkey]

I have a tap with a screw which cannot be removed so will be trying this. Thanks.

[honved]

Many of our plumbing fittings have been insitu for years, if not decades. I'm just about to replace a Honeywell 3 way valve which has been in the airing cupboard for over 20 years. I expect the nuts on the old one to be solid!

[karenx]

Dereton...I have the Victorian type tap, like the one you showed. I took the ‘cold’ off to get to the screw and I saw my screw has no head left. The plumber that fitted it must have over screwed it in 3 yrs ago.
I have bought the extractor drill bit and think I can do it.
Question: my drill is corded and I am a bit nervous about drilling into the screw and the drill bit touching water. I have electrical, safety cut out and I will turn the water off at the mains. Is it safe to use a corded drill on a tap? I need to change the tap cartridge and it’s a simple job if I can get the bloody tap apart😂😂
Thanks, Kaz

[karenx]

Have you ever done a video on using a Boa Constrictor wrench.? I need to buy and use one. It looks like a good piece of kit but I want to use it properly ( the large silver security ring on the combimate won’t come off, WD40 didn’t work...another of my plumbing issues 😂)

[DY-cqqd]

the cross head tap top wont come off screw no prob - they are just friction held? usually are?

[judithwilber]

trying to find out how to unstick the hex screw in my bathroom sink faucet handle? its not stripped it wont turn at all..feels like ill break the whole handle trying to force too hard....i tried some wd a couple times waiting in between and it wont budge....the faucet leaks and im trying to change out the innards which ive done before successfully but this time that screw holding the handle on wont budge at all....i tried to tap the allen wrench into the nut to loosen any rust or whatever but that didnt work and i dont want to screw things up more at this point..i have to turn off whole house water to do any plumbing repair due to old shut off valves that dont shut things off totally....any hints before i have to call a plumber? id get a new faucet altogether but not sure i can physically get under the sink to do the replacement either....thanks for any help!

[heffo]

Can i just drill the head off the screw or will or is it threaded through the handle part?

[minekara]

How did you unscrew the cap off the victorian tap?