How to Fix a Stripped Faucet Handle (The Ultimate Guide)

AvatarByLiana Farrell Faucet Queries

How to Fix a Stripped Faucet Handle

Your faucet handle is one of the most used parts of your sink, so it’s no wonder that it can eventually wear out and become stripped. If this happens, you don’t need to call a plumber – you can fix it yourself with a few simple tools and steps.

In this article, we’ll show you how to fix a stripped faucet handle in just a few minutes. We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent your faucet handles from becoming stripped in the future.

So if your faucet handle is starting to give you trouble, read on for all the information you need to get it fixed!

Step Instructions Image
1 Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2 Remove the handle by unscrewing the set screws or nuts that hold it in place.
3 Clean the threads of the faucet stem with a wire brush.
4 Apply a small amount of plumber’s grease to the threads of the new handle.
5 Screw the new handle onto the faucet stem.
6 Turn on the water supply to the faucet and test the handle.

How to Fix a Stripped Faucet Handle

Identifying the Problem

The first step to fixing a stripped faucet handle is to identify the problem. There are a few different things that could be causing the handle to be stripped, so it’s important to narrow down the issue before you can start troubleshooting.

  • The handle is loose. If the handle is loose, it may be because the screws that hold it in place have come loose. To tighten the screws, you will need a screwdriver that is the right size for the screws.
  • The handle is stuck. If the handle is stuck, it may be because the threads on the handle or the faucet body are stripped. To fix this, you will need to remove the handle and replace it with a new one.
  • The handle is broken. If the handle is broken, it will need to be replaced. To replace the handle, you will need to remove the old handle and install a new one.

Once you have identified the problem, you can start troubleshooting and fixing the stripped faucet handle.

Gathering the Tools and Materials

The tools and materials you will need to fix a stripped faucet handle will vary depending on the specific problem. However, you will typically need the following:

  • A screwdriver
  • A wrench
  • A new faucet handle (if necessary)
  • Plumbing tape
  • Penetrating oil

If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, it is best to call a professional to fix the stripped faucet handle.

Fixing a Loose Faucet Handle

If the faucet handle is loose, you can tighten the screws that hold it in place using a screwdriver. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the decorative cover from the faucet handle.
3. Locate the screws that hold the handle in place.
4. Use a screwdriver to tighten the screws.
5. Replace the decorative cover.
6. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Fixing a Stuck Faucet Handle

If the faucet handle is stuck, you will need to remove it and replace it with a new one. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the decorative cover from the faucet handle.
3. Locate the screws that hold the handle in place.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the screws.
5. Remove the handle.
6. Install a new handle.
7. Replace the decorative cover.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Fixing a Broken Faucet Handle

If the faucet handle is broken, you will need to remove it and replace it with a new one. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet.
2. Remove the decorative cover from the faucet handle.
3. Locate the screws that hold the handle in place.
4. Use a wrench to loosen the screws.
5. Remove the handle.
6. Install a new handle.
7. Replace the decorative cover.
8. Turn on the water supply to the faucet.

Fixing a stripped faucet handle is a relatively simple task that can be completed in a few minutes. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily fix your faucet and get it back to working order.

Here are some additional tips for fixing a stripped faucet handle:

  • If you are not comfortable working with plumbing, it is best to call a professional.
  • Make sure to turn off the water supply to the faucet before you begin working on it.
  • Use the right tools for the job.
  • Follow the instructions carefully.
  • Be patient. Fixing a stripped faucet handle may take a few tries.

3. Removing the Faucet Handle

If your faucet handle is stripped, you will need to remove it before you can replace it. This can be a tricky task, but it is doable with the right tools and instructions.

