It is very important to know what type of Allen wrench best fits your faucet, especially when removing or installing the Delta faucets. A good example would be the Delta Faucet RP26853 Allen Wrench (3/32-inch).
How to remove a kitchen faucet handle with no screws
For Delta faucets, the handle or the knob contains a cap that is situated at the base of the faucet. To remove the cap, use a small screwdriver. Remove the screw using an Allen wrench, and then remove the Delta faucet handle using your hand or a pair of pliers if it is stuck in place.
How to remove a Delta faucet handle with an Allen wrench
Here are the steps to removing Delta faucets that contain a set screw:
- Shut off the main water supply. Then turn the hot and cold water valves clockwise all the way.
- Use a 1/8” Allen wrench to insert into the set screw. The set screw is usually located at the base of the Delta faucet handle.
The Delta faucets consist of either a ball valve or a cartridge valve. Whenever a Delta faucet leaks, it can be quite easy to fix. This can be done by replacing the actual valve, or by replacing the gaskets that are around it. You can access the valve, and remove the faucet handle.
How to locate the set screw in a Delta faucet
If the Delta faucet handle fails to come off on its own, you are required to loosen the set screws that are used to secure it to the valve stem. You might be unable to locate the screw at first glance—the set screw is usually obstructed by a decorative cap. You have to find the cap first to find the screw.
If your faucet has a lever-style handle, the set screw should be under the lever for the Delta single-handle faucets. Some upscale Delta kitchen faucets have the screw on the side of the handle cover. The handle cover usually faces the back wall each time that the faucet is turned off. This fact alone makes it complicated since you will be required to shut off the water to rotate the handle and access the set screw to remove it. Either way, you will still need to do that if you are servicing the valve.
Once you have located the cap, it may look difficult to remove but no worries; you will just require a flathead screwdriver to pry it off. Be careful at this stage since the cap is small and can fall and get lost down the drain.
How to know what Allen Wrench is the one to use
Delta has gone further in providing the 3/32” hex wrench. There is also a folding set of metric Allen keys that are approximately 2.5 millimeters. The Allen keys are distinguished by their L-shape. Whereby, the short part of the “L” is designed to fit in tight places. You need to rotate your Delta faucet to be able to get the key inside the hole if the type of Allen key set you have is foldable.
It is important to remember to rotate the faucet back into its initial position when you are done with it. If your Delta faucet does not budge, put the folding Allen key set away and proceed to the hardware store to purchase another key that is the right size for your faucet.
When the set screw fails to turn
Insert the Allen key set once you have found the right Allen key size and enough room to work on. If the screw does not turn, try again, but do not use too much force since you might end up stripping the screw head.
Cut the handle off and then use a crowbar to pry it off. There are high chances that you will have to replace your Delta faucet with a new one.
Remove the Allen key set, insert the red spray tube of WD-40 inside the screw opening, and give the screw a few squirts. Wait for about five minutes and then try removing the screw one more time. If you have no luck with this, spray on the screw a couple more times and then wait another five minutes. It should work.