Tools and Materials

  • Adjustable wrench or pliers
  • Penetrating oil
  • Screwdriver
  • Replacement faucet handle

Steps

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This is usually done by turning a valve located under the sink.
2. Apply penetrating oil to the threads of the faucet handle. This will help loosen the handle and make it easier to remove.
3. Use an adjustable wrench or pliers to grip the nut behind the faucet handle. Turn the nut counterclockwise to loosen it.
4. Once the nut is loose, you can pull the faucet handle off of the faucet.
5. If the faucet handle is still stuck, you can try using a screwdriver to pry it off. Be careful not to damage the faucet.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble removing the faucet handle, you can try the following:

  • Use a penetrating oil that is specifically designed for stripped screws.
  • Apply heat to the faucet handle with a hair dryer or heat gun. This will help loosen the handle and make it easier to remove.
  • Use a hammer to tap on the handle to loosen it. Be careful not to damage the faucet.

Replacing the Faucet Handle

Once you have removed the old faucet handle, you can install the new one. This is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the instructions that come with the new faucet handle.

Tools and Materials

  • New faucet handle
  • Penetrating oil
  • Screwdriver
  • Tape measure
  • Level

Steps

1. Apply penetrating oil to the threads of the new faucet handle. This will help prevent the handle from becoming stuck.
2. Align the new faucet handle with the faucet body.
3. Use a screwdriver to tighten the nut behind the faucet handle.
4. Turn on the water supply to the faucet and check for leaks.

Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble installing the new faucet handle, you can try the following:

  • Make sure that the new faucet handle is the correct size for your faucet.
  • Use a wrench or pliers to hold the nut in place while you tighten the screwdriver.
  • Be careful not to overtighten the nut.

Replacing a stripped faucet handle is a relatively simple task, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the faucet. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, you can always call a plumber to help you.

How do I fix a faucet handle that is stripped?

1. Turn off the water supply to the faucet. This will prevent any water from coming out of the faucet while you are working on it.
2. Remove the old handle. To do this, you will need to unscrew the screws that hold the handle in place. The screws are usually located on the back of the handle.
3. Inspect the faucet stem. The faucet stem is the part of the faucet that connects the handle to the faucet body. If the stem is stripped, you will need to replace it.
4. Install the new handle. To install the new handle, you will need to align the holes in the handle with the screws in the faucet body. Then, screw the handle in place.
5. Turn on the water supply to the faucet. Test the faucet to make sure that it is working properly.

What causes a faucet handle to become stripped?

There are a few things that can cause a faucet handle to become stripped.

  • Overtightening the handle. If you tighten the handle too much, you can damage the threads and cause them to strip.
  • Using the wrong type of tool. You should always use a screwdriver that is the correct size for the screws on the faucet handle. Using the wrong size screwdriver can damage the screws and cause them to strip.
  • Rust. Rust can cause the threads on the faucet stem to become corroded and stripped.

How can I prevent a faucet handle from becoming stripped?

There are a few things you can do to prevent a faucet handle from becoming stripped.

  • Don’t overtighten the handle. Only tighten the handle until it is snug. Overtightening the handle can damage the threads and cause them to strip.
  • Use the right type of tool. Always use a screwdriver that is the correct size for the screws on the faucet handle. Using the wrong size screwdriver can damage the screws and cause them to strip.
  • Keep the faucet clean. Rust is one of the main causes of stripped faucet handles. By keeping the faucet clean, you can help to prevent rust from forming and damaging the threads on the faucet stem.

What if I can’t fix the faucet handle myself?

If you can’t fix the faucet handle yourself, you can call a plumber to help you. A plumber will be able to diagnose the problem and fix the faucet handle properly.

In this article, we have discussed how to fix a stripped faucet handle. We first identified the causes of a stripped faucet handle, and then we provided step-by-step instructions on how to fix the problem. We hope that this information has been helpful, and that you are now able to fix your own stripped faucet handle.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • A stripped faucet handle is caused by the metal becoming too worn down to grip the screw.
  • To fix a stripped faucet handle, you will need to remove the old handle, install a new one, and tighten the screw securely.
  • You can prevent a stripped faucet handle by regularly tightening the screw and replacing the handle if it becomes worn down.

Author Profile

Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell
Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